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AGENDA TRANSMITTAL TO: Board of Supervisors FROM: Teola Tremayne, County Clerk DATE OF MEETING: November 2, 2021 PREPARED BY: PJ Griffin, Assistant County Clerk TITLE: REVISED: Public Hearing to waive the first reading and set the second reading and possible adoption of the 2020 Census Population Redistricting Map for the November 16, 2021 meeting. SUMMARY: The Alpine County Ad Hoc Redistricting Advisory Commission has received Census data from the State of California and has prepares preliminary maps for the public to review and comment on. The redistricting process requires extensive public engagement. Members of the public shall have several opportunities in a public forum to share how they think district boundaries should be drawn to best represent their communities. A Notice of Public Hearing was posted on August 4, 2021 which included all Public Hearing and Commission Meeting dates. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Waive the first reading and set the second reading and possible adoption of the 2020 Census Population Redistricting Map for the November 16, 2021 meeting. ISSUE STATEMENT AND DISCUSSION: Alpine County supervisorial district boundaries must be redrawn every ten (10) years in concurrence with the population data reported by the U.S. Census, most recently conducted in 2020. Community input is extremely important to the redistricting process, and there will be ongoing opportunities for comments on the proposed district lines. Ultimately, the Alpine County Board of Supervisors will adopt the new supervisorial district boundaries by December 15, 2021. In accordance with the California Election Code Section 21500, following each decennial federal census, and using that census as a basis, the Alpine County Board of Supervisors adjusts the boundaries of any or all of the county supervisorial districts so that the districts shall be as equal in population as possible, and comply with applicable provisions of Section 1973 of Title 42 of the United States Code, as amended. The Commission extensively worked with the requirements of redistricting. The Commission Report and two maps will be distributed on Friday, October 29, 2021 and will be posted on the Redistricting Commission webpage and on the homepage of the county website. FISCAL IMPACT: 1) Budgeted Current Fiscal Year 2) Total Anticipated Cost Current Year 3) Total Anticipated Cost Annual Year (Not Applicable) $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 SOURCE Unanticipated Revenue From Contingency Other: $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 FUNDING SOURCE: INSTRUCTIONS TO CLERK: 8.1 Packet Pg. 50 ---PAGE BREAK--- 1 Alpine County Redistricting Advisory Commission Report Every ten years, local governments use new census data to redraw their district lines to reflect how local populations have changed. Assembly Bill 849 (2019) requires cities and counties to engage communities in the redistricting process by holding public hearings and/or workshops and doing public outreach, including to non-English-speaking communities. Districts must be redrawn so that each district is substantially equal in population, ensuring that each board member represents about the same number of constituents. In Alpine, the Board of Supervisors is responsible for drawing supervisorial districts. This year the state verified U.S. Census data for Alpine County was released September 19, 2021. The Alpine County redistricting process must be completed by December 15, 2021. Redistricting determines which neighborhoods and communities are grouped together into a district for purposes of electing a board member. The Alpine County Redistricting Advisory Commission, which is made up of members of the public, has been working to develop fair and representative district within the confines of the following three major areas of concern: o Census block configurations and limitations, as provided by the 2020 U.S. Census. o Geographic integrity, contiguous areas reflecting local neighborhoods and Communities of Interest that are, compact, easily identifiable and understandable, and bound by natural and artificial barriers. o Communities of Interest districts drawn as substantially equal in population. Each of these areas of concern are discussed in more detail below. Census Blocks -shaped area within which the population is enumerated. The U.S. Census website provides a video of this concept. It does not provide any information on how census blocks that do not conform to street-like blocks are established. Alpine County has 204 census blocks designated for the 2020 census. There were over 400 census blocks allocated for the 2010 census. The compression of the census blocks leads to less flexibility in drawing districts. Of the 204 census blocks, 87 blocks contain one or more enumerated populations, 117 blocks are at zero population. As has always been the fact for Alpine County, approximately 95% of our lands are under public ownership or management. The configuration of the blocks range from small, one road loops to a single block that spans almost one-third of the County. The blocks run north to south and east to west, in vastly irregular shapes and sizes. The configuration of the blocks, and the directive that census blocks cannot be 8.1.a Packet Pg. 51 Attachment: County of Alpine Redistricting Committee Report - FInal (10:00 Public Hearing - Redistricting) ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 divided, impedes the development of maps that recognize the geographic integrity and the Communities of Interest of Alpine County. Geographic Integrity The unique geography and elevations of Alpine County are a foremost consideration in complying with the following California state criteria: To the extent practicable, district lines will be adopted using the following criteria: o geographically contiguous districts (each supervisorial district should share a common border with the next), o the geographic integrity of local neighborhoods or communities shall be respected in a manner that minimizes its division, o geographic integrity of a city shall be respected in a manner that minimizes its division, o easily identifiable boundaries that follow natural or artificial barriers (rivers, streets, highways, rail lines, etc.), and o lines shall be drawn to encourage geographic compactness. In addition, boundaries shall not be drawn for purposes of favoring or discriminating against a political party. The heart of Alpine County is physically divided by the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountains that run east to west through the middle of the County. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) has often is the only passable vehicle road that connects the two slopes. Highway 4 is closed due to snow for 5 to 7 months of the year. Highway 88 links the Kirkwood community with both Alpine County and Amador County. Highway 88 is also subject to intermittent closure due to snow accumulation and avalanche. The attached County map is a graphic view of just how strikingly large the undeveloped areas of the County are and of the geographic isolation of our communities. Due to the vast public lands between the east and west slopes, each community is organized to provide several levels of public services independently. Emergency response services, such as Sheriff, fire, medical, and search and rescue, as well as schools and educational options, are based in each of the geographic regions. Coordination with the numerous public agencies that manage the adjacent forests and watersheds and issues arising with adjoining county and state agencies are routinely handled by the District Supervisor. , power, telephone, internet and solid waste services. Community of Interest California Election Code Section 21500 provides, in part: Section 21500 To the extent practicable, the geographic integrity of any local neighborhood or local community of interest shall be respected in a manner that minimizes its division. l or economic interests that should be included within a single supervisorial district for purposes of its 8.1.a Packet Pg. 52 Attachment: County of Alpine Redistricting Committee Report - FInal (10:00 Public Hearing - Redistricting) ---PAGE BREAK--- 3 effective and fair representation. Communities of interest do not include relationships with political parties, incumbents, or political candidates. (emphasis added) The Alpine County census count for 2020 is 1,207. Given our small numbers and the rural and rugged nature of Alpine County, we all share a basic, common Community of Interest. We all have a lot more in common with each other than not; proximity to nature, value of our natural resources, appreciation of wildlife, preparing for changing seasons and variable weather, reliance on neighbors, volunteer service, music under the tent or in the park, chili- cook offs, local businesses, quiet roadways, snow shovels and wood stacking, cabin fever, even local wandering dogs. In responding to Where are the boundaries of your in the redistricting survey, one resident wrote s a As a starting point, the existing five supervisorial districts, drawn from the 2010 census, have generally been accepted by residents as a fair and balanced reflection of the various communities of Alpine County. District 1 As the County seat, Markleeville is a center of many of the public services and public spaces needed for functional County administration and community engagement, as well as an established commercial center for the town and surrounding neighborhoods and for many visitors. This area includes Grover Hot Springs State Park, a regional tourist favorite. District 2 The neighborhoods that surround the intersection of Highways 88 and 89 make up the Woodfords area, with a commercial center and some important County service buildings as well as Diamond Valley School. Much of this area, runs along and near the west fork of the Carson River, with homes in small clusters on paved and unpaved roads. District 3 The Hung A Lel Ti Community is comprised of community members residing in the area east of Diamond Valley as well as along the west fork of the Carson River and other properties throughout the area. The Hung A Lel Ti Community has traditionally lived with and utilized the land, water, wind, vegetation and other resources of a wide range of portions of the eastern slope of Alpine County. The Hung A Lel Ti Community has strong cultural ties to these lands and traditions, in their language, beliefs, songs, storytelling, and skills, such as beading and basket weaving. District 4 Although a distance apart, the communities of Bear Valley and Kirkwood have strong economic and social common interests, based around their ski facilities, commercial enterprises, climate and elevations, integration of the built and natural environment and local community aspects of resort areas. They share a strong necessity to interact on a high level with state and federal land and resources agencies and to protect and advocate for policies and programs that support the responsible development and operation of a wide range of outdoor recreational opportunities. 8.1.a Packet Pg. 53 Attachment: County of Alpine Redistricting Committee Report - FInal (10:00 Public Hearing - Redistricting) ---PAGE BREAK--- 4 District 5 The northern end of Alpine County, including the Mesa Vista area and nearby neighborhoods, and north toward the Carson Valley along Highway 88. This is a residential area of single family homes on 2 to 5 acre and larger properties, that opens up to several ranches as the hillside flattens out toward the valley and the Nevada state line. Commission members shared what they have heard from residents about Community of Interest. Many comments are that their Community of Interest are those we gather with, walk and hike mental and physical health, safety, supporting businesses, and recognizing the unique social and cultural resources shared among community members. Commission members expressed the belief that Community of Interest should come before the allocated population numbers to the extent possible and reasonable. Conclusions and Recommendations The Alpine County Redistrict Advisory Commission submits the following conclusions for the The 2020 U.S. census configurations make it difficult to separate the districts along the natural geographic lines that speak to practical issues as discussed above. The Board should seek legal counsel as to whether or not census blocks, particularly census blocks reflect geographic realities, though administrative or other allowable avenues. The PCT is a natural geographic and travel corridor that is a reasonable divide for the County. The very low population numbers make compliance with a hard population allocation percentage difficult to achieve. It is one thing to allocate blocks with hundreds or thousands of people. In Alpine County, the percentage can be thrown off by 4 or 5 people. The Board should seek legal counsel as to adopting district boundaries that reflect geographic and Community of Interest priorities over hard population percentages. The integrity of the Hung A Lel Ti Community should be respected and secured as a majority population district for elected representation. Alpine County should be very proactive in participating in the census block development process for the 2030 census. Although it may seem in the distant future, it is not. County staff should be tasked with engaging in the census block development process at the state and federal level as early as is possible for the next census. The Alpine County Redistricting Advisory Commission respectfully recommends the following: Consideration of Alpine County Advisory Commission Draft Map #1 This map represents an accurate representation of the real and authentic geographic areas that correspond to the Communities of Interest for our various communities, while conforming to the census block and population limitations. The large, unpopulated area at 8.1.a Packet Pg. 54 Attachment: County of Alpine Redistricting Committee Report - FInal (10:00 Public Hearing - Redistricting) ---PAGE BREAK--- 5 the south end of the County is largely administered by and responded to from the west slope. It is important to keep in mind that district boundaries are for the purpose of supervisorial elections. The boundaries are not intended to limit nor strictly define jurisdictions, as jurisdiction is county-wide and all areas provide support and resources when and as needed. Alpine County Redistricting Advisory Commission Draft Map #2 This map also represents an accurate representation of the real and authentic geographic areas that correspond to the Communities of Interest of Alpine County. It is an alternative that provides for a more cohesive neighborhood in the Chambers Lane area and allowance for anticipated growth in the north end of the County. The members of the Alpine County Redistricting Advisory Commission (and that a mouth full) have been exceptionally engaged in this process. Members have all brought their own particular knowledge, expertise, skills and thoughtfulness in support of the Board of Supe consideration for the 2020 U.S. Census redistricting process. The Alpine County staff, the been generous in providing the necessary support and technical expertise needed to bring this advisory process forward. We remain available to the Board of Supervisors for further questions or comments. County residents are encouraged to share how district boundaries should be drawn to best represent our communities. Contact the Alpine County Clerk email to find out more about how the process works or go to the Alpine Alpine County Redistricting 2021 webpage, http://www.alpinecountyca.gov/584/Alpine-County- Redistricting-2021. Jeanne Lear Chair, Alpine County Redistricting Advisory Commission 8.1.a Packet Pg. 55 Attachment: County of Alpine Redistricting Committee Report - FInal (10:00 Public Hearing - Redistricting) ---PAGE BREAK--- D1 235 D2 239 D3 242 D4 244 D5 247 Alpine County Redistricting Advisory Committee Draft 1 8.1.b Packet Pg. 56 ---PAGE BREAK--- 8.1.c Packet Pg. 57 Attachment: ACRDAC option 1 district totals (10:00 Public Hearing - Redistricting) ---PAGE BREAK--- Attachment: Option 1 google earth (10:00 Public Hearing - Redistricting) ---PAGE BREAK--- D1 235 D2 239 D3 253 D4 244 D5 236 Alpine County Redistricting Advisory Committee - Draft 2 8.1.e Packet Pg. 59 ---PAGE BREAK--- 8.1.f Packet Pg. 60 Attachment: ACRDAC option 2 district totals (10:00 Public Hearing - Redistricting) ---PAGE BREAK--- Attachment: Option 2 google earth (10:00 Public Hearing - Redistricting)