Los Angeles County Federation of Labor AFL-CIO Presents:

Introduction to ReDISTRICTing

Rani Woods Manager, Redistricting Strategy & Outreach [email protected]

or 818-489-8651

REDISTRICTING 101

What is it? : redistricting is the process of redrawing the lines of political districts Which districts? : congressional, state, and local levels (BOS, city council, LAUSD) What data is used? : census data which is taken every 10 years Who has the power? : traditionally, party operatives Why does this process matter? : lines drawn today will remain for the next decade

And how has it changed in 2011?...

REDISTRICTING 101

THIS YEAR, in the State Senate and Assembly, U.S. Congress, and BOE everything has changed…

-propositions 11 and 20 have created the Citizens Redistricting Commission -the CRC is tasked with drawing 187 district maps by AUGUST 1, 2011 -a geographically and ethnically diverse group of 14 working professionals -includes 5 Dems, 5 Reps, 4 DTS, with 8 men and 6 women -4 of 14 members from LA County

*supermajority vote necessary

-the work of CRC can be located at http://wedrawthelines.org.ca.gov

MEET THE CRC

“For the first time, districts will be drawn by people who will be knowledgeable, impartial and as diverse as the state. The new lines will not be drawn to simply protect an incumbent’s ability to win reelection over and over again” -Kathay Feng Executive Director, Common Cause CA

REDISTRICTING 101

THIS MEANS political parties are not brokering deals and incumbents are not safe

-and so, individuals have a new role to play as advocates for their local community -to ensure your neighborhood is not divided, you and your neighbors will need to testify -testimony can be based on community of interest dialogue or by submitting maps -less than a handful of hearings will be held in LA so make sure to get involved now

REDISTRICTING IS power and influence

1. To define our community 2. To determine how resources are allocated 3. To empower or disable ethnic or racial groups 4. To change to political make-up 5. To decide the agenda

PRINCIPLES

-equal population (one person, one vote) -Voting Rights Act (sections 2 and 5) -geographic boundaries (cities and counties) -contiguity and compactness -nesting -removal of party bias, knowledge of candidate’s and electeds residence, etc.

TESTIMONY

Define your community of interest Below is a checklist from redistrictingca.org

• • • • • important places, such as parks, cultural centers, or government buildings, a commercial area, schools or clubs census and demographic data about residents in your community issues that bring residents together such as where to a locate a new road or transit line, or traditions such as MLK Jr. Day March important stakeholders who represent different parts of your community clarity about boundaries (use intersections and geographic markers)

GET INVOLVED

Recruit neighbors and union friends to attend • • • • • Wednesday, April 27: Long Beach Thursday, April 28: Downtown LA Friday, April 29: San Gabriel Saturday, April 30: San Fernando Sunday, May 1: Antelope Valley 6-9PM 6-9PM 6-9PM 2-5PM 2-5PM

Dec.-Mar. April.-June.

Early June June.-July Early July Late July August 1

TIMELINE

Business Meetings Initial Public Input Hearings April 27-May 1 Visits Greater LA 1 st Draft Map Released Additional Public Input Hearings 2 nd Draft Maps Released Final Draft Maps Released Maps Sent to DOJ

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS

Contact Ms. Rani Woods Manager, Redistricting Strategy & Outreach 2130 James M. Wood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90006 [email protected]

or 818-489-8651 (cell)