California Citizens Redistricting Commission

Cynthia E. Griffin-  |   OW Managing Editor
Aug 18 2011

Challenges in the offing

After months of meetings, public hearings and sometimes heated back and forth, the California Citizens Redistricting Commission on (CCRC) submitted its final redrawing of lines for state and congressional districts to the Secretary of State on Monday, and while African Americans are basically satisfied with the results, others do not feel the same way and have vowed to fight the new lines.

Aug 16 2011

44th District

SAN PEDRO, Calif.—Rep. Janice Hahn, D-San Pedro said she will run for re-election in the 44th District, likely setting up a race against Rep. Laura Richardson, D-Long Beach.

“Because of the new redistricting, the district I currently represent will no longer exist in 2012,” Hahn said. “I plan to run for California’s new 44th Congressional District because I live in it. I know many of these communities and I understand the issues that affect them.”

Brittney M. Walker  |   OW Staff Writer
Aug 11 2011

nCould mean a disadvantage for ethnic minorities

PALMDALE, Calif.—Redistricting has stirred up controversy among party members on both sides statewide. But the deadline for comments on the final drawing of new congressional, state assembly and senate as well as board of equalization district lines are due Monday, and the unhappiness may not change.

However, in the Antelope Valley, Republicans seem content, while the other side does not see the benefit of the new lines.

Anthony Asadullah Samad, Ph.D.  |   OW Contributing Columnist
Jul 28 2011

Between the Lines

The California Citizens Redistricting Commission (CCRC) will be voting on the final iteration of redistricting maps this week. These maps are supposed to reflect the demographic shifts in the state’s population following the 2010 Census.

Cynthia E. Griffin-  |   OW Managing Editor
Jul 28 2011

Leaders still alert to efforts to change districts

It is down to the wire and leaders in the African American community continue to remain vigilant about the redistricting effort being conducted by the California Citizens Redistricting Commission (CCRC).

In fact, this past weekend, a pitched battle ensued as some of the commissioners attempted to condense all of the African American districts into one.

Across Black America

Here’s a look at African American people and issues making headlines throughout the country.
 

Alabama
Freeman A. Hrabowski, president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, will address the annual African American Business Council luncheon on June 28. Hrabowski, who is chairman of President Barack Obama’s Advisory Commission on Education Excellence for African Americans, has a national reputation for his work studying the performance of minority students in math and science. Hrabowski, named one of the 10 best college presidents in the country by Time magazine, was a child leader in the Civil Rights Movement in Birmingham in the 1960s.
 

Arkansas
The Liberty Counsel filed a motion and a brief in United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas seeking to intervene on behalf of a Concepts of Life crisis pregnancy center to defend against a suit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union and the Center for Reproductive Rights. The groups seek to impose a permanent injunction before the Human Heartbeat Protection Act goes into effect July 18. Liberty Counsel also filed a brief opposing the ACLU’s request for an injunction. The “Heartbeat” bill states that when a woman seeks an abortion at or after the 12th week, doctors must test for a fetal heartbeat before an abortion is performed and inform the pregnant mother that the child in her womb has a heartbeat. If a heartbeat is detected, a woman cannot have an abortion, except in cases of rape, incest, and if a mother’s life is in danger. “As we promised when the legislation was introduced, Liberty Counsel will defend this law without reservation for the people of Arkansas, born and pre-born,” said Matt Staver, founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel. “No right is more foundational than the right to life. Without life, all other rights are irrelevant,” concluded Staver.