Secession Effort Gains Momentum
San Bernardino County’s Secession Plans: In a bold move, San Bernardino County is considering secession from the state of California, citing frustration with the state government’s handling of its budget surplus and perceived lack of resources. The move, led by real estate developer Jeff Burum, has gained significant support from local voters, but experts warn that the feasibility of such a move is uncertain.
Burum, a self-proclaimed conservative, argues that the state government has become inefficient and wasteful, and that San Bernardino County is being deprived of its fair share of resources. He points to the state’s handling of its budget surplus two years ago, which he claims was “porked out” instead of being invested in the future.
The county’s board of supervisors has already approved a measure to put the issue to a vote, and if approved, it would be the first step towards secession. However, experts warn that the process would be lengthy and complex, and that the outcome is far from certain.
“The government doesn’t realize it’s become one of the bad actors, it’s time to speak up,” Burum said in an interview with CalMatters.
Backlash Against California’s Liberal Governance
The secession effort is not an isolated incident. In recent years, there has been a growing backlash against California’s liberal governance, with some communities pushing back against measures such as vaccine mandates and transgender rights. In Huntington Beach, for example, the city council has banned the Pride flag from City Hall and created a review panel to monitor library books.
However, not everyone is on board with the idea of secession. Attorney General Rob Bonta has sued Huntington Beach to stop its voter identification requirement, and a bill in the Legislature would prevent such requirements statewide. In March, voters in Orange and Woodland recalled school board trustees who opposed transgender inclusivity.
Uncertainty Surrounds Secession
Despite the uncertainty surrounding secession, Burum remains committed to his cause. “People are revolting because they can’t relate to the purpose of government when we were created,” he said.
As the debate continues to rage on, experts are warning that the consequences of secession could be severe. “It’s not just about breaking away from California,” said one expert. “It’s about creating a new state with its own government, infrastructure, and institutions. It’s a complex and daunting task.”
Other News and Updates
* Senator Ben Allen has introduced a resolution to remove Senate Constitutional Amendment 2 from the November ballot. The amendment would repeal Article 34 of the California Constitution, which prohibits the development of low-income rental housing without local voter approval.
* A bill that would have limited corporations from choosing who receives their online sales taxes has stalled.
* Academic workers at the University of California are set to expand their strike to three more campuses this week, bringing the total involved to six of the nine undergraduate UCs.
* Bay Area transit agencies are facing financial distress due to a lack of funding. A regional funding bill was put on hold earlier this year due to disagreements between lawmakers and transit officials.
As California continues to navigate its uncertain future, one thing is clear: the debate over secession is just beginning. Will San Bernardino County be able to break away from the rest of the state? Only time will tell.