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Fifteen days before election, politics is on mostly everyone’s mind. While some are campaigning for their candidate, others are working to get out the vote. But the issue that seems to be resonating throughout the Asian Pacific Islander community the most is redistricting. Good, bad or ugly, it is still an issue “equal rights,” and the past week it brought together some 300 members of the community to join in supporting redistricting efforts in San Diego. A gala in support of changing the face of some of our electoral districts was held at Jasmine restaurant in San Diego and brought out politicians such as U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu and Board of Equalization member Michelle Steel. Together with members of the Indian, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Laotian, Filipino, Thai and other communities, the push has begun – a push that should involve everyone in the API community. What is redistricting and why is it important? It’s been almost 50 years since an Asian American has served on City Council or held political office. While areas such as Rancho Penasquitos and Mira Mesa have 37 percent of the population, they are divided among other districts, which dilutes that impact. Redistricting in the interest of the community will change that and make it possible to elect someone who will pay attention to Asian concerns. In Judy Chu’s case it made a huge difference. The first time she ran for office in her city of Monterrey, she lost. After redistricting, in which the area was more in line with its ethnic makeup, she won election to City council and, later, the California Assembly. And last year she became the first Chinese American elected to Congress. So, this is something that can make a difference and launch the future careers of Asian Americans in politics. Without involvement, as Judy pointed out, there is no seat at the table of power and decision-making. This is just a beginning. If you want to know more about redistricting, go to Alliant University this Saturday, where the Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans for Fair Redistricting and the Southwest Center for Asian Pacific American Law (SCAPAL) are holding hearings and want your input. On behalf of SCAPAL, Pam Hooper urges everyone to get there early, before the 10 a.m. start. It will be lively. Email: info@scapal.org. phooper@qhlawyers.com Telephone: (858) 752-2220 Free Community Redistricting Workshop – Sat., Oct. 23rd – 9:30 a.m. – Alliant International University (Green Hall)
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