The latest 17^th District redistricting map has been released. It’s called a “visualization” rather than draft.

Perhaps because draft sounds so final. Like a nail in a political coffin.

On July 14 the California Citizens Redistricting Commission will release an official second draft of redistricting maps. Until then, “redistricting-philes” will have to satisfy themselves with updates called “visualizations” and parse their meanings like tea leaves at the bottom of a china cup.

The latest “visualization” features what would be considered the 17^th Senate District currently represented by Sharon Runner.

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A Runner aide was quick to point out that the maps aren’t released with numbers indicating particular districts. Common sense would suggest the districts wouldn’t change so drastically as to not be recognizable. The roughly drawn maps also lead to speculation as to what cities are in one district and which are in another, not to mention which streets and neighborhoods.

For example, under the new “visualization” for the supposed 17^th district Palmdale seems to be cut in half. Lancaster might be divided between districts as well. The maps are vague, perhaps purposely so.

What’s clear is that Malibu is no longer on the “17^th District” map. No, it hasn’t fallen into the ocean, it just won’t be included in the same district as Santa Clarita.

On the first draft map, State Senator Runner’s home wasn’t included in her own district. Now, that seems to have changed. That is, if you can decipher the fat blue lines. Runner’s aide once again cautioned that the CRC line drawers do not consider the location of an office holder’s home when drawing maps.

(Runner was unavailable for comment on the changes by news time.)

There is now less than a week before the second draft maps are due, and final district maps must be certified by the CRC and presented to the Secretary of State by August 15.

Could there be more changes?

“Stay tuned,” was the word from CRC spokesperson Rob Wilcox.

Until then, just visualize.

To see the latest visualizations click here.