Here’s why Swalwell’s campaign downplays his Dublin hometown
Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Dublin, gives a speech at Dublin High School, his alma mater, on April 14, 2019, in Dublin.
Gubernatorial hopeful Eric Swalwell isn’t from the same California as you and me.
That’s because he is from Dublin, in the East Bay.
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Of course, Dublin is a California city, at least geographically. But 21st century California is defined by stagnation in population and economy — making Dublin, the state’s fastest-growing municipality, feel like another planet.
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While California’s population has remained stuck at less than 40 million, with growth of less than 1% annually, Dublin has more than doubled in population, from under 30,000 in 2000 to 74,691 last year.
While the California landscape is dusty and brown, Dublin boasts lush parks (like 48-acre Emerald Glen) and green hills reminiscent of Ireland, which inspired its name.
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And while California shows its age with decaying infrastructure and a surge in senior citizens, Dublin, which was only incorporated in 1982, offers an abundance of sports facilities, youth programs and excellent schools.
You might imagine that his hometown’s success would be a natural topic for Swalwell on the stump. And the candidate — who moved to Dublin as a........
