2023-02-21 Item No. 21_Jay and Diana Gazzolo

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Date: 2-21-23 Item No.: 21 From: dgazzolo@aol.com <dgazzolo@aol.com> Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 10:44 AM To: CityClerkMbx <City Clerk@ riversideca.gov> Subject: [External] Redistricting Please forward my comments onto the City Council Members for tonights City Council Meeting. Thank You . Jay & Diana Gazzolo Dear City Council Members, We would like to address the redistricting - AGENDA #21 and the new maps that have been proposed.We have listed our concerns as follows : 1) We have reviewed the website and it is not very user-friendly. 2)There are hidden rules and regulations that most people are not aware of... Such as the criteria spelled out in the 1965 civil rights amendment.. This make it difficult for the average person to design an acceptable map. 3) Looking at the strange redistricting maps that have been submitted it makes us wonder if these aren't just political groups that want to secure their ideology in our city council for the next 10 years. This does not promote equal representation - Every voice needs to be heard ! 4) The outreach to the community on the redistricting has not been very successful, my understanding is over the last meetings, a total of 40 people showed up. That is not a representation of our city. 5) The maps with radical changes just seem to be exclusive not inclusive . 6) Since the final map does not need to be submitted to the state until July. We feel, it would be prudent for the Council to allow more time for community input and carefully consider what is BEST for the City- Not What is best for the Councilperson.. The Council has an obligation to not RUSH this very important process. [5 Since our population, and demographics have not had any real significant change in the last 10 years, We recommend the following : either don't change the map at all... If that is possible? Or support the map that has the least change to it which appears to be mapB cc Mayor City Council City Manager City Attorney ACMs City Clerk