West Valley Water District Selects Redistricting Firm, Announces Public Hearings for Redistricting

West Valley Water District Selects Redistricting Firm, Announces Public Hearings for Redistricting

RIALTO, CA — West Valley Water District’s (WVWD) board of directors has selected Lucien Partners, a top redistricting firm with a reputation for exceptional transparency and public outreach, to conduct WVWD’s decennial redistricting by redrawing the water district’s electoral boundaries while ensuring both transparency and the incorporation of stakeholder preferences in this delicate process. Furthermore, in accordance with its mission to optimize transparency and citizen engagement — especially during the deeply consequential redistricting process that will help determine representation in WVWD elections — WVWD will be holding five public hearings across the water district to provide citizens with an opportunity to provide input on and understand the redistricting process, in addition to any comments submitted via email. 

“Transparency, access and fairness are our top priorities in the redistricting process,” said WVWD Board President Channing Hawkins. “Our board has full faith and confidence in Lucien Partners to deliver the equitable, accountable and accessible redistricting our ratepayers and voters deserve.”

Lucien Partners, chosen among five firms that submitted bids and only three with the qualifications to advance to the board selection round, was selected for its track record of not only going above and beyond California’s strict transparency requirements but also having never had one of its redistricting plans overturned by legal challenge, a testament to the rigor and inclusivity of its redistricting process. Additionally, among the qualified firms considered by the board of directors, Lucien Partners brought forth the strongest value proposition, offering contracted services for an economical flat fee and is a certified minority business enterprise.

“Lucien Partner’s record of adhering to and surpassing California’s strict transparency requirements while remaining on budget and on schedule were key to this firm’s selection,” said WVWD Director Dr. Michael Taylor. “We’re excited for an honest, efficient redistricting process that ensures all voices in our water district will have the chance to be heard.”  

Moreover, to maximize public participation in and understanding of its redistricting efforts, WVWD is hosting five public redistricting meetings across WVWD. At these public meetings, WVWD and its redistricting consultants will present an overview of the redistricting process, legal considerations, outreach efforts, a public access plan and a redistricting timeline.

The first meeting will took place on October 26 at 6:00 PM at the Jessie Turner Community Center at 15556 Summit Avenue in Fontana. The second meeting took place on October 28 at 6:00 PM at The Bridge Church at 9904 Bloomington Avenue in Fontana.

The third meeting will take place on November 1 at 6:00 PM at Mimi’s Cafe at 16933 Sierra Lakes Parkway in Fontana. The fourth meeting will take place on November 2 at 6:00 PM at Corky’s Kitchen and Bakery at 2019 N. Riverside Avenue in Rialto. The fifth meeting will take place on November 3 at 6:00 PM at the Oliver P. Roemer Water Filtration Facility at 3010 N. Cedar Avenue in Rialto.

Any members of the public who would like to sign up to speak at these hearings or submit written comments on communities of interest that should be considered during redistricting should contact WVWD by sending an email to the board secretary via peggy@wvwd.org. Should one be unable to make any of the public hearings, written comments sent to the email above will still be compiled and considered by the board even after the public hearings are complete. However, it should be noted the suggested deadline to submit communities of interest input is November 5, 2021.

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The West Valley Water District has proudly served the communities of Bloomington, Colton, Fontana, Rialto, San Bernardino, and Jurupa Valley since 1952. Through name changes and consolidation, the mission has always remained the same: to provide customers with safe, high quality, and reliable water service at a reasonable rate and in a sustainable manner. The District provides water for 83,000 customers and is overseen by a five-member, publicly-elected Board of Directors.