Tuesday, April 26, 2022
Hybrid Meeting In-Person and via ZOOM
Minutes
Present: Megan Barajas, Deborah Barmack, Carole Beswick, Greg Bradbard, Chris Carrillo, Ken Coate, Sandra Cuellar, Kevin Dyerly, Otis Greer, Mark Kaenel, Lowell King, Pam Langford, Temetry Lindsey, Miguel Mendoza, Jacquelyn Mercado, John Mirau, Scott Morse, Vikki Ostermann, Bansree Parikh, Catherine Pritchett, Thomas Rice, Karen Richmond, Michael Rivera, Dan Schenkel, Kristine Scott, Eric Ustation, Lupe Valdez, Michael Wells, Marisa Yeager, and Frank Zabaleta.
Guests: Maral Hernandez
Announcements: 1) Staff encouraged members to participate in-person if possible for the next two meetings as our speakers are expected to be in-person.
Lowell King, Chair presiding.
Motion/Second/Passed: Minutes from April 19, 2022.
The Legislative Committee recommends opposition to “Californians for Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support.” Kristine Scott, Legislative Committee Chair, explained that the Committee reviewed the initiative which would allow on-line sports betting with a promise to spend a portion of the proceeds for the homeless and provide mental health support. The initiative is being proposed by out-of-state corporate interests (FanDuel, BetMGM and Draft Kings) but contains many loopholes. In our region San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has provided many economic opportunities by providing employment and supporting non-profits and our local communities. The Committee views this initiative as a threat to this crucial relationship and undermines tribal sovereignty and breaks the promise made the California Tribes.
Comments and questions followed.
Motion/Second/Passed: Inland Action will oppose “Californians for Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Support.”
Vikki Ostermann introduced Monique Ramos, Partner, California Strategies who joined us remotely via Zoom. California Strategies is a full-service public affairs consulting firm dedicated to navigating clients through the California political, legislative, regulatory, and media environments in the State.
Each state can set its own standards for Congressional and legislative districts but must comply with federal mandates such as the Voting Rights Act (VRA) and Citizen Voting Age Population by Race and Ethnicity (CVAP). In November 2008, California voters passed the Voters FIRST Act, authorizing the creation of the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission.
Monique Ramos discussed the impacts of the 2020 California redistricting. Statewide changes include several population changes that impacted the drawing of districts. There was a lower rate of growth particularly in Los Angeles and increased Latino and Asian populations and dispersion of the Black population. The Commission has finalized their plans, without any legal challenges and key metrics for the next decade include:
State Congressional
- 16 Majority Minority Latino (was 10)
- 44 Seats Newsom won in 2018 (from 42)
- 45 Seats Biden won in 2020 (from 46)
State Assembly
- 22 Majority Minority Latino (was 17)
- 64 Seats Newsom won in 2018 (from 63)
- 68 Seats Biden won in 2020 (from 67)
Because of the change in California’s term limits (Proposition 28 in 2012) there will be a significant change in 2024. Until now the Assembly has been quite stable however there are quite a few members that will be termed out including the Speaker and the Pro Tem and many members have decided not to run for reelection or are retiring. All these factors equate to just 22 members possibly returning to the State Assembly out of 80. The State Senate will see almost half of its current members not returning which is again a significant change.
Inland Empire Congressional seats retained very similar boundaries in the western Inland Empire, but VRA requirements significantly reshaped the eastern Inland Empire. Due to a very large population increase in San Diego County District 25 changed significantly (combining Imperial County and the Coachella Valley) which caused some ripple effects to others. The Commission attempted to limit the number of County lines they crossed which created “fill-in”/wrap around Districts as seen in Districts 23, 28 and 41.
Senate seats are four years with the even number senate seats up for election in 2022 and the odd numbers will be up in 2024 and will feel like there is some geographic mismatch between 2022 & 2024 where we will have existing members picking up other districts for constituent affairs and it is the Pro Tem’s decision as to how representation is made at this level.
The final maps can be viewed at https://www.wedrawthelinesca.org/final_maps
A Q & A period followed.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 a.m.