The citizens of the San Fernando Valley will soon be facing one of the most important issues in their history. With an estimated 3.6 million residents in Los Angeles, the city has more population than 25 states combined. Los Angeles is so large geographically, that the cities of St. Louis, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Pittsburgh and New York City will fit within its boundaries (see Fig a). The San Fernando Valley has 1.2 police per 1000 residents, while the rest of the city has 2.2 assigned per 1000 residents. The Los Angles City Council meetings are held downtown, more than an hour driving from many parts of the Valley, making it difficult for Valley residents to be heard. For these and many other reasons, the decision facing the residents of the San Fernando Valley is "To secede or not to secede." By examining the history, viewpoints of decision makers and citizens, and also the current status of secession, one can better understand the complexities of this issue.

The idea for the valley to secede is not a new one. The movement has roots that go back 20-25 years. In 1975, Hal Bernson, who at this time owned a blue jeans store in the Northridge Fashion Cen

Brian, Jeff S. Telephone Interview. 16 Nov. 1998.

"We have collected 186,000 signatures," that's roughly 36%. "There is overwhelming support in the valley for cityhood. Valley VOTE is not stopping here, our goal is 200,000 signatures by November 25. We will then have 15 days to verify the names, and submit them to the Los Angeles City Council. The city council will then re﷓verify the names and if we have the required 25% of registered San Fernando Valley voters, the City Council will commission LAFCO." (Compton, Gloria. Personal Interview)

Scott, Bob "Secession is the City's Only Hope." Los Angeles Times 11 Nov. 1998, home ed., sec. B: 7+

LAFCO must determine whether or not Valley City would be able survive financially based on revenues from property taxes and business licenses. LAFCO will then be required to make sure that if the Valley were to secede, that there would be no adverse effect on the City of Los Angeles Treasury. If there is a difference, Valley City would have to pay the City of Los Angeles, every year to offset the loss. If LAFCO finds that secession would not harm Valley City or Los Angeles, it would go to a citywide vote as soon as the election of November 2000.

- - -. "October 29, 1998 newsletter." http://www.valleyvote.org/102916.htm (15 Nov. 1998)

"In order to get something for our area," he observes, "we have to go downtown. That's an hour's drive to start. Then we have to convince council members from all over the city. They say, 'Why should you get something if my neighborhood doesn't?' Then you reach an impasse." (Husock, Howard, Let's Break up the big cities 4).

- - -. "July 16, 1998 newsletter." http://www.valleyvote.org/080716.htm (15 Nov. 1998)

Willon, Phil. "Valley Secession Effort's Roots Go Back to the '70's." Los Angeles Times 16 Aug. 1998, valley ed., sec. A: 1+

Some common words found in the essay are:
Los Angeles, Valley City, Fernando Valley, Angeles Times, Valley VOTE, Valley Residents, City Council, Valley VOTE's, Jeff Brian, los angeles, Chairman VICA, nov 1998, san fernando, fernando valley, san fernando valley, valley vote, los angeles times, valley city, city council, city los, angeles times, ed sec, city los angeles, nov 1998 -, valley ed sec,
Approximate Word count = 1622
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)