Write Now: Elysian Valley Split in Two in Final Minutes of CA Redistricting
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In the wee hours of the congressional redistricting timeline, right before the Christmas holiday, commissioners introduced a brand new idea in the “final” map, splitting Elysian Valley in two. We had no opportunity to see this, it was in no previous draft maps, it just popped up as a “final map” in the eleventh hour of this long process. Read on to write!
As a core mandate, Commissioners were tasked with respecting communities of interest. Weakening this tiny neighborhood’s political power by ripping it in two contradicts that mandate and goes against the stated mission of the Citizens Redistricting Commission. We urge you to please write the commissioners and let them know that we see what they have done, and how they have robbed our community. Use the public letter from LARCEE member and clean air advocate Ceci Dominguez to send comments to these commissioners ASAP: votersfirstact@crc.ca.gov, sara.sadwani@crc.ca.gov, ferric.taylor@crc.ca.gov, Isra.ahmad@crc.ca.gov, linda.akutagawa@crc.ca.gov
Before
On December 15th, our community was whole.
AFTER
On December 18, 2021, away from public view, our community was torn in two as presented in the “final map 12/20/21”.
LETTER TO COMMISSIONERS AUTHORED BY COMMUNITY MEMBER CECI DOMINGUEZ
Dear Commissioners,
I write as 49-year resident of Elysian Valley, a cohesive community of interest along the L.A. River and defined by our relationship with the River. And I am a respected advocate for seniors’ dignity and human services, environmental health, and the informed civic engagement of all residents in my diverse neighborhood, from youth to elderly singles and great grandparents.
The “Final 12-20-21 Map" of California districts in Congress, namely on the boundaries of CD 34, divides my tiny community into two congressional districts. There is no rational basis to split up this small, dense, unified neighborhood. In my five decades here, our neighborhood has endured harm from several decisions inflicted by political bodies far removed and ill-informed about our community, showing ignorance and disrespect for our cohesion. That includes placement of the 5 Freeway right through the commercial area that serves our residents, detaching us from safe pedestrian access to it. That also includes disinvestment and denial of public transit serving the area that would link us easily with nearby communities where public schools, polling places, public safety stations, recreational venues, and other vital installations integral to our well-being and quality of life are located.
The action by the Commission at the literal eleventh hour, in the final day of line drawing on Dec. 19, to divide our community so sloppily and randomly into two Congressional districts, is abhorrent, wrong, and unacceptable.
This community has been well served by our current Member of Congress. Since the area is so small, and so cohesive, it is common sense to continue to have a single Member of Congress represent the neighborhood. We need every bit of unity we can muster in order to be heard.
Moreover, showing cognizance of our neighborhood boundaries — respecting this community of interest — is core to your mandate as a Commissioner and to the mission of the Citizens Redistricting Commission. No possible good can come of splitting a neighborhood down a main street, such as Blake Ave., as the “final map” does, leaving neighbors with similar concerns reduced to contacting two different offices in search of responsiveness, much less timely answers or urgently needed action.
Therefore I must urge Commissioners in the clearest terms and with the most aggrieved plea to take another look at this small cohesive community of Los Angeles, to remedy the injustice of the wrongful cut at the eleventh hour, and to keep our neighborhood intact and constituted in one Congressional district.
Sincerely,
Ceci Dominguez
Elysian Valley resident
Los Angeles, CA 90031
Elysian Valley resident Ceci Dominguez with fellow community champion, Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis.
Please, WRITE NOW: votersfirstact@crc.ca.gov, Sara.sadwani@crc.ca.gov, ferric.taylor@crc.ca.gov, Isra.ahmad@crc.ca.gov, linda.akutagawa@crc.ca.gov