California’s population nearly tripled during the second half of the 20th century, thanks in part to an influx of immigrants, the rise of the technology industry and the idea of the “California dream” – the idea that the American dream of success through hard work was even more achievable in the Golden State. But California’s population growth rate has slowed significantly in the 21st century, and now sits at 0.7 percent, the same as the national average it once far outpaced. A survey released Tuesday by the Public Religion Research Institute paints a grim picture for those living in California, suggesting the majority of residents do not believe the “California dream” is alive today and many people are struggling to make ends meet. Nearly half of the state’s workers are dealing with poverty, and most residents say they would urge young people to leave the area and search for opportunities elsewhere.