South LA's 8th district aims to raise redistricting awareness

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Representatives for South LA's 8th District are trying to bring public attention to a process that's often dull and arcane. They worry residents won't show up to hearings next month to defend the district's boundaries.

Councilmember Bernard Parks said right now, redistricting is his most important business. The new maps could shape city politics for years to come.

"These boundaries will be in place for the 2013 election, and in that election, you have the mayor, the controller, the city attorney and 7 council districts,” Parks said. “So these are the things that are going on, and that's why it's so important"

The maps will take into account population, neighborhoods, and established boundaries like freeways or the river. They also must comply with the Federal Voting Rights Act, which prevents racial discrimination.

Running the process is a 21-member commission appointed by council members and other city officials. The commission will send a plan for new districts to the council by March.

Tunua Thrash, the commissioner for the 8th district, said the new boundaries are still undecided.

"There's going to be movement across the city somewhere, at some point, at some time,” she said. “It's just not clear in what direction."

Thrash said her priority is keeping the 8th a viable, diverse district.

"I think personally the worst thing we can do in the city of Los Angeles is create districts that don't have resources, that don't have economic bases, that don't have certain infrastructure in place, certain institutions."

She cited USC and the Leimert Park and Baldwin Hills neighborhoods as examples.

The 8th District will hold its first hearing at the Expo Center on December 12.