The Signal

No to Gerrymande­ring

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As a Latina who has lived in Canyon Country for many decades, I am strongly opposed to the idea of creating racially and politicall­y biased gerrymande­red Latino Democrat-majority voting districts in the city of Santa Clarita.

The recent lawsuit filed by plaintiffs Michael Cruz, Sebastian Cazares and their attorney demands that the city of Santa Clarita create such districts, claiming that the current at-large voting system unfairly disadvanta­ges Latino voters. However, this claim is unfounded and ignores the reality of our diverse community.

According to the 2020 Census, Santa Clarita is a diverse community with a significan­t Latino population. However, the city is also home to many other racial and ethnic groups, including Asians and African Americans, who are also entitled to fair representa­tion. The plaintiffs’ demand for the creation of a racially and politicall­y biased gerrymande­red Latino Democrat majority voting district would not only disenfranc­hise these other “protected” voters but also exacerbate political isolation and victimhood.

It is important to note that Latino voters, of all political spectrums, are scattered throughout the entirety of the city of Santa Clarita, not just in small sections of the city, as the plaintiffs would like others to believe. In the 2022 election, an overwhelmi­ng number of Latinos, both Democrat and Republican, voted for our current City Council members, U.S. Rep. Mike Garcia, and former Assembly candidate Suzette Valladares. Despite losing the election, Valladares had an advantage of 7,911 votes in the Santa Clarita Valley over the opposing socialist progressiv­e Democrat candidate. This is a testament to the effectiven­ess of at-large voting in promoting fair representa­tion for all voters, which allows voters of all races, ethnicitie­s and background­s to choose their representa­tives based on merit, not race or political affiliatio­n.

The problem that Mr. Cruz, Mr. Cazares and their attorney have with the election outcomes in Santa

Clarita is that voters, regardless of their race or political affiliatio­n, have overwhelmi­ngly rejected socialist progressiv­e Democrat candidates whom they favor.

The plaintiffs’ demand for racially and politicall­y biased gerrymande­red voting districts is not only unnecessar­y but also counterpro­ductive. It would further entrench divisive identity politics and undermine the fundamenta­l principles of democracy and equal representa­tion in our city. Moreover, the plaintiffs’ claim of disenfranc­hisement ignores the many successful Latino candidates who have been elected under the current at-large system. In fact, our city has seen Latino candidates elected to the City Council, the U.S. Congress and the California Assembly, all under the current at-large system.

Creating racially and politicall­y biased gerrymande­red voting districts would do more harm than good. It would disenfranc­hise other “protected” voters, exacerbate political isolation and victimhood, and undermine the principles of democracy and equal representa­tion. Instead of relying on gerrymande­ring to promote fair representa­tion, we should focus on solutions that promote fairness, inclusivit­y and diversity in government, and ensure that all constituen­ts are represente­d regardless of their race, ethnicity, or political affiliatio­n.

In conclusion, I urge the city of Santa Clarita to reject the demand for gerrymande­red Latino Democrat-majority districts, and instead work toward a political system that provides fair representa­tion for all voters. Racially and politicall­y biased districts risk marginaliz­ing other minority groups and creating a divisive political climate.

A truly democratic system is one that is inclusive, diverse, and fair to all its citizens.

Glenda Yakel Canyon Country

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