From the San Jose Mercury News:

Despite the widespread pain caused by the economic downturn, Santa Clara County residents generally remain positive about their local parks, the quality of education here and the openness with which immigrants and members of minority groups are treated, according to a Gallup survey being made public today. 

The Soul of the Community survey — the second year in a three-year study financed by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation — also found the 400 people interviewed by phone this year were more upbeat about some things than last year's survey respondents. 

Based upon a scoring system Gallup devised for comparing this year's responses with last year's, Santa Clara County scored higher this time in the perceived extent of civic involvement by residents, the availability of basic services — especially affordable housing — and the community's general well-being.