We decided to answer some REP fan-mail in this newsletter. Enjoy!

“I would like to schedule a “vacation” but I’m not sure where to go or what to do? Can the REP make a suggestion?”
- Lucky

We can indeed! It’s not too early to start making plans to attend the National Legal Aid and Defender Association (NLADA) Substantive Law (Sub-Law) Conference in San Jose, CA, from July 18-21. You might be wondering, “Why is the REP promoting the NLADA Sub-Law conference?” That’s an excellent question.

This year there will be an entire track on race equity and poverty law practice (that means 8 or more sessions). While the specific “sessions” are still in the works, the REP can tell you that there will be, among others, sessions on community lawyering, GIS and data analysis, the science of discrimination, environmental justice and structural racism. The track will also feature some prominent presenters. Advocates from Boston to Sacramento are working to make this a memorable opportunity for advocates to share their experiences and learn about race equity strategies.

“The REP makes all these references to maps and data but doesn’t share any examples from its advocacy efforts. Could you stop all the talk and show us the (tofu) bacon!”
- K.C. (Team SACTO SF3 - Mathematics Consultant)

If it’s tofu bacon you want, then it’s tofu bacon that you shall get!

The REP recently created a database of Census 2000 SF3 data indexed to publicly available census map files (shp. files for the techies) available from ESRI . The database markedly decreases the time and effort needed to create maps for neighborhoods within Sacramento County. Take a look! We also recently discovered some niffty freeware that allows organizations to assemble area databases of relevant Census 2000 data in a cost effective way to be used with ArcGIS or Maptitude. Contact us to learn more.

Working with attorneys in LSNC’s Sacramento office, the REP created maps to support outreach to local high school students. The maps were designed to be simple (target audience was high schools students) and to be reproducible on a black and white copying machine. Take a look at the Del Paso Heights map and the North Highlands map.

LSNC’s Auburn Office and the REP are investigating the intersection of sub-standard housing and race in the Lake Tahoe region. The REP created a series of maps to supplement a recent site-visit. Take a look at the South Lake Tahoe map.

A REP extern, Bandana Kohli, completed a case study of the Sikh community in northern California. Her project relied heavily on census and fieldwork data and is the perfect example of how fact-based analysis should inform and support community lawyering. Take a look at excerpted graphs and charts from the case study.

“I like mapping and data but I need help with my cases. When will the REP provide web-access to litigation support materials like research memorandums and case law analysis?”
- P.L.B.

The REP hears you loud and clear! The Project is involved in several ongoing projects within LSNC’s service area. Unfortunately, due to concerns about releasing information about pending litigation etc., we are unable to post materials until well after the fact. Since the REP is fairly new, this means that we haven’t gotten to that point yet. However, you can always contact us directly and ask if we have materials on a specific subject or suggest a research project to the REP. The REP has a fascinating memo on Article III standing obstacles that residents or developers seeking to challenge a city’s actions under the FHA must overcome. Okay, we’re kidding about the fascinating part but you should contact us if you’re interested.

Recent REP Web postings:

Equal Protection Clause: Historical Meaning and Normative Function (5/4/2007)
Imus Controversy and Institutional Racism (4/20/2007)
New Demographics for the California Bar and Bench (4/19/2007)
Post-Intent Racism: A New Framework For An Old Problem (4/19/2007)
So I have a map … now what? (4/18/2007)