REDISTRICTING TASK FORCE
CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO
MINUTES
Hearing Room 406, City Hall
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
San Francisco CA 94102
Wednesday, March 7, 2012 - 6:00 p.m.
Regular Meeting
Members: Chair Eric McDonnell, Vice-Chair Jenny Lam,
Mike Alonso, Myong Leigh, Sonia Melara, Marily Mondejar,
David Pilpel, Mark Schreiber, Melissa Tidwell
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
The meeting was called to order at 6:25 p.m. On the call of the roll, all members were present.
Note: This item was taken out of order.
2. Community Outreach. (6:25 p.m. to 6:32 p.m.)
Vice Chair Lam reported that the Task Force would not be moving forward with either automated telephone calls or telephone surveys, but she suggested that the Task Force use community groups to conduct further community outreach. Member Mondejar reported that ethnic media print advertisements in ethnic media were being translated and should be ready for distribution by March 9, 2012. Member Pilpel requested that the Task Force receive a copy of the final version of those print advertisements. Vice Chair Lam raised the possibility of televising public service announcements regarding the Task Force's redistricting efforts.
Public Comment:
Steven Currier, Outer Mission Merchants Association and District 11 Council, requested that the Task Force also consider using community newsletters to distribute advertisements regarding its meetings.
Note: This item was taken out of order.
3. Task Force Budget. (6:33 p.m. to 6:35 p.m.)
Vice Chair Lam reported that Task Force's planned expenditures are within budget and that she would provide a further update at the March 12, 2012 meeting.
Public Comment: None
4. Consideration of Citywide Maps. (6:35 p.m. to 8:47 p.m.)
The Task Force provided an opportunity to Terry Valen and Fernando Marti, developers of the Community Unity Map, David Lee, Chinese American Voters Education Committee (CAVEC), and Ron Kingston, San Francisco Association of Realtors, to make presentations about their proposed citywide maps.
Mr. Marti stated that the Community Unity Map effort started because the Filipino-American community was frustrated with the recently completed state redistricting process and how it split the Filipino-American community in San Francisco. He stated that even though the effort started with a local Filipino-American community of interest, the group has branched out and formed alliances with many other groups to develop this map. He stated that the map had received many individual and group endorsements. Mr. Valen summarized some of the recommendations captured in the Community Unity Map, including: placing the 55 Laguna Street project in District 5, keeping the Seacliff neighborhood in District 2, moving all of Russian Hill into District 2, proposing Divisadero Street as the boundary between Districts 1 and 5. With respect to the 55 Laguna Street project, he stated that it was part of Octavia-Market plan and that the proposal would also recommend keeping the LGBT center in District 8. He also clarified that the Community Unity Map would propose 16th Street as the boundary between Districts 6 and 9, placing more of the Financial District – including areas below Market Street in District 3, and keeping all of South of Market in District 6, including the area around the Transbay Terminal and Mission Bay.
Mr. Lee stated that the CAVEC map attempted to keep the population deviations between districts below five percent and summarized the map's proposals, including: placing Seacliff and Anza Vista in District 1; moving all of Russian Hill into District 2; moving Treasure Island into District 3 and moving the southern boundary of District 3 south of Market Street to reach the area around the Transbay Terminal; removing Crestlake from District 4 and adding it to District 7; capturing more of the Inner Sunset and UCSF in District 5; placing most of the eastern Mission district into District 6; removing OMI from District 7 altogether to keep the neighborhood entirely in District 11; adding the inner Mission District to and removing Portola from District 9; and placing all of Portola in District 10. He stated that the proposed map would not make significant changes to either District 8 or District 11. He stated that in developing this map, he used polling data and voter data – with the goal of trying to keep areas of the City with similar voting patterns together. He stated that this voting data captured communities of interest, although he also looked at existing neighborhood boundaries.
Mr. Kingston described the San Francisco Realtors map as the product of a comprehensive analysis. He stated that the map proposed keeping all of Russian Hill in District 2, moving Treasure Island from District 6 to District 3 to equalize population differences, and moving the area around the Transbay Terminal, Mission Bay, and South Beach into District 3. He described the proposed map as keeping OMI in District 7 and moving all of Portola into District 10. He stated that their process began with the San Francisco Realtors' map of San Francisco neighborhoods, and they also attempted to preserve ethnic representation in City elective offices, equalize population as much as possible, and unify communities that were split in the 2002 redistricting process.
Public Comment:
Margaret Wrench, Sunset resident, stated that she supported the Community Unity map. She stated that the best virtue of the map is that it is the product of a community-based process.
Mary Harris, Outer Merced Ingleside (OMI) Neighbors in Action and District 11 Council, stated that she supported the Community Unity Map and requested that the Task Force keep OMI in District 11. She stated that the map reflects previous public feedback about District 11, although the map may require further minor modifications.
A female speaker, Chinese Progressive Association and Glen Park resident, described her association as representing residents in many areas of the City and including working-class residents, students, and seniors. She stated that she supported the Community Unity map because it was the outcome of an inclusive process.
Steve Currier, Outer Mission Merchants Association and District 11 Council, stated that he had not had the opportunity to participate in or review any of the proposed citywide maps. He stated that he was particularly concerned about the communities in the southeastern section of District 11. He stated that the Community Unity map is one of the better proposals, but that he also supported the Task Force's current working draft map.
Tess Welborn, District 5 action group, stated that she supports the Community Unity map. She stated that she was surprised that the Task Force's working draft map did not include any information about neighborhood organizations. She stated that she would also support the inclusion of 55 Laguna Street in District 5, given the involvement of Hayes Valley in the project. But she also stated that the proposed boundaries around Japantown may require further changes.
Mary supported the Community Unity Map, but that she also recommended that Westside Courts stay in District 5.
Rubin Viking supported the Community Unity Map.
Tad Buchner supported the Community Unity Map, but he did think that there should be tweaks around Western Addition and Japantown. He stated that he would also want to keep Duboce Park in District 8 and 55 Laguna Street in District 5.
Larry Griffin, District 5 native, stated that he has concerns about the Community Unity map – particularly the section concerning the northern boundary of District 5. He stated that this proposed boundary would disenfranchise the African-American community, especially around the Booker T. Washington center.
Pat Scott, Executive Director of the Booker T. Washington Community Service Center, requested that the Task Force place the Booker T. Washington Community Service Center, the Hamilton Recreation Center, and the Westside Courts housing project in District 5. She stated that these residents found it difficult to work with the other communities in District 2.
Marlene Walker, Cathedral Hill Neighbors, stated that her group wanted the neighborhood in District 5 instead of District 2. She also stated that she wanted the Cathedral Hill hotel site to stay in District 5.
An unidentified employee of the Asian Law Caucus supported the Community Unity Map, although he was concerned about the proposed boundary between Districts 2 and 3 that splits Chinatown.
Caroline Hsu, Asian Law Caucus, supported the Community Unity Map, although she would support keeping all of Japantown in District 5. She also stated that the Booker T. Washington Community Service Center, Hamilton Recreation Center, and Westside Courts Housing project should be in District 5 because that area has a different demographic than District 2.
Jason Fraser, Tenderloin resident, supported the Community Unity Map in relation to the Tenderloin and the need to recognize SROs as communities of interest. He stated that the map represents many people and groups in the City.
June, Filipino City Center #11, supported the Community Unity Map.
Kim Jackson, Local 2 member and District 4 resident who works in the Tenderloin, supported the Community Unity Map.
Hai Lee stated that she works on affordable housing issues and works with many seniors, immigrants, and working-class tenants. She supported the Community Unity Map process. She also stated that affordable housing is an interest that runs through the Tenderloin, Mission, and Bernal Heights neighborhoods.
Charlie Shamas stated that he is a resident of District and works in District 9, at PODER. He supported the Community Unity map. He stated that he saw many of his neighbors involved in that process.
Christina Cavareal, resident of the area around the Excelsior/Portola border, stated that she has observed the decline of neighborhoods and communities of interest in San Francisco. She stated that she also works at Coleman Advocates and through that work has found that affordable housing, schools, and keeping working-class families together are all important concerns in District 11.
Jane Martin supported the Community Unity Map, and requested that the Task Force keep Potrero Hill in District 10.
Jesus Perez, resident of District 6 and South of Market, supported the Community Unity map.
Angelica, resident of District 10 and SOMCAN representative, supported the Community Unity map. She stated that the map properly represents communities of interest in District 6.
Peter Cohen, District 8 Democratic Club, supported the Community Unity Map. He stated that the map represents neighborhoods and communities of interest.
Steve Woo, Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation, supported the Community Unity Map, particularly around the Tenderloin.
Shirley Breyer-Black requested that the Task Force to leave District 2 alone.
Patty Tomura, current and past resident of Districts 8 and 9, thanked the Task Force for their hard work, and stated that she supported the Community Unity Map. She also recommended that the Task Force preserve the northern border of District 8.
David Looman, District 9 resident, supported the Community Unity map. He stated that he was impressed by that map's process and results. He also stated his opposition to the proposed Realtors and CAVEC maps.
Richard Ivanhoe supported the Community Unity Map and requested that the Task Force take public support for that map into account. He also stated that he lives in District 5 and supports including the eastern part of Golden Gate Park in his district. He also stated that the Haight-Ashbury Neighborhood Council supports the Community Unity map.
Dr. Justin Morgan, District 5 resident, supported the Community Unity Map, so long as it is modified to include the Booker T. Washington Community Service Center, Hamilton Recreation Center, and Westside Courts housing project in District 5.
Karen Kai stated that the Community Unity Map did not reflect the correct northern boundary of Japantown. She stated that she would rather support the Task Force's working draft map because it extends the boundaries of District 5 to include Westside Courts and more of Japantown.
Calvin Welch stated the Community Unity map had more public input than the original district map for San Francisco.
Marc Salomon opposed the Realtors map. He also stated that the Community Unity map supporter did not sufficiently reach out to many communities. He stated that the map is too political and relies too heavily on small groups of nonprofits.
Chelsea Boilard, Excelsior resident and employee of Coleman Advocates, supported the Community Unity Map
Eddie Ong, Brightline Defense Fund, supported the Community Unity Map. He stated that the proposed District 1 properly includes the outer and inner Richmond, and excludes Seacliff. He also stated that the proposed District 11 boundaries respect the presence of union households.
Al Perez, Filipino American Arts Exhibition President, supported the Community Unity Map and stated that the map incorporated public comment provided at prior Task Force meetings.
Michael Tang supported the Community Unity Map and requested that the Task Force keep Sea Cliff in District 2.
Lori Liederman supported the Community Unity Map and requested that the Task Force keep the Inner Sunset in District 5. She stated that USCF and Golden Gate Park were important issues in that neighborhood.
Dennis Mosfogian, current and past resident of Districts 4 and 5 supported the Community Unity map. He stated that District 5 residents have worked on many common issues, including the neighborhood recycling center, the old Poly High site, zoning issues, and Kezar Stadium.
Alicia Gamez stated that she was concerned about the proposed District 8 boundaries. She said that her proposed citywide map started with Task Force's working draft map rather than Community Unity map, since the former incorporated the most public comment. She stated that she was also concerned that current maps do not equalize voting power across city by having too much variation in population.
Perry Lang, 30-year City resident, requested that the Task Force keep Westside Courts in District 5, keep Japanese institutions in District 5, and keep Potrero Hill in its current district.
Rose Hillson stated that neither the Community Unity Map and CAVEC map does reflect the public testimony the Task Force has received relating to Japanese-American communities and the appropriate northern boundary of District 5.
Oscar Grande, Excelsior resident and employee of PODER, supported the Community Unity Map and the process which was used to draft the map. He stated that the map addresses many of the Task Force's concerns regarding Portola and the Mission. He also acknowledged that the groups involved in the process could have and could still do more outreach.
Lois Scott, District 6 resident, stated that she was concerned about the area near the intersection of Districts 5, 3, and 2. She stated that she generally supported the Community Unity map except for that area.
Otto Duffy, District 6 resident, requested that the Task Force preserve the area North of Market Street and the entire Tenderloin as part of District 6. He stated that the Community Unity map places much of that area in District 3 in community unity map and that some of the other details in the Community Unity map need to be addressed.
Brian McWilliamson supported the Community Unity Map.
Bernard Choden, San Francisco Tomorrow, stated that he had not participated in any group mapping efforts. He stated that he was concerned about the proposed, new CPMC site on Van Ness Avenue and requested that Golden Gate Park not be divided between districts.
Katherine Howard, Golden Gate Park Alliance, stated that the Community Unity Map's division of Golden Gate Park had some merit because it has been historically conceived of as having eastern and western parts. She generally supported the Community Unity map.
Chris Bowman observed that many of the proposed maps include both Russian Hill and Seacliff in District 2, indicating public support for their inclusion. He also recommended that the Task Force closely examine the racial composition of current districts and they do not decrease their representation below their current levels.
RECESS
The Task forced recessed at 8:47 p.m. and reconvened at 9:02 p.m.
5. Mapping. (9:02 p.m. to 9:47 p.m.)
The Task Force received public input and did not modify the February 23, 2012 working draft map.
Public Comment:
Chris Bowman asked why groups submitted Citywide maps if the Task Force will just continue with its working draft map.
Bernard Choden, San Francisco Tomorrow, asked for legal advice on the Voting Rights Act.
Rose Hillson thanked the Task Force for the progress on the February 23, 2012 working draft map.
Charles Spencer, African-American Democratic Club, stated that he was concerned with the boundaries between Districts 1 and 5. He requested that the Task Force include Westside Courts, the Booker T. Washington Community Service Center, and Japantown in District 5.
Otto Duffy, North of Market resident, stated that he has had problems using ReDrawSF. He requested that the Task Force preserve the North of Market and South of Market areas in District 6.
Marc Salomon supported the inclusion of Japantown in District 5. He recommended that the Task Force take future development and population growth into account, especially in District 6. He also supported continuing work on the Task Force's draft map.
Dr. Justin Morgan expressed confidence in the Task Force's work. He stated that the northern portion of District 5 should include Westside Courts, the Booker T. Washington Community Service Cener, Hamilton Recreation Center, and other Japanese American institutions in the area.
Kristne Zayback, Forest Knolls Neighborhood Association, does not support the wholesale adoption of any of the citywide maps. She urged the Task Force to keep using its working draft map.
Tess Welborn thanked the Task Force for its work.
Alicia Gamez requested that the Task Force not adopt district boundaries with disparate populations
An unidentified speaker supported re-uniting Japantown with the Fillmore and Western Addition communities. The speaker stated that there was a long history of common interests, especially with respect to redevelopment.
6. Format of Final Task Force Map and Report. (9:47 p.m. to 9:55 p.m.)
Chair McDonnell informed the Task Force that Member Schreiber has offered to develop a process for the preparation of the Task Force’s final report. Chair McDonnell will be making assignments regarding the final report in the near future. Vice Chair Lam asked that the final report include information for future Task Forces about budget issues. Member Pilpel asked that the final report include information about the Task Force's processes.
Public Comment:
Marc Salomon requested that the Task Force include a summary of trade-offs made in arriving at its final map.
Alicia Gamez agreed with the previous speaker's request.
7. Task Force Member Reports. (9:55 p.m. to 9:56 p.m.)
Chair McDonnell reported that he had made a presentation to the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) on redistricting.
Public Comment:
Otto Duffy requested that the Task Force conduct more outreach to local youth.
8. Public Comment. (9:56 p.m. to 9:58 p.m.)
Chris Bowman
Marc Salomon
9. Future Agenda Items. (9:58 to 9:59 p.m.)
Chair McDonnell requested that the Format of Final Task Force Map and Report and Task Force Budget, along with regular items of the Task Force appear, on the next agenda.
Public Comment: None
10. Adjournment.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
