The Causes of a Societal Problem in the Bay Area of California - Essay Example

The causes of a societal problem in the Bay Area of California Introduction The San Francisco surrounds the San Francisco area in Northern California characterized by dense population. It has ten counties namely Constra Costa, San Mateo, Alameda, Marin, Santa Clara. In addition, it has Sonoma, San Francisco, and Solano as part of its county representation. It is home to about seven million two hundred thousand people. Ideally, this bay has one of best infrastructural systems in the United States of America as its interstate connection is by good roads and fast railway transport (Dyble 266). This area has reputable traits for its beautiful scenery, independent political styles, and entrepreneurship. However, as much as this area performs among the best economically the cost of living in this region is relatively high. For instance, social issues bombard this vast region like any other growing society. In this regard, this paper will dwell on the causes of the societal issue that the bay region experiences that opposes its success. Housing and settlement problems (Social issue) Over the years, the number of homeless families in the Bay area has been on the increase (Miles & Tim 150). The high cost of housing has seen many families wait in line for them to acquire temporary shelters and homes. Some of the families spend cold night in streets and parks, as they have nowhere permanent that they can call home. The security risks that these families subject themselves are high as they living in the streets are not safe for anyone except the gangs. Figuratively speaking, the number of families in the shelter waiting list is about two hundred and sixty four families. A notable number of these families have no past record of being homeless but the recent global recession made a turn on their lives. The effects of the global recession to the housing sector in the Bay area (Financial issues) During this period, the cost of housing and mortgages went up as the government of the United State tried to curb the real estate bubble (Jones and Perry 110). According to Kiplinger magazine publication (78), the values of property in this period went high especially to those who had mortgage payments. Subsequently, the mortgage rates were high and many people in the Bay region could not keep up with their mortgage payments. Essentially, this led to foreclosure by banking institutions to curb the deficiency. During this period, many lost their jobs leaving them without any source of livelihood. In short, when the crisis began these families did not have anything to cushion them. On the other hand, the low-income earners who cannot afford to be homeowners have felt the pinch as part of their income pays rent. In essence, there is no affordable housing in this region. Over the past years, concentration has been on infrastructural development hence sidelining housing projects and developments. This becomes a societal crisis as the low earning families risk entering the homeless families’ shelters. On the contrary, those adversely affected by the homelessness crisis is single adults rather than those in families. This is because the political ensure that they shelter the homeless families to evade political heat. They also use this situation as a campaign tool to woe votes from the public and trample over their opponents (Dyble 267). Poverty levels and starvation due to racial factors (Financial issues) Another societal issue that the Bay region is in a constant battle with is the need to provide food assistance and poverty (Goldsmith & Blakely 15). A bigger part of the Californian population lives under the federally set poverty line per annum. Children are the worst hit with the Oakland region within the same region leading with the largest number of children living relatively below the poverty line. Ironically, the racial difference is the factor that propels the poverty levels. For instance, the poverty levels were high within the African Americans as compared to their American counterparts. The investment level between the two races differed immensely as the African Americans were adamant to venture in to entrepreneurship. In addition, the broadening racial gap in this region has made led to the deterioration of the social contract, as people feel less responsible for one another. Therefore, the massive inequities and the power differences in existence make the Bay region’s economy have one part as the driving wheel the other waits for the outcome. The societal issue here becomes the feeling of disconnection or disempowerment that only exists in the people’s minds (Jones & Perry 112). Crime insurgency within Oakland (Political issues) Arguably, the criminal and the justice systems within San Francisco bay have also had their fair share of challenges especially in Oakland. The security insurgence in Oakland is rampant with quite often scenes of police engaging in running battles with protesters. Formidably, the public in Oakland sought to settlement in Oakland. Hence, the Occupy Oakland began as a means to lobby the government to settle those that lived in tents. According to Winston’s article, the protesters were against the idea of them moving from camps that they called home. The protest received international media coverage and public sympathy. This crisis paralyzed operations within Oakland including airports and other key players of the economy. The peaceful protests turned to riots as the rioter looted shops and banks to convey their message. In short, this crisis mainly affected the entrepreneurs because they lost thousands of property during the ambush. Ideally, this crisis had negative effects as compared to the initial intent. On the other hand, the move to close down the camp city also had a political twist as the political divide the camps as potential inhibitors to development hence agitating for their demolition (Jones & Perry 114). Summary In conclusion, all these scenarios fused to illustrate some of the causes of societal problems experienced in the Bay region of California. Their influence varied from political to economical implying that outside forces were to blame. However, irrespective of the reason behind the problem, they all had relevance to the state of affairs for this region. For instance, when a society ails the chances of this society making substantial progress become lower. In addition, the arguments presented were different depending on the region but they were relatively applicable I most of this region. Essentially, a fact not known to many is that if these issues did not attract the attention of the relevant authorities then the region would have a greater problem bubbling within it. Indeed, no society is without flaws, but they become the steppingstones to many admirable achievements. The San Francisco bay area is no different from other developing societies as it continually crosses hurdles to make it the state of choice (Dyble 271). The remarkable attributes that it draws makes it a region emulated by many although it may have its problems. Works cited Jones, Terry L. and Perry, Jennifer E. Contemporary Issues in California Archaeology. California: Left Coast Press, 2012. Print. Dyble, Louise. Paying the Toll: Local Power, Regional Politics, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Pennsylvania: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2011. Print. Goldsmith, William W, and Edward J. Blakely. Separate Societies: Poverty and Inequality in U.s. Cities. Philadelphia, Pa: Temple Univ. Pr, 2010. Print. Miles, Malcolm. And Hall Tim. Urban Futures:Critical Commentaries on Shaping Cities. London: Routledge. 2003. Print. Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine. What Housing Bubble? Washington : Kiplinger Washington Editors. 2002. Print. Read More