What District Are You In?

With the election just two months away, many people are finally turning their attention to the local elections that in many ways have a more immediate impact on their lives than the national races.

But in the Sonoma Valley, the question isn't so much "Who to vote for?" as "What district am I in?" As a result of the 2010 census, and a 2008 state-wide proposition (Prop. 11), all state and federal election districts have been redrawn, in an often contentious and politically charged process.

According to an article last year on Patch, "Proposition 11 gave the Commission the authority to draw the new district lines on the electoral maps for the Assembly, State Senate and Board of Equalization. In November 2010, voters voted to have the Commission draw the congressional lines, too."

The result was brought home in the June election, when the so-called "Sonoma Valley" seat on the County Board of Supervisors between two Santa Rosa city councilmembers. Valley resident Gina Cuclis of Boyes Hot Springs came in third, literally out of the running behind and and .

Especially in the state legislative offices, the Sonoma City / Sonoma Valley split remains a source of confusion for area residents as they evaluate their candidates for office. The maps accompanying this article show that both State Assembly and State Senate district bisect Sonoma Valley, with the Springs, Glen Ellen and Kenwood in one district, and the Town of Sonoma in another.

Later this week we will be publishing a list of candidates with their positions and statements on certain issues. Look to Patch for more Sonoma Valley election coverage.