By Frances Talbott-White

[Editor’s Note: Ms. Talbott-White is a longtime officer of the League of  Women Voters.]

Sorry about the short notice. Maybe you've heard about tomorrow’s event

The 14 member Independent California Citizens Redistricting Commission will hold a public input meeting at Los  Angeles City Hall, 200 N. Spring St., third floor, on Thursday evening from 6 to 9. The Commission was created by California voters to draw state Congressional, Assembly, Senate and Board of Equalization districts.

Public participation in drawing these districts is critical to ensuring that communities have the strongest voice possible to express their preferences. When voters with similar interests are drawn into a district together, their voices multiply giving them a greater opportunity to express their views, elect candidates of their choice and hold their leaders accountable.

The Commission is taking testimony from local area residents before drawing its first round of draft maps which will be released in June. Final district maps must be certified by the Commission and presented to the Secretary of State by Aug. 15.

Persons wishing to provide testimony to the Commission can learn more about how to effectively present information by going to www.wedrawthelines.ca.gov.

There'll be another hearing in Culver City, on Thursday evening, June 16, from 6 to 9, at City Hall, 9770 Culver Blvd. 

People are talking (in public) about forming five districts for the Culver City City Council, so this is especially timely.

Local district formation would trickle down from lines drawn at the congressional, state legislative, and county supervisorial district levels, and we'll certainly be impacted at all those levels.

Ms. Talbott-White may be contacted at talbwhite@yahoo.com