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Redistricting
The Community Redistricting Advisory Committee held its last meeting on December 9, 2021. The City Council considered their recommendation and approved an ordinance redistricting the City into seven (7) numbered districts and adopted a new district map at the February 22, 2022, City Council Meeting.
Every ten years, local governments use new census data to redraw their district lines to reflect how local populations have changed. Assembly Bill 849 (2019) requires cities and counties to engage communities in the redistricting process by holding public hearings and/or workshops and doing public outreach, including to non-English-speaking communities.
On April 27, 2021, the City Council established a seven-member Community Redistricting Advisory Committee to recommend new City Council district boundaries to the Council as required by local, state, and federal laws. On May 25 and June 22, 2021, the City Council appointed the following members to the Community Redistricting Advisory Committee.
| Members | District |
|---|---|
Felipe Hernandez, Vice-chair |
1 |
Daniel Dodge Sr., Chair |
2 |
John A. Sigismondi |
3 |
Maria Isabel Rodriguez |
4 |
Xitlali Cabadas |
5 |
Nick Rivera |
6 |
Kristal Salcido |
7 |
What is redistricting?
Every ten years, districts must be redrawn so that each district is substantially equal in population. This process, called redistricting, is important in ensuring that each city councilmember represents about the same number of constituents. In Watsonville, the City Council is responsible for drawing council districts. Redistricting is done using U.S. Census data. The final map must be adopted no later than six months from the date the City receives census data from the State.
Why does redistricting matter to me?
Redistricting determines which neighborhoods and communities are grouped together into a district for purposes of electing a council member.
The City Council will seek input in selecting the next district map for our City Council. You have an opportunity to share with the City Council how you think district boundaries should be drawn to best represent your community.
You can contact the City Clerk to find out more about how the process works.
What do the existing council districts look like?
You can find a map of the City’s current council districts here: https://www.cityofwatsonville.org/183/City-Council
What criteria will our City Council use when drawing district lines?
To the extent practicable, district lines will be adopted using the following criteria: (1) geographically contiguous districts (each city council district should share a common border with the next), (2) the geographic integrity of local neighborhoods or communities shall be respected in a manner that minimizes its division, (3) geographic integrity of a city shall be respected in a manner that minimizes its division, (4) easily identifiable boundaries that follow natural or artificial barriers (rivers, streets, highways, rail lines, etc.), and (5) lines shall be drawn to encourage geographic compactness. In addition, boundaries shall not be drawn for purposes of favoring or discriminating against a political party.
How will our City Council notify the public about redistricting?
The City Clerk will collaborate with local media to publicize the redistricting process. Also, we will make a good faith effort to notify community groups of various kinds about the redistricting process. Our public hearings will be provided in applicable languages if residents submit a request in advance. The City Clerk will notify the public about redistricting hearings, post maps online before adoption, and has created this dedicated web page for all relevant information about the redistricting process.
How can I get involved?
The City Council will be holding hearings to receive public input on where district lines should be drawn. Those hearings are listed here Meetings.
You can also submit public comments, including suggested draft maps, by emailing: City Clerk