We’ve got computer programs that use GPS to locate your exact location via satellite. Computer programs that can drive cars around town. Computer programs that do everything imaginable but.... they can’t seem to write one that takes the California population and segregates it into 53 unique Congressional Districts, 40 State Senate Districts, and 80 State Assembly Districts? Where there is a will, there is a way, IMO.
Until such time as districts are computer generated, without any consideration for differences between voters, the process will be tainted and attempts will be made to gerrymander. Unfortunately, computer models would have to consider some differences in voters to comply with the Voting Rights Act as to make special consideration for minorities. While the computer model could make efforts to comply with those restrictions, it would still leave open an area for challenge.
The minority issue is rather flimsy IMO. You wind up with folks like Gloria Molina, Maxine Waters, Henry Waxman... now there’s a lofty goal.
Check out this online learning tool on the redistricting process.
The Redistricting Game
http://www.redistrictinggame.org/index.php?pg=resourceguide