Redistricting Promise

I am writing this letter to remind those concerned with the redistricting issue of the basic terms agreed to by the city of San Diego when the Chicano Federation’s voting rights lawsuit was compromised and settled last September.

First, the city of San Diego agreed to redistrict City Council boundaries by October 1, 1990 so as to fully implement the ability of Latinos and blacks to participate in the electoral process.

Second, the city agreed to use its best efforts to effectuate the terms of the settlement agreement.

Third, the redistricting process was to be a public one and the Redistricting Advisory Board was to advise the City Council on the boundaries to be established. Plaintiffs were to be notified in writing of any proposed redistricting plans and provided an opportunity to be heard in a public forum concerning all proposals.

Fourth, the court retained jurisdiction to enforce the terms of the settlement agreement.

The goal of the Latino and black communities is to hold the city of San Diego to its word. What we would like the city of San Diego to do is use its “best efforts” to “fully implement the ability” of Latinos and blacks to participate in the electoral process.

In order to satisfy its good faith requirements under the settlement agreement, the city should hire an expert to draw the boundary lines of the 4th and the 8th Districts so as to maximize the political influence and participation of communities of color. Because this is such a delicate and complicated issue, this expert should have a credible track record in cases similar to the Chicano Federation’s.

The unanswered question is whether the City Council will follow the condemned lead of the L.A. Board of Supervisors and exclude Latino representation or show the courageous vision that is required in a city as richly diversified as America’s Finest City.

IRMA CASTRO

Executive Director

Chicano Federation of San Diego