Press Release: SACRAMENTO, CA (Feb. 25, 2021) —Today, the 2020 California Citizens Redistricting Commission (Commission) confirmed Interim Executive Director Álvaro E. Hernández as its permanent Executive Director. Mr. Hernandez becomes the first Latino to serve in this post in a state where 40% of the population is Latino. The announcement was made upon reconvening from a closed session.
“The Commission is thrilled to announce the hiring of Álvaro E. Hernández as its permanent Executive Director,” stated Chair Pedro Toledo. “Mr. Hernández’ promotion recognizes the Commission’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Mr. Hernández created the comprehensive outreach plan immediately upon his hiring–a plan that will guide the Commission’s work as we seek to engage every corner of California in the redistricting process.”
Prior to joining the Commission, Mr. Hernández served as Manager of the California Franchise Tax Board’s (FTB) Education and Outreach Section in the Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate’s Office and was previously the Small Business Liaison for many years. He coordinated the development and information outreach for the small business community to assist with their income tax responsibilities as well as shared FTB services and resources available to them. He also served as the department’s spokesperson for Spanish-language media.
“I’d like to thank the commissioners for entrusting me to lead them to the finish line. We have a solid outreach plan to engage all Californians in the redistricting process and a Commission that is focused on diversity and inclusion throughout the process,” stated Executive Director Álvaro E. Hernández. “In a state like California, we must recognize that there is not a one size fits all solution to engagement. We will rely upon those trusted messengers in the community that engaged Californians with the census. I am a proud Sacramento kid with a passion to serve.”
History and Mandate of the California Citizens Redistricting Commission:
Every 10 years, after the federal government publishes updated census information, California must redraw the boundaries of its electoral districts so that the state’s population is evenly allocated among the new districts.
In 2008, California voters passed the Voters First Act, authorizing the creation of the independent California Citizens Redistricting Commission to draw new State Senate, State Assembly, and State Board of Equalization district lines. In 2010, the Voters First Act for Congress gave the Commission the responsibility of drawing new Congressional districts following every census.
For more information, please visit WeDrawTheLinesCA.org.
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California Citizens Redistricting Commission
http://www.wedrawthelinesca.org/
