Today, Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez introduced a resolution calling on the State to take up legislation that would establish a truly independent redistricting process for the City. In light of recent discussions about the City of Los Angeles’s redistricting process, it is necessary that the City reexamine the current redistricting process.
“Among the revelations derived from the released audio clips was that our City’s redistricting process last year was manipulated and flawed,” said Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez. “Without a truly independent redistricting process in place, self-preservation and power grabs will superpercede long-fought equitable representation provided by the Voting Rights Act. Trust is the most fundamental commodity in any relationship, and if we are to regain the trust of voters, state legislation that would enact a truly independent redistricting process, similar to that utilized by the County, is imperative.”
In 2016, the State of California adopted a bill (SB 958) establishing the County of Los Angeles Citizens Redistricting Commission. That Commission was directed to draw districts that are geographically contiguous and to “encourage geographical compactness.”
A copy of the resolution can be found here.
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Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez serves as the City’s Chair of Public Safety and represents the 7th Council District in the Northeast San Fernando Valley which includes the neighborhoods of Sylmar, Mission Hills, Pacoima, Lake View Terrace, Sunland, Tujunga, North Hills, Shadow Hills, and La Tuna Canyon.