Manhattan Beach Under 70% Return Of Completed 2020 Census

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — Some 68.9% of Manhattan Beach households have completed the 2020 U.S. Census [via "self response]," which must be completed by Sept. 30 to beat the deadline. Statewide in California the "self-response" rate is at 68.6%.

The California Department of Finance estimates that state and local governments will lose out on $1,000 a year in federal funding tied to population for the next 10 years for every person who doesn't respond, according to John Frith, a census spokesperson. Local officials throughout the country are keen for 100% participation, since census figures will be used to determine funding and redistricting.

Households that have not filled out their Census form, may do so at: https://2020census.gov/; calling 844-330-2020, or filling out the forms they received in the mail. The 2020 Census has only 12 questions and does not ask about citizenship.

Data collected by the Census is used to determine how much funding the district receives for critical services like education, medical care, foster care, roads, public transit, and job programs. Census data also helps local governments enhance public safety and prepare for emergencies.

"A more complete response to the Census means more opportunities for a brighter future for our community," said Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Los Angeles County). "An inaccurate count could impact class sizes, public safety, health care programs and many other critical services in CA-33. As this newly released report outlines, it is essential that every single resident ensures they are counted. It's a quick and simple way to do your civic duty to help our neighbors get the resources and representation they deserve. I encourage everyone to fill out the Census and make sure their family, friends and neighbors do too."

Lieu's district, which includes Manhattan Beach, covers much of western LA County and many coastal neighborhoods along the Pacific Coast, including the Conejo Valley, the Santa Monica Mountains, parts of West Los Angeles and the South Bay and the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The district is home to the cities of Malibu, Calabasas, Agoura Hills, Rancho Palos Verdes, Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, El Segundo, part of the city of Torrance, the unincorporated community of Topanga and the neighborhoods of Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, Bel Air, Harbor City, Westwood, Fairfax, Mid-Wilshire, Hancock Park, and parts of San Pedro, Playa del Rey and Playa Vista, in the city of Los Angeles.

"We're trying to make sure people know how important it is," Lieu said. "The deadline is coming up and we just urge everyone to fill out the Census form."

"The Census Bureau will never ask you for your bank account, social security, personal information," Lieu said. "It's only for the agency. It's not something that can be shared. Census Bureau employees can go to prison for violating these laws."

During a live conversation on Facebook Monday night, Lieu described why the Census is so important and what's at stake this year if there is an undercount in the county.

A new report details the dire costs of a Census undercount in California's 33rd Congressional District. The report, prepared by the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform, details that if there is just a 1 percent undercount in the 2020 Census, the residents of the 33rd District of California could lose $420,000 in federal funding for schools that have a high proportion of low-income students, or the equivalent of all the textbooks that 1,678 students would need in a school year.

Nicole Charky and Michael Wittner contributed to this article.