Geremy Holm, Best Best and Krieger Consultant, provided an overview of the redistricting process and the third public hearing. He provided a comprehensive review of the requirements under the Fair Maps Act and how to use the mapping tool which can be accessed by the public by visiting www.mapcathedralcity.org. He stated that two of the most important factors to consider when drawing maps is ensuring substantially equal population, which is required under the United States Constitution, and majority minority districts, which is required under the Federal Voting Rights Act. He presented two new maps for consideration, one prepared by Best Best and Krieger (Map D), and one submitted by the public (Map C).
Danny Lee feels the growth in the coming years of the area north of Interstate 10 should be considered in this process. He expressed the importance of equal representation throughout the City and hopes that the Councilmembers remaining in their current districts is not a primary factor in this decision. He suggested the presentation on how to use the mapping tool be shared on social media to engage public participation.
Sergio Espericueta feels the complications with mapping the City into new districts is due to the current districts being longer going north/south rather than east/west. He supports the district 4 lines proposed in Map A.
Rick Saldivar stated that the goal is to achieve a lower deviation and feels the consultant company has provided that with their expertise. He feels the Federal Voting Act is there for a reason and the census data needs to be accommodated. He hopes the wants of the individual Councilmembers are not part of the considerations for this process.
Doug Evans concurs with Danny Lee that it is important to have balance. He encouraged the City to overlay the current district in the mapping tools for ease of access. He expressed his appreciation for the tutorial presented.
Solomon Pereira supports Map C which seems to make the most sense to him.
Pattie Hagedorn urged the City Council to keep the Panorama area within the same district.
Bob Ohda stated that although he did not agree with the original district boundaries when they were first created, he now feels it is important to make minimal changes to the current boundaries. He feels it is important to keep Councilmembers in their districts in order to keep a level playing field in future elections. He supports Map C as it meets requirements and makes minimal changes to the current districts.
The City Council reiterated the challenges with Map A and Map B proposed at the second public hearing. They expressed their support for the progress made with Map C and Map D and expressed the importance of keeping neighborhoods together where possible.
This item was for information only, there was no formal action taken by the City Council.