SCOTUS Denied Yakima Valley Redistricting Case
Yakima Valley????
Whoa! Actually, I lived in this region for four years - from 2012 to 2016.
Last Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) refused to block Washington State maps, ousting Central Washington’s first Latina senator (Sen. Nikki Torres, R-Pasco.)
Well, where is Yakama Valley? It is a region between Naches and Benton City in Central Washington. See the map below. I lived in the City of Yakima for two years - from 2012 to 2014, and then two years - from 2014 to 2016 - in Kennewick, adjacent to Benton City.
Imagine that this valley has more than 90 wineries in 70 short miles. Click the wineries map.
Back to the redistricting case. After reading several news sources, I can see that the SCOTUS declined to block the new Washington State legislative map drawn by the Washington Redistricting Commission. The new map created legislative districts for more Latino voters to elect candidates of their choice, but also could unseat the first Republican Latina state senator, Nikki Torres of Pasco. So, I am handed off on this matter.
I don’t know Nikki, but I know Autumn Torres of Yakima.
These news sources often mention “Latino voters” and “Hispanic voters.” In my eyes, I could say that 95% of these mentioned voters in Yakima Valley are Mexicans. Of course, it is sad to tell you that the Mexicans moving to the Valley are really hard workers in the agriculture fields, especially grapes, apples, and hops, but their children have adopted the American ways. Too bad!
THE YAKIMA VALLEY GROWS…(as of Feb. 26, 2019)
70% of the nation's apples.
42 % of the nation's pears.
38% of the nation's concord grapes.
75% of the nation's hops (20 % of the world's supply of hops)
50% of Washington State's mint and spearmint.
50% of Washington State's wine grapes.
Hops? I will write an issue about hops later. I had never heard of hops until my arrival there.
Imagine I wore a heavy winter jacket only five times in three winters in the Valley - of course, I wore it at the ski areas while skiing. It was blessed with 300 days of sunshine each year and low humidity.
Keep looking at my coming issues about Yakima Valley.
Thanks for reading.