Redistricting commission cancels next round of draft maps

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Rushing to meet next month’s deadline for completing its task of drawing new political boundaries for California, the state’s Citizens Redistricting Commission decided over the weekend not to release a second round of proposed maps.

The commission was scheduled to release its second set of draft maps this coming Thursday but decided during its Saturday meeting to skip that step ‘in order to produce the best district maps possible.’

The group of citizens responsible for creating new districts for seats in the state Legislature and state Board of Equalization, as well as for California seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, faces a July 28 deadline for finishing its maps, which must be adopted by Aug. 15.

The commission released its first round of proposed maps last month and has since been collecting public comment and making adjustments. Several groups representing minorities protected by the federal Voting Rights Act have criticized the commission’s work, as have others concerned about having their communities split up or other issues.

The commission, which will meet again Wednesday to work with its technical map drawers, is soliciting public comment through its website.

-- Jean Merl