FWIW, the guys at Swing State Project made a fair map of California (compact districts, communities of interest, etc). While no Democrat was endangered by such a map (even though their districts became less Democratic), 4-5 Republicans suddenly found themselves in unfriendly or swing districts. So Trende's assumption that fair redistricting in California will favor Republicans doesn't seem to be true.
The state has become so heavily Democratic that even a neutral map might bring significant Dem gains.
Which proves, what, that the Democrats at Swing State Project can still gerrymander a "fair" map?
