Politics & Government
Redistricting May Link Coastal Communities
Beginning in 2012, Coronado set to become part of three new legislative districts; a vote is expected Monday.
The political lines that determine who represents Coronadans in Washington and Sacramento may be shifting.
Depending on what happens with Monday's vote, starting with the June 2012 primary Coronado could be voting for a representative from three newly constituted districts:
- The 52nd Congressional district and the 78th Assembly district, which include coastal communities and cities, along with Poway and Rancho Bernardo.
- The 40th Senate district, which would form a direct line from Del Mar to Imperial Beach.
Every 10 years following the census, the political landscape is re-mapped. Historically, the process is partisan and often fractious.
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This time California elected to turn the state and federal redistricting job over to an independent commission, which completed its work and released draft maps last month for public comment.
Meanwhile, new districts for the county Board of Supervisors are being considered. The next discussions will take place in September.
Find out what's happening in Coronadowith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The local districts for state offices are currently Democratic and are likely to remain so after redistricting. The congressional district currently is held by a Republican, Brian Bilbray, but the new lines make it far more competitive.
Bilbray, the former mayor of Imperial Beach, faces re-election next year.
Republicans now hold a 10-percent voter advantage in the 52nd, but will hold only a 3 percent advantage in 2012, according to Jess Durfree, chairman of San Diego County Democratic Party.
What has captured many people’s fancies is the idea of a coastal district, especially for the state assembly. “These cities are all defined by the beach and issues unique to the ocean,” Durfree said.
Mayor Casey Tanaka is skeptical. “We don’t have a history of working together on issues, nor do we have a history of working against each other,” he said.
He also pointed out that while Del Mar, Solana Beach and Coronado are cities, Pacific Beach, La Jolla and Ocean Beach are communities that are part of San Diego.
“Our issues are not really the same,” Tanaka said. “It’s not clear that we would be able to come together to speak with one voice,” he said.
Next week: Other council members weigh in on the proposed changes to the 52nd district, and on the state legislative districts.