County not go-to spot for Latinos in region

Jobs, community found elsewhere, data show

By Lori Weisberg Union-Tribune Staff Writer, Leslie Berestein Union-Tribune Staff Writer
2:00 a.m. May 14, 2009

Given its proximity to the Mexican border, San Diego County would seem to be a natural destination for Latinos looking for a place to call home. Not so, says the Census Bureau. The county continues to have the lowest concentration of Latinos among Southern California counties, according to population estimates released today.

Blame it on Los Angeles, which experts agree is a far more hospitable place for Latino households in search of employment and strong social networks.

As construction jobs dried up in San Diego County and employment became strongest in industries that require highly skilled labor, many Latinos have had little choice but to head north – or out of state.

“Migrants these days go where the non-agricultural jobs are, and where their relatives have taken up residence,â€