With the results of the 2010 census now in, residents of Santa Cruz County could see redistricting here to reflect shifting population centers. The Board of Supervisors district that would see the greatest change is District 4, represented by Greg Caput, which includes Watsonville. With the growth in population over the past few years, that district should shrink geographically, with some of its outlying areas being attached to neighboring districts.
With the results of the 2010 census now in, residents of Santa Cruz County could see redistricting here to reflect shifting population centers. The Board of Supervisors district that would see the greatest change is District 4, represented by Greg Caput, which includes Watsonville. With the growth in population over the past few years, that district should shrink geographically, with some of its outlying areas being attached to neighboring districts. Another district that could see a radical change is Supervisor John Leopold’s District 1. It has seen its population drop by 3,500 people, so it will be expanded geographically. The average population per district, according to the new census results, is 52,500.
State districting will also be impacted by the census results, though this will be more complicated. A 14-member Citizens Redistricting Commission is tasked with redrawing state Assembly and Senate districts this year, in accordance with a 2008 law approved by voters. Last year voters decided to have the commission handle the redrawing of congressional districts as well. Read more at the Santa Cruz Sentinel and the League of Women Voters.
