Orestimba Creek Feasibility Study - Stanislaus County

Economics Appendix – Draft Report - Orestimba Creek Feasibility Study, Stanislaus County, California – September 2012
from outside the community of Newman. Goods and services will be required such as food and
lodging for a portion of the workers who will be welcomed by local businesses. Anecdotal
evidence however indicates that with transient workers come issues that may be negative.
Congestion of roads, cafes, and other places of business may place a strain on local residents that
appreciate the more casual and slower paced lifestyle of the small community. Additionally, just
the appearance of a number of “strangers” in town will give some residents reason to pause and
be concerned for their personal safety and for the well-being of their children and property.
Community leaders need to be aware of these issues and plan ahead for ways to mitigate possible
apprehension of the permanent residents.
A flood event of any size can cause significant problems with all residents of the community.
However, certain groups within the community are more vulnerable to the flood event and
therefore could disproportionately affect reconstruction efforts. These groups will be identified
and discussed concerning their capabilities to cope with the hazards related to a flood event.
The following discussions will address demographic groups or group characteristics which are
particularly vulnerable to change. These include: income levels, gender, race and ethnicity, age,
employment loss, rural vs urban, residential property, renters, education, population growth, and
medical services. These characteristics provide the foundation for the social effects analysis.
Study Area
The study area is the Orestimba Creek floodplain which includes the community of Newman and
surrounding the rural area located in Stanislaus County. The mild Mediterranean climate, rich
soils, and ample water make it one of the best agricultural areas, positioning the area as a global
center for agribusiness.
Founded by Simon Newman in 1888, the City of Newman is located on the west side of
California's Central Valley. Officially incorporated in 1908, with the official slogan of "The
Cream Pitcher of the Pacific”, Newman is home to approximately 10,000 people and continues
to grow. Located directly on California's Highway 33 and five miles from Interstate 5; George
Hatfield State Park is located three miles southeast of town and the San Luis Reservoir
approximately twenty minutes south.
The characteristics of the people that live within the County of Stanislaus need to be discussed to
provide a basis for social analysis. Stanislaus County has a land area of 1,494 square miles and
includes a water area of 20.9 square miles. It’s county population in July 2008 totaled 510,694
(91% urban, 9% rural), with a population density of 341 people per square mile. There is an
estimated institutionalized population of 3,440.
Races in Stanislaus County, and the City of Newman California in 2010 include the following:
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