Redistricting 2021

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.

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 Ceres, the City Council is responsible for drawing council districts. Redistricting is done using U.S. Census data, which is released around March 31, 2021, but has been delayed to August/September 2021.  For the City of Ceres, the redistricting process must be completed before April 17, 2022.

WHY DOES REDISTRICTING MATTER TO ME?

Redistricting determines which neighborhoods and communities are grouped together into a district for purposes of electing a councilmember. 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 at city.clerk@ci.ceres.ca.us 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 Council Districts Here: PDF map

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 Council will reach out to 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 and/or or workshops will be provided in applicable languages if residents submit a request in advance. The City Council will notify the public about redistricting hearings and/or workshops, post maps online before adoption, and create a dedicated web page for all relevant information about the redistricting process.

HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?

The City Council will be holding hearings and/or workshops to receive public input on where district lines should be drawn. Those hearings are scheduled as follows:

  1. Monday, October 25, 2021 at 7:00 PM (Hearing Notice)  (Minutes from the Oct. 25th Hearing)  (Video of Oct. 25th Hearing)
  2. Monday, January 10, 2022 at 7:00 PM (Hearing Notice)  (Minutes from the Jan. 10th Hearing)  (Video of Jan. 10th Hearing) 
  3. Saturday, February 5, 2022 6:00 PM (Hearing Notice)  (Minutes from the Feb. 5th Hearing)  (Video of Feb. 5th Hearing)    
    • Deadline for public to submit draft maps is January 22, 2022.
  4. Monday March 14, 2022 at 7:00 PM (Hearing Notice)  (Video of Mar. 14th Hearing)   
    • Final deadline for the public to submit draft maps is February 28, 2022.

VIEW THE DRAFTS MAPS

View the Interactive Map of the Current District and Proposed Districts:

 https://ndcresearch.maps.arcgis.com/apps/View/index.html?appid=a783b778979844eaa6454d278de72b46

 

This tool will show the maps of the current and proposed districts, and can show various demographic layers chosen by the user.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED 

Share your specific thoughts, draw a map, or attend an upcoming workshop to get involved!

  • Submit written testimony about the process or a specific map to cityclerk@ci.ceres.ca.us
  • Attend our public hearings at which you can speak about the process or a specific map.
  • You can also submit public comments, including suggested draft maps, by emailing the City Clerk.

Language interpretation and requests for disability-related modification or accommodation, including auxiliary aids or devices, may be arranged by emailing a request to cityclerk@ci.ceres.ca.us at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. 

Draw Maps

There are different tools for different purposes, and different tools for different levels of technical skill and interest.

1.    Online Mapping Tool is available to assist the public in drawing maps.  

 A variety of map-drawing tools available:

2.        Paper-only maps for those without internet access or who prefer paper.  (Paper map templates with population counts are also 
           available at City  Hall 2220 Magnolia Street, Ceres, CA.  Ask for the City Clerk)

Tools needed:

  • Public Participation Kit - Paper Map w/ Population Count (in English or Spanish)
  • Alternatively, submit any form of hand-drawn map that identifies street names.

 WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT REDISTIRICTING?

Online publications and guides to redistricting: