Final Redistricting Maps Released: Vote Scheduled for Wednesday

The shape of Los Angeles' political landscape for the next decade is one step closer to being finalized.

The Los Angeles City Council Redistricting Commission--after a marathon meeting last Wednesday--released their final boundary proposal on Monday.

While some last minute tweaks have taken place far from Northeast Los Angeles--most notably the return of Westchester to Councilman Bill Rosendahl's CD 11 and Councilman José Huizar's coup of the coveted Downtown district--not much has changed for Highland Park and Mount Washington residents.

As in previously proposed maps, Highland Park would still be mostly encompassed by Council District 1--with a sliver of Garvanza being used by Council District 14 as a link between Eagle Rock in the north and Downtown at the south.

Mount Washington residents who prefer unity might like what they see in the final proposal. While the previous map saw chunks of the neighborhood annexed by either Council District 14 and 13, the neighborhood is now mostly unified under Council District 1.

The maps have gotten mixed reviews by community members.

Rosa Rivas, co-chariman of the Garvanza Improvement Association and longtime resident, said she was "thrilled" that Garvanza would continue to be represented by Councilman José Huizar.

"I'm thrilled I am still part of CD14," Rivas said. "I think we have a great councilman."

She credited the council office for shepherding community projects--like the completion of the Garvanza Skate Park and the creation of the Highland Park-Garvanza Historic Preservation Overlay Zon--to Huizar and his staff.

Cathi Milligan, owner of the Glass Studio on York Boulevard, was far less enthusiastic.

Milligan, who is also the director of the NELA Art Organization, said she's been able to cooperate successfully with CD 14 staffers in organizing Second Saturday Gallery Night.

"There's a revitalization going on along York Boulevard, and Councilman Huizar has been a big part of that," Milligan said. "I'm absolutely in favor of Council District 14, because I don't think Council District 1 cares about the arts."

Using the redistricting commission's map creation program, Milligan drew a map that would keep the majority of York Boulevard in Council District 14.

Click here to see Milligan's map.

The Los Angeles City Council Redistricting Commission will meet on Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 4 p.m. in the Los Angeles City Council chambers to vote on the proposed maps. If approved, the maps will then be sent to the City Council for final approval.