by Winston Chua

The California Citizens Redistricting Commission Friday issued its first proposed district maps, the result of which could drastically change the makeup of the state's 53-member delegation, one that has enjoyed relative stability since the new millennium.

If the current district map is approved, Congressman David Dreier (chairman of the Committee on Rules) would now be in a district that is predominantly Hispanic and Democratic-leaning, making his return to Congress more difficult. The new draft map isn't officially law just yet, as the final draft comes out in August 15 after input is received from the public (The final maps are to last for the 10 years beginning in 2012). But there is a chance that things will stand as they are currently drawn.

Currently, San Marino is part of Dreier's 26th district, along with surrounding cities La Crescenta, La Canada, Arcadia, Monrovia and Sierra Madre. But the new district would make San Marino a part of various other cities, including Monterey Park, Alhambra, Whittier, Walnut and Hacienda Heights.

As far as the State Senate is concerned, San Marino is currently in a district also occupied by Alhambra, Monterey Park, the southern region of South Pasadena and parts just north of Huntington Park and west of East Los Angeles. The new proposed district would make the region much more uniform, in an area more centered around East Los Angeles and Monterey Park.

The state assembly district would most resemble representation most currently in place, but would include San Marino with Arcadia, in addition to Monterey Park and Alhambra.

Currently, Pasadena is represented by Anthony Portantino in the State Assembly, part of a slew of cities related to each other in a vertical fashion that includes Arcadia, La Canada Flintridge, Altadena and South Pasadena. The new map puts Pasadena in a more horizontal orientation, incorporating cities like Burbank and Glendale instead of La Canada.

Conversely, Pasadena currently is an easternmost city in State Senate district 21. But changes could orient Pasadena as a southern city, making it part of a district that includes Altadena, Harvard Mount, Lawlor Mount and the western part of Rancho Cucamonga in a region that goes as far north as the southern part of Littlerock near the 138 freeway. La Crescenta is currently its district's northernmost city.

Pasadena is currently grouped with Altadena, Alhambra, Burbank and La Canada in  region represented by Adam Schiff. Should district changes take place, it would be in a group farther east, including cities like Walnut, Hacienda Heights and Whittier.

Legislators placed in precarious positions as a result of the new maps might be forced to move to adjacent districts containing the bulk, or at least the core, of their previous constituencies. Or they can leave.

The general consensus of the new district maps is that it heavily favors Democrats. Republican and Democratic consultants have said that the Democrats stand to gain between three to five seats in 2012 if mapping goes as planned. The commission's mission is to keep neighborhoods and ethnic groups together without any risk to current officeholders. Some Incumbents have called the new maps a debacle, while political reformers have said it is a vast improvement from a party-driven system.

Democrats have a current 33 to 19 advantage in the state's delegation.

Republicans Elton Gallegly, Gary Miller and Brian Bilbray now face a steep challenge coming back to Congress. On the Democratic side, Reps. Lois Capps, Loretta Sanchez and Jim Costa have found themselves in more vulnerable situations. Also facing more difficulties are Dan Lungren, Jeff Denham and Dennis Cardoza.

The new district proposal would put San Marino in the E. San Gabriel Valley district. The city is in state senate district 22, represented by Kevin De Leon, the new proposed district would place it in the West L.A. - San Gabriel district. In the state assembly, San Marino, Alhambra and San Gabriel are represented by Mike Eng.

Alhambra, San Gabriel and Pasadena are represented by Congressman Schiff currently. In the State Senate, Pasadena and San Gabriel are represented by Carol Liu. The 44th district city is represented by Anthony J. Portantino in the State Assembly.