Saltarelli to Pitch Redistricting Plan

Supervisor Don Saltarelli will ask the Board of Supervisors today to approve a modified redistricting plan after an earlier proposal received a cool reception.

The new plan calls for the creation of a panel of three retired judges who would hold a series of public hearings on a new boundary map that Saltarelli drafted. The panel would make a final recommendation to the Board of Supervisors in May.

Saltarelli said the proposal addresses concerns from some supervisors and residents who said any reapportionment needs extensive public input.

Todd Spitzer, who was elected to the 3rd District seat in November and will take office next month, said he supports examining possible reapportionment but added that the process must include extensive public participation and consultation with cities.

Saltarelli has long criticized the current boundaries, which he said group cities with few common interests.

His proposal would move Fullerton, La Habra and Brea from District 3 to District 4. The new District 3 would take in most of Tustin, Irvine, Orange, Yorba Linda, Villa Park and the Orange foothills. Mission Viejo and Lake Forest would move from District 3 to District 5.