District elections a go

On Monday (Feb. 10), the Chico City Council held a standalone meeting specifically to vote on an ordinance that establishes district-based elections in compliance with the California Voting Rights Act, which sets a strict timeline for jurisdictions making the switch from at-large elections. That vote was taken on the deadline to have the law in place and therefore avoid a lawsuit.

The panel voted 6-1, with Mayor Randall Stone dissenting, to waive the second reading of the ordinance, which will go into effect 30 days from Monday.

Its approval ended a contentious months-long process that included citizens criticizing the council for considering incumbency as a factor in determining the boundaries of the districts.

Go to tinyurl.com/ChicoDistricts to view the final map.