Introduction to ReDISTRICTing Los Angeles County Federation of Labor AFL-CIO Presents: Rani Woods Manager, Redistricting Strategy & Outreach or

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, 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

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 6-9PM Thursday, April 28: Downtown LA6-9PM Friday, April 29: San Gabriel6-9PM Saturday, April 30: San Fernando2-5PM Sunday, May 1: Antelope Valley 2-5PM

TIMELINE Dec.-Mar. Business Meetings April.-June.Initial Public Input Hearings April 27-May 1 Visits Greater LA Early June1 st Draft Map Released June.-JulyAdditional Public Input Hearings Early July2 nd Draft Maps Released Late JulyFinal Draft Maps Released August 1Maps Sent to DOJ

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS Contact Ms. Rani Woods Manager, Redistricting Strategy & Outreach 2130 James M. Wood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA or (cell)