This article published by The Sacramento Bee is written by Cynthia Dai and Jodie P. Filkins. Here is an excerpt:

In November 2008, Californians took a bold step to eliminate partisan gerrymandering and foster a stronger democracy by establishing an independent citizens commission.

The Voters First Act stripped the power of redistricting away from self-interested politicians, putting citizens free from conflicts of interest in charge and moving the decision-making process from behind closed doors into an open forum in collaboration with the public.

Ten years ago, we had the honor of leading that process as members of the inaugural California Citizens Redistricting Commission. Despite our different partisan affiliations, we conducted the redistricting process in a fair, accessible and, above all else, transparent way. 

Read the full article here. Also see related Democracy Chronicles articles like those on Redistricting, Election History, or even seen our section on American Democracy.