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added, due to the census data, the area between downtown and the City's southern border is <br /> challenging to split. <br /> Mr. Wagaman presented the Tor 2 map. He reported it goes beyond the accepted deviations which <br /> would require District 4 to be enlarged. He noted the Tor 2 map is unlike any of the others for keeping <br /> the entire area west of Interstate 680 together from the City's northern border to its southern border. <br /> In response to Councilmember Balch, Tom Willis of Olson Remcho LLP, clarified the CVRA does not <br /> require the petitioners for these districts to show there can be a majority-minority district in the City. He <br /> explained this is why the legal threshold for the City being forced to convert to districts is so low. He <br /> clarified all the petitioners must show is racially polarized voting and it is simple to show that people of <br /> different classes or races vote differently. He clarified the nuance where the Federal Voting Rights Act <br /> focuses on whether race should be considered in drawing districts as opposed to the CVRA saying <br /> race should be considered in whether to go to districts. He confirmed for the Federal Voting Rights Act <br /> to enter into the equation, a protected class has to show it can form a majority-minority district. He <br /> advised no protected class meets this threshold in Pleasanton so race should not be a predominant <br /> factor when drawing the lines. He confirmed going forward with districting remains the best course of <br /> action. <br /> Mayor Brown opened the public hearing. <br /> Jan Batcheller reported few feel the need to divide downtown but admitted it is the prudent action. She <br /> noted all of the other maps are more confusing than the consultant's Green map which she feels is the <br /> fairest and most unbiased option. She endorsed the first map but suggested moving the dividing line <br /> from Main Street to First Street so the business district is in a single district, and moving the dividing <br /> line from Las Positas Boulevard to the parallel Arroyo Macho to keep housing intact. <br /> Sandy reported the map she submitted was not included. She advised she liked the Hall map and <br /> requested having it shown. She expressed confusion over which maps were being shown at which <br /> times while viewing the presentation. <br /> In response to Sandy, Mr. Wagaman reported not seeing her map and recommended she resubmit it. <br /> He clarified at the February 24 meeting all maps will remain under consideration but the list will be <br /> expanded based on tonight's refined direction. <br /> In response to Mayor Brown, Mr. Wagaman explained he typically would ask the City Council at this <br /> third meeting to declare maps or parts of maps they like for direction. <br /> Jarod Buna noted it is a tough position to be in. He advised the state and federal courts will provide <br /> clear guidance on how to handle the unique situation of representatives picking their voters. He <br /> commended the guidance being provided to the City Council. He urged against odd shapes to <br /> accommodate communities of interest and endorsed the Green and Purple maps. <br /> Jill Buck reported several resident-produced maps break up her Del Prado neighborhood. She <br /> commended Mr. Wagaman's maps, particularly the Green and Purple maps, for using arterial roads for <br /> boundaries. She noted the Green map's simplicity. She advised the Combs and Katz maps use <br /> residential streets for district borders and noted it can be confusing and split neighborhoods like hers. <br /> She noted Del Prado is a community of interest. She encouraged the City Council to stick to Mr. <br /> Wagaman's maps, particularly the Green followed by the Purple. <br /> Mayor Brown closed the public hearing. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 3 of 9 February 3, 2022 <br />