The Rap on This Map

Redistricting Will Fix Everything in California - Except For Its Problems

Goodbye, polarized California. Hello, moderation and good governance. The first batch of maps is out, and the reviews are in. “A triumph for citizens” raves the Los Angeles Times. “Redistricting panel gets first draft right” is the verdict of the Sacramento Bee.

We speak here of the fruits of an entity called the Citizens Redistricting Commission. The CRC was voted into existence in 2008, when Californians passed Proposition 11, which was later enhanced by yet another ballot initiative, Proposition 20. These measures put the responsibility for drawing legislative and congressional …