Hispanic Population Explodes, Census Shows

The Hispanic population more than quadrupled in the last 10 years, recently released census data showed.

The United States Census Bureau has been releasing data from the 2010 survey as it finishes counting it. Data on California's racial demographics were released Thursday.

Hispanics, Temecula's biggest minority population, jumped up from 5,548 in 2000 to 24,727 in 2010, the data shows.

Temecula's total population in 2000 was 57,716 and surged to 100,097 by the time of the 2010 census.

The Hispanic population accounted for only 10 percent of the city's total population in 2000, and the new data show that number grew to 25 percent in the last decade. 

Some feel the growing minority group will enrich the diversity of cultures in Temecula.

"We've only lived here 2 years and have noticed a large Hispanic population," said Adam Higham, a Temecula resident. "I am somewhat indifferent, although I do feel a diverse community is a good thing for any city."

Some worry about the effect children who speak mostly Spanish will have on local school's test scores.

"I love the Hispanic culture and traditions, but I do worry about the impact the Spanish speaking students have in our classrooms," said Sara Flinders, a Temecula resident. "If the teachers have to accommodate the students who don't speak English, then that could potentially affect the rest of the class."

Several other minority groups saw an increase in numbers as well. 

The Asian population nearly tripled. In 2000, it was 2,728. In 2010, it was 9,524, according to the census.

The African American population also grew by about 2,000 while American Indian and Native Alaskan by 200.

The white population shrunk as a proportion of the whole. They represented 83 percent in 2000, and now only make up about 57 percent.

Other Temecula residents welcome those from different countries, but have concerns if  those people are not here legally.

"I absolutely welcome anyone of any culture to our city as long as they are here through the proper legal channels and are contributing to our society like those of us that are here legally and paying taxes," said Amy Garcia, a Temecula resident.

Hispanics are an important part of the community and have a rich history to share, said local Estaban Delgado. "Our indigenous ancestor's, the Maya, Olmecs and Toltecs built great things like pyramids and cities that we cannot even duplicate today," he said.

More importantly, Delgado feels that Hispanics are more than just laborers doing jobs others don't want to do. They're people trying to succeed.

"First and foremost we are human. As a Mexican from immigrant parents, I want the world to know that we are not just field workers or construction workers. We are also doctors, lawyers and politicians," he said.