By John Coleman

July 28, 2011

the battle for a budget captured widespread media and public attention, the voter-approved California Citizens Redistricting Commission quietly began it’s mandate to take over the responsibility of drawing electoral districts in California for 4 State Board of Equalization districts; 40 State Senate districts; 80 State Assembly districts; and 53 U S Congressional districts from office holders, incumbent power brokers, and political parties, who have have been known to carve up the State to ‘create’ legislative districts that guaranteed their re-election.

The Citizens Redistricting Commission process appears much more open for input from the public and much fairer. But, because profit and power is affected by the outcomes, efforts are made to influence these outcomes. The 14 member commission and their staff have held open meetings around the State; accepted mapping proposals and other ‘testimony’ at those meetings and on their website: (www.wedrawthelines.oca.gov); redrafts and continually updates their proposals; and will submit their final maps and report on August 15, 2011.

The Commission held a forum in the Inland Empire, June 19, 2011, at the San Bernardino County Administrative Center. The meeting was scheduled for two hours, and was kept on schedule. Anyone could speak, but was limited to 2 minutes. Also, they could provide written ‘testimony’ and/or mapping proposals, which immediately were shown on the auditorium big screen for Commission and public viewing. Suprisingly, with the exception of a group who introduced themselves as from the Inland Empire Economic Partnership and Inland Action, there was little sign of strong organizational effort to influence the Commission. They had arrived early and obtained a block of the numbered cards issued to persons who wanted to present testimony, and occupied front-row seats. As their numbers were announced they presented their verbal, written, and map information. Primarily, they urged the Commission to keep the Inland Empire complete as an electoral unit. However, their comments focused on the Redlands area, where several reported as their place of residence, or on Chino Hills, The Riverside City or County (part on the Inland Empire) was less mentioned.

-Staff Reports