Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Hesperia - One of the Latest Cities Asked to Look at Discriminatory Impacts from At-Large Voting for City Council

PRESS RELEASE by the FRIENDS of the CALIFORNIA VOTING RIGHTS ACT [FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Dateline 2/24/2016 Apple Valley]:
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The Hesperia Council has determined to consider an ordinance pursuant to Government Code Section 34886 to change to by-district elections, since the City’s population is under 100,000. The City's attorney is preparing a staff report and draft ordinance for the Council’s consideration on March 15. The City will need to retain a consultant to assist in drawing the district boundaries, the Council must decide how many districts there should be, and hold at least two public hearings pursuant to Elections Code Section 10010 prior to introducing the ordinance.
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Comments:
(1) This is something that is long overdue.  It is a start I am happy to be a part of as FCVRA's attorney.
(2) Diligent follow-up is needed so the City's review process is not a sham.
(3) Other jurisdictions maybe needing attention include the school district in Hesperia, Highland, Adelanto, Victorville, Apple Valley and Barstow.

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Roger LaPlante Pays his fee and takes the oath in the 8th Congressional District--

Today Roger La Plante took the plunge to run in California's 8th Congressional District by filing the nomination paperwork, paying the fee and taking the oath. We need better representation than I-am-working-on-my-third public-pension Paul Cook. Best of luck Roger.