In a twist of political irony, a conservativeCalifornia city that voted to ban Pride flagson government buildings could soon be represented in Congress by an openly gay lawmaker.
Huntington Beach — known fordeclaring itself a “non-sanctuary city”— has been pulled into a newlyredrawn congressional district that includes Long Beach, the political base of Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia, theLos Angeles Timesreported.
The change comes afterCalifornia voters approved Prop 50, a plan toredraw congressional mapsin an effort to counter Republican-led redistricting efforts in Texas.
It was just two years ago when Huntington Beach residents approved a charter amendment that restricted what flags could be flown on city property. Many critics said the measure was aimed at preventing Pride flags from being displayed at government buildings.
The proposal passed with about 58% of the vote, according to the Orange County Registrar. However, turnout was relatively low, with only about 23% of registered voters casting ballots.
Under the rule, the city is only allowed to display a limited number of flags. These include the U.S. flag, the California state flag, the Orange County flag, the Huntington Beach city flag, and certain military or Olympic flags.
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According to the updated district map, Garcia’s 42nd congressional district still covers Long Beach, but now stretches south into Orange County. The district drops several Southeast Los Angeles County communities — including Downey and Bell Gardens — and instead adds the coastal cities of Huntington Beach and Newport Beach.
The two cities have been conservative strongholds in Orange County with significant, registered Republican majorities, bringing in more right leaning voters into the district, creating a unique political mix between liberal Long Beach and Orange County.
Paul Mitchell, a redistricting specialist who helped design the new boundaries for Democrats, acknowledged the contrast created by the map.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
