Spurred on by the East Area Progressive Democrats, Eagle Rockers spoke up loud and clear when it mattered. And the state Redistricting Commission acted. The Commission has released an updated configuration that is now final of federal district boundaries in California. In the new map, Eagle Rock is reunified in one Congressional district as Eagle Rockers had requested.
The neighborhood had been fractured in prior draft maps, starting Dec. 10. But thanks to a wave of community testimony, this damaging split, which would have diluted the voice and leverage of the community in securing resources and attention to problems, has been fixed. Instead of arbitrary lines running down city blocks, the new district respects the municipal border with Glendale. We also won reconnection of other adjacent neighborhoods into one Northeast L.A. district.
This victory is a direct result of more than 50 neighbors, business owners, and organization leaders, including dozens of EAPD members, who took the time to convey their informed concerns in writing with the Commission. Several also waited patiently through hours of call-in public comment to speak up directly so our communities were heard and not overlooked. Chalk this up to informed people power. Every voice mattered and did make the difference.
Click here to see for yourself the final map of Congressional districts, showing Eagle Rock and nearby sections of Northeast L.A. restored in “CD 34.”
Here are the NELA neighbors who lead the East Area Progressive Democrats:
Thank you for your advocacy and activism to maintain political solidarity in the Eagle Rock Community. I, too, sent in a letter and was gratified for once, that the concerns of the community were heard. Your work gives a strong unified voice to politicians that gerrymandering must stop; that activists in Eagle Rock will work to maintain a united front when it comes to maintaining a cohesive community in problem solving and addressing essential, sustainable needs. Many thanks.