A census undercount could cost California billions — and LA is famously hard to track

LOS ANGELES - When it comes to the U.S. census, residents of Los Angeles County are notoriously difficult to track down.

The county, officials say, will be the nation's hardest to tally because of its high concentrations of renters and homeless people, as well as immigrant communities that may not participate because of language barriers or because they fear reprisal from the federal government - especially if a citizenship question is added.

Many believe that appears likely. Last week, the Supreme Court's conservative majority seemed ready to uphold the Trump administration's plan to add the question. The court's decision is expected in June.

Already, census workers, community organizations and local politicians have started outreach efforts to ensure an accurate tally in next year's count. At stake nationally are nearly $800 billion in federal tax dollars, political redistricting