In the past, the entire process of redistricting was governed by the very legislature that it would affect. Gerrymandering was rampant, and in the city of Long Beach, it became conspicuously ridiculous. This calculated exploitation was a blatant conflict of interest and markedly self-serving. Ultimately, legitimate representation and the public’s trust were severely undermined.
In the form of Proposition 20, the voters of California spoke out for an objective look at straightforward and honest redistricting.
Most residents of Long Beach pride themselves in the rich diversity of our city. We have a great many multinational neighborhoods and causes for celebration throughout the year— Cinco de Mayo, Martin Luther King Parade, Cambodian New Year and the Scottish Highland Festival to name just a few. However, the city of Long Beach has been split for a great many years, divided among three Congressional districts. This only serves to segregate the many ethnic and cultural groups of our community.
Signal Hill is a special island of a city totally surrounded by Long Beach and should be included in the Long Beach representation.
Many of our Long Beach/Signal Hill residents and those from surrounding cities are employed at the Port of Long Beach and Boeing Aircraft. We are also interconnected through various forms of public transport and share numerous media communications.
While a good deal of testimony was given at the April Long Beach redistricting meeting in favor of keeping the city divided, this was due to a cleverly organized scheme on the part of the 37th District Congressional Representative to manipulate the outcome heavily in her favor.
Besides attempting to ensure her re-election, the goal was to capture the powerful ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. And, because the ports are so critically vital for the security, economy and well-being of the entire country, they should be divided between two representatives.
It is crucial that the Redistricting Commission focuses on making Long Beach whole again. This would go a long way in helping to heal this city and in restoring our faith in the government.
Diana Lejins
Long Beach
P.S. To let the Redistricting Commission know what you think, email them at votersfirstact@crc.ca.gov.
