2010 Census: Hispanic Population Surges in Glendora

When Esperanza Flores, 66, moved to Glendora 10 years ago, simply speaking in public drew unwanted attention wherever she went. Her thick Spanish accent would often stand out, making the usually outgoing dance instructor self-conscious.

“I felt like an alien,” Flores jokes. “People were always asking me where I was from.”

Ten years later, Flores says the questions are becoming less frequent. Although she moved to Chino Hills two years ago, Flores continues to teach ballet folklorico and other Latino dances through the city’s recreation department.

“I’m seeing more Latinos here in Glendora,” Flores said. “It’s good because I’m seeing more interest in people wanting to learn Spanish and Mexican dances.”

.  Hispanics were the only ethnic group in Glendora to see considerable gains in the last decade.

While whites or Caucasians remained the majority, their numbers had fallen from 80.3 percent in 2000 to 77.1 percent a decade later. The city’s total population had remained almost level in the last 10 years, with an increase of just 658 people.

With stalled population growth and a growing Hispanic population, demographic researchers say affluent bedroom communities like Glendora are slowly following the racial demographic changes seen in more urban communities.

Census numbers for the entire Los Angeles County showed Hispanics catching up to the number of whites, with Hispanics totaling 4.6 million people, with whites totaling 4.9 million.

“When we study minority migration, we tend to focus more on urban centers and there’s not a lot of research in minorities in suburban communities,” said Dr. Adrian Pantoja, associate professor of political studies and Chicano studies at Pitzer College in Claremont. “Most of the time, you will see minorities move to where there are more of people like them, and usually that will be in more urban areas. Although we don’t have firm research into the migration patterns of minorities in suburban cities, I think you will find a lot of minorities want what everyone wants when they move to the suburbs -- and that is a nice, quiet neighborhood with good schools and a nice place to raise their families.”

Pantoja raised two possibilities in reasons for the gains in the Hispanic population in Glendora. He noted that more affordable housing and apartment complexes, and a decrease in property values may allow more economically diverse residents to move into Glendora.

Planning director Jeff Kugel acknowledged that the city has built numerous apartment complexes and single-family units in last decade, including a large subdivision on Bennett and Barranca and a single-family subdivision on Amelia and Route 66.

Another possibility Pantoja raised was the economic mobility of second and third generation Hispanic Americans.

“The schools are desirable and you have less crime than in urban areas,” said Pantoja. “Perhaps you will see with the Hispanic population is that they are going to be families.”

Since 2000, the , with Glendora High School seeing a 14 percent increase of Hispanic students in the last decade.

Even though property values still remain high for Glendora resident Reyna Benitez, 34, she said the move to Glendora from West Covina had been the right choice for her family.

“My son is about to attend school, and I knew the school district here is very good," Benitez said. “It’s far better here than in West Covina.”