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Brandman University, an affiliate of Chapman University, is pleased to present the 2010 State of Orange County Survey.
The Brandman survey includes many questions previously asked in the University of California, Irvine (UCI) 2000 Orange County Annual Survey. That survey, as well as the 18 annual surveys which preceded it, was conducted by Mark Baldassare and Cheryl Katz. By comparing the responses from the 2000 survey to those in 2010, we can see how public opinion in Orange County has changed during one of the most turbulent decades in the county's history. The 2010 survey includes questions on energy and the environment—some of the most vital challenges and economic opportunities facing us today.
The 2010 survey was conducted from April 15 through April 27. Telephone interviews were administered to 675 Orange County adults in English and Spanish. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.85% at the 95% confidence level for the total sample. A complete discussion of survey methodology can be found in Survey Methods.
Concern about the economy is the dominant theme for Orange County in 2010, summarized by a stunning decline in the Index of Consumer Sentiment from 112 in 2000 to 67 in April 2010. Orange County registered three points higher than the nation in 2000; today, we are five points lower. Looking ahead, Orange County residents are more pessimistic than those statewide. Twenty-six percent of the Orange County adults interviewed (compared to 35% statewide) expect to be better off financially a year from now, and 23% in Orange County expect to be worse off, compared to just 13% statewide*. A ray of sunshine is provided by the fact that almost half of the respondents view this as a good time to make major household purchases.
Economy is the Most Important Problem Facing Orange County
Crime and gangs were most often identified as the most important problem facing Orange County in 2000. Today, it is the economy, which was cited by twice the proportion of respondents. Education and public schools was the second-most frequently identified problem in 2000, and is in the same position today. In 2000, the conflict over the future of the former Marine Corps Air Station El Toro was the third-most frequently cited problem in the County. Today, concerns about immigration rank third.
Pessimism About Future of Public Schools
Among parents with children in the public school system, 36% in 2000 rated schools as fair or poor, a proportion nearly identical (35%) in 2010. Despite this relatively positive appraisal (65% rate public schools as “excellent” or “good”), people are much more pessimistic about the future of public schools today. In 2000, 58% of residents predicted that public schools would improve by 2020 and 33% predicted that they would get worse. These figures nearly reversed in the 2010 survey, with 38% predicting improvement by 2020 and 54% expecting the public school system to get worse.
Immigrants Viewed More Negatively
Our views of immigrants have darkened with the economic downturn. Still, four in 10 respondents view immigrants as a benefit because of their hard work and job skills, but this is down from 58% in 2000. At that time, 31% thought immigrants were a burden because they used public services; that proportion has risen to 50% today.
More Tolerant of Gay Rights
The survey results show that in the past 10 years, Orange County has become more tolerant of gay rights. Fifty-two percent of our respondents believe that gays and lesbians should be able to marry, and the proportion of Orange County adults who believe gays and lesbians should be able to openly serve in the military has increased from 62% in 2000 to 74% in 2010.
Divided on Legalizing Marijuana
Respondents are divided about legalizing small amounts of marijuana (44% yes, 55% no) but this issue is no longer as polarizing as it once was. The largest proportions in each age group, except 55 to 64-year-olds, are opposed to legalizing possession of an ounce or less of marijuana. Among those aged 55 to 64, 56% favor legalization and 44% are opposed.
Jury Still Out on Climate Change for Half the County
Orange County respondents are much more likely to cite national security and economic reasons than climate change or environmental degradation as the key rationale for ending our dependence on fossil fuels. For example, agreement is strongest among survey respondents that dependence on fossil fuels hurts our economy by forcing us to borrow money from nations such as China, and by contributing to terrorism by putting money into the hands of people who hate us. Orange Countians are divided about climate change. More than half (54%) believe global climate change is an established fact and that immediate, or some action, is required. For the rest (46%), the jury is still out.
Electric Cars Seen as Viable Alternative
Electric vehicles are viewed as a plausible alternative to the internal combustion engine in Orange County. A majority of residents (51%) would seriously consider purchasing a fully electric car that can travel at least 100 miles without having to be recharged (46% would not). Nearly three of five (59%) respondents report that they would seriously consider purchasing a hybrid vehicle the next time they purchase a car, while 38% would not. Three percent already own one.
Green Jobs Enter Mainstream
Green jobs have entered the mainstream in Orange County. Nearly half, 47%, believe it is somewhat likely and 19% believe it is very likely that jobs in areas like solar power, energy conservation, renewable materials and electric vehicles will grow to employ thousands of workers in Orange County. Correspondingly, three-fourths of respondents believe that it is “very important” (47%) or “somewhat important” (32%) for local government to actively promote green jobs and a green economy in Orange County.
*See http://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/stories/2010/04/19/daily85.html (4/23/2010) | 
