16% of the San Diego population is Asian Pacific Islander, that's over 200,000 APAs, yet we have NO representation in the city. It has been over 50 years since the last and only time an Asian Pacific American was ever elected to City Council. This is why we need to let the Redistricting Commission know we want an Asian-influenced district that will represent our community NOW as districts are being drawn! By having a district with a high percentage of Asian Pacific Americans, our community will have greater voting power and can then truly influence policies that affect our community. The Asian & Pacific American Coalition of San Diego, a grassroots volunteer group, supports a map that would empower APAs at 36%(!) with the most fair consideration to other communities of interest such as the Hispanic, African-American and LGBT communities. Other maps have been proposed, but they do not give high priority to the APA community at all. It is the LAW that communities of interest be fairly represented! Please join us in this effort to make sure the APA voice is heard and counted by the Redistricting Commission by signing this petition and urging your friends and family to do the same. Our goal is 1000 signatures by August 8, 2011. We, the undersigned residents of the City of San Diego, urge the Commission to adopt the District map supported by the Asian & Pacific American Coalition by creating the first ever Asian Pacific American influenced district uniting the voting blocks and the communities of interest, especially Rancho Penasquitos with Mira Mesa, Miramar Base and west Kearny Mesa.