An article about redistricting in the San Jose (CA) Mercury News (12/28/25) stated that District 1 residents “feel underappreciated and misunderstood by the liberal Democrats who run California.”
One farmer was quoted: “People in the cities don't have a clue what it takes to survive out here.” Another resident said she was “scared” by the thought of being represented by a Bay Area Californian. Congressman LaMalfa (R.I.P.) was quoted as saying that California city-dwellers don't appreciate the crops grown by farmers, but instead support salmon protections and pollution regulations.
I'd like to say that California would work better if we pulled together instead of splitting apart. Many Californians and other Americans abhor redistricting but feel forced to do so in response to gerrymandering in other states.
Californians, and people around the US and the world, are quite aware that much of their food comes from California farms. The CA Farm Bureau (californiabountiful.com) does a good job of educating consumers and providing statistics about the crucial role CA plays in feeding the world. (According to Smithsonian, CA farms produce half of America's vegetables and ¾ of its fruit and nuts.) Consumers want food that is not polluted spect and gratitude for the people who grow, harvest and deliver our excellent, high-quality food.
One Orland farmer inferred that North State citizens would lose interest in voting because of the redistricting. No citizen should give up their right to vote! It's one of our most important rights and one of the only ways we can govern ourselves equitably. To quote Senator McGuire, the best way is to “keep showing up, build trust, and deliver.” And as the article states, even a Democratic win in District 1 would not eliminate a Republican majority in city, county and State government bodies.
We are all Americans, currently mired in a lot of nasty politics that makes us all worry about our future strength as a nation. Our agricultural power is an advantage. A State of Jefferson would not make the North State stronger or more powerful. Together we are better.
In solidarity, and thank you for listening.
Susan Shankle
Citizen, Taxpayer and Voter
San Mateo, CA
