Temecula's Guide To Redistricting: How To Weigh In

TEMECULA, CA — Every 10 years following the release of updated U.S. Census data, cities, counties and states go through a redistricting process designed to ensure effective and fair representation for all citizens, and it's that time again. The last redistricting process was in 2011.

Redistricting is the drawing of boundaries for city council districts, county supervisorial districts, and well as state and federal legislative districts. The boundaries are based in part on population changes accounted for in the U.S. Census.

Public participation in the redistricting process is key to curbing gerrymandering, which is the practice of drawing electoral district lines to favor one political party, individual or constituency over another.

Temecula City Council District Boundaries

There are five Temecula City Council districts to consider — each represented by a single city council member who lives within a district's boundaries. Public hearings are now scheduled to allow Temeculans a chance to weigh in on how district lines should be drawn. The hearings will be held at City Council chambers at City Hall, 41000 Main St., at 7 p.m. on the following dates.

• Aug. 24: first pre-draft public hearing.
• Sept. 28: second pre-draft public hearing.
• Jan. 25, 2022: first post-draft public hearing.
• March 8, 2022: second post-draft public hearing.

You may also submit public comments, including suggested draft maps, by emailing randi.johl@temeculaca.gov.

Get more information about participating in the Temecula City Council redistricting process here. Get more information about the current district boundaries here.

Temecula's Representation At The County Level

At the county level, there are five supervisorial districts. The 3rd District includes Temecula and is currently represented by Supervisor Chuck Washington.

The first 2021 community feedback meeting for the supervisorial boundaries is scheduled Aug. 18 via an online feedback tool. Find the agenda and supplemental material for the county meeting online at www.RivCo.org, under "redistricting." The meeting will also be available live or on demand at www.rivcotv.org.

Community members may also draw suggested boundary lines and submit online at www.RivCo.org. Type “redistricting” in the search box to find the redistricting page that includes the online feedback tool, along with frequently asked questions and informational videos.

The county's population has increased by about 300,000 people to just over 2.4 million residents, according to the latest census numbers. The racial makeup is changing, according to the data. The number of county residents who identified as white alone decreased in the latest census, with 41.2 percent of residents identifying as white alone, compared to 61 percent 10 years ago.

Temecula's Representation At State, Federal Levels

At the state level, Temecula is currently represented by California State Sen. Melissa Melendez (R) in the 28th District, and California State Assemblymember Marie Waldron (R) in the 75th District.

At the federal level, Temecula is represented by U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa (R) in the 50th District, and U.S. Rep. Ken Calvert (R) in the 42nd District.

If you are interested in weighing in on state and federal legislative districts, an Aug. 19 public meeting will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The meeting will be livestreamed, and there is a public comments process.

Attend via livestream at https://WeDrawTheLinesCA.org/meetings. Detailed instructions for making public comment during the meeting will be posted at https://WeDrawTheLinesCA.org and announced during the meeting.

Alternatively, written comments can be submitted at https://WeDrawTheLinesCA.org or emailed directly to votersfirstact@crc.ca.gov no later than three days prior to the meeting.

Related:

5 Takeaways From The Release Of 2020 Census Data: AP Explainer

U.S. Is Diversifying, White Population Shrinking: Census Data

Census Data Sets Up Redistricting Fight Over Growing Suburbs