The population of California is expected to increase by more than 15 million people by the year 2020. This is not a new startling fact. It has been said many times before, in many different ways. This number is equivalent to the present population of Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming and Colorado combined. Carol Whiteside focuses on how the population boom will affect California's cities. She also looks at how the cities will prepare for such growth, …showed first 75 words of 1888 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1888 total… increasing population will be one of the greatest challenges facing California cities in the next few decades. It also will be one of their greatest opportunities. Now is the time for cities to think strategically about growth, to find ways to improve growth patterns and to build vibrant, livable communities. After all, the ultimate power rests with the voters. They have shown themselves perfectly capable of exercising their power when politicians miss the message.