Re-Districting Process 2021-2022

Central Fire Re-Districting Process Information

The re-districting process of the Central Fire District of Santa Cruz County is now complete.  Central FD previously had an at-large election system, where voters of our entire District elect the members of our Board. After receiving public oral communication on the possibility of a CVRA violation it was decided that the public interest would be best served by converting from an at-large based election system to a district-based electoral system. This new system divides our district into separate geographic areas, where voters choose their representatives, who must also live in that district area.

The Central Fire District chose National Demographics Corporation to implement the planning, mapping and population data collection/analysis for this process. A total of four public hearings were conducted over the last few months to receive input from District residents on this process before final plan revisions were made and adopted.

At the February 10th Board meeting, a final map was chosen from the ones presented (Purple II). Resolution 2022-02 was passed approving this plan, and the District has now completed the process of submitting this plan to the County of Santa Cruz Registrar's Office for approval and implementation. 

Public Hearing Locations

Board Meetings are typically held at the Administration Office in the downstairs conference room at 930 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz, 95062. HOWEVER, due to the current surge in COVID-19 cases, members are currently required to attend remotely - agendas for meetings are available on the front page as posted, which have information regarding attendance by phone, tablet or computer.

Summary of California Voting Rights Act (CVRA):

"AB 182, Alejo. California Voting Rights Act of 2001. Existing law, the California Voting Rights Act of 2001 (CVRA), prohibits the use of an at-large election in a political subdivision if it would impair the ability of a protected class, as defined, to elect candidates of its choice or otherwise influence the outcome of an election. The CVRA provides that a voter who is a member of a protected class may bring an action in superior court to enforce the provisions of the CVRA, and, if the voter prevails in the case, he or she may be awarded reasonable litigation costs and attorney’s fees. The CVRA requires a court to implement appropriate remedies, including the imposition of district-based elections, that are tailored to remedy a violation of the act.

This bill would prohibit the use of a district-based election in a political subdivision if it would impair the ability of a protected class, as defined, to elect candidates of its choice. The bill would require a court to implement specified remedies upon a finding that a district-based election was imposed or applied in a manner that impaired the ability of a protected class to elect candidates of its choice."


For the entire CVRA, visit California Legislative Information.


Re-Districting Timeline:


September 15, 2020

Public oral communication received during the Board of Directors Meeting as to the possibility of a CVRA violation and consideration of changing to a district-based electoral system. 

March 9, 2021

April 13, 2021

  • At the April 13th Board of Directors Meeting, presented Staff Report (PDF) & Resolution 2021-03 (PDF), Declaring the Board’s Intent to Transition from At-Large to District-Based Elections by November 2022 General District Election, Pursuant to California Elections Code Section 10010. 

November 18, 2021

December 2, 2021

January 13, 2022

February 10, 2022

Final Map Adoption for CVRA Conversion 

Resources

Public Input

The District would like to personally thank those members of the public that contributed input and suggestions over the last 4 public hearings regarding this process.  Your input was crucial in helping the Board of Directors choose the best possible option for the Re-Districting process. 

Public Comments on this or any other District-related topic may be submitted in writing, attending meetings virtually or emailing Public Comments.  If you wish for your suggestions to be included in the next written communications please send via the Public Comments email . We look forward to hearing from you!