Census 2000: The Census Bureau, with a...

Census 2000: The Census Bureau, with a regional office in Van Nuys, already is gearing up for changes in 2000. A Census 2000 headquarters will open locally in January and smaller temporary offices will be added later. The 1990 Census counted nearly 1.3 million people in the San Fernando Valley.

Power Numbers: Local officials emphasized that the distribution of more than $100 billion a year for federal programs depends on population figures. So do Congressional seats. “It’s important to come out with an accurate count,” said John Reeder, above, the bureau’s regional director. “It’s part of our system of democracy.”

Mixed-Race America: One census issue is whether to add a “multiracial” classification. This month, a Clinton administration task force opposed the change but favored allowing people to check more than one racial category. Groups opposed to a new category included the NAACP. “That then diminishes the strength of the minority community,” said the Rev. Zedar E. Broadous, president of the NAACP’s San Fernando Valley branch.

Other Questions: The bureau’s short form will have seven questions: name, sex, age, race, Hispanic origin, relationships to others in the home, and whether one is a renter or homeowner. The long form, which will go to fewer households, will cover 34 items. Among them: How many grandparents are raising their grandchildren? All questions planned for Census 2000 must go to Congress in April.