Editorial:

The City of San Diego is in the early stages of redrawing its eight council districts. It is also adding one new district, increasing to nine council districts, as a result of last year’s passage of Prop. D, the strong mayor initiative. Drawing up new districts is not a glamorous nor exciting undertaking, even for political watchers. But the importance to all and in particular to the ethnic communities, redistricting is of extreme importance. The community should pay attention and get involved.

   In many communities, redistricting has empowered Blacks and Hispanics with district-only elections.  At the same time, redistricting can also limit a voting block. The 8th district, considered the “Hispanic” district of San Diego, has suffered ever since the swatch of downtown San Diego was carved out, effectively neutering the economic power associated with the downtown area.

   For many in the Asian community, redistricting is seen as an opportunity to carve out a district that will empower them, giving them a more unified voice and hopefully, an Asian city council representative. The Asian and Pacific American community is already hard at work and have defined the neighborhoods flanked by the I-15 and Highway 5 – Mira Mesa, Rancho Penasquitos and possibly Carmel Valley and UTC, as the Ninth District.

   For the Hispanic community this could be an opportunity to change the boundaries of District 8 by reintroducing a portion of Downtown San Diego back into the district. Downtown San Diego has had a direct impact on District 8 and this community should have a greater say into the encroaching development that impacts the communities of Barrio Logan, Sherman Heights, and Golden Hill.

   Redrawing District 8 or District 4, or, ensuring that there are no changes to the districts, will take community involvement, concerned citizens need to get involved with the process to develop and expand the political empowerment of the ethnic communities.

   For more information on the City of San Diego’s redistricting plans and meetings (no public meetings scheduled at this time) call (619) 533-3060 or email: redistricting_2010@sandiego.gov.

   There will also be a “San Diego Redistricting Workshop” hosted by NALEO, Thursday, February 24, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Centro Cultural de la Raza 2004 Park Blvd. San Diego, CA 92101. For further info contact Juan A. Gallegos at jgallegos@naleo.org or (619)246-7550