Big Bear Valley, CA — The U.S. Census is underway for 2010, and it is important that you are counted. The 2010 Census will help communities receive more than $400 billion in federal funding each year for things like hospitals, job training centers, schools, senior centers, bridges and other public works projects, and emergency services. Census forms are being delivered to every residence in the country, though census takers are also making phone calls and in-person visits, as has been the case here in the Big Bear Valley. Just so you know, any personal data you provide to the Census Bureau is protected under federal law—however, the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station encourages Valley residents to be careful when supplying personal information to ensure that it is getting to the correct agency for legitimate purposes. If a census taker visits you in person, they will be identified with a badge from the Census Bureau that has their name on it. Our local Sheriff’s Station further suggests that you request the census taker to show you a second form of identification with their name and picture on it for purposes of verification. The U.S. Census personnel will not contact you via email, and they will never ask for your full social security number or any other information such as PIN codes, passwords or similar access information for credit cards, banks or other financial accounts. Be sure you are counted as this will count toward funding dollars for our community. More information on the 2010 Census and a sample of the census form can be found at 2010census.gov.