California needs to be split into three states. The state was only to be allowed to be as big as it was because it was sparsely populated. With an economy that would be 7th in the world if California was a stand alone country it’s ridiculous that its large mass and huge population is represented by only two US Senators, neither of whom represent the interests of the state as a whole.
The State is also ungovernable as a State of this size with such a large population. It’s more of a country than a State by any measure – and a poorly run one, at that.
Every so often the populace discusses cutting the State in half and making two States. I’ve thought about this and cannot see any logical place to split the state in two, but can see a good argument for splitting the State into three or even more states. The average state in the USA has a population of around 6 million. California has 36 million. It is simply unmanageable and will only get worse.
First of all there are numerous political sub-cultures in California that are so distinctive that they should be separated and given statehood. These areas seldom communicate and rarely see themselves as connected to the other part. Based on dividing the state into just 3 states, they are as follows:
Northern California – This would be a state almost the size of Oregon with similar features and cities. The State begins north of Sacramento with a boundary from Pt. Arena on the west and Lake Tahoe on the east. The suggested Capital would be Eureka or Redding. There is little psychological connection between these folks and the rest of California and their needs are under-represented because of this. The area is massive, yet there is not one University of California campus. It would do better for itself as its own State.
California – The could also be called Central California and it consists of the middle of the State south of Pt. Arena down to just South of Big Sur. From there it cuts across keeping Los Banos while relinquishing Fresno, which people from this area think of as in Southern California. The Capital would remain Sacramento. The University of California, per se is in this area.
Southern California – This includes the entire rest of the State and constitutes the largest land mass. It would still be one of the largest states in the union. There is already a University of Southern California, which is convenient. The placement of the Capital is problematic and the candidates would include: Los Angeles, Pasadena and San Diego — although an even more neutral location such as Riverside or Santa Ana might work too.
Now to find a way to make this happen.
related links: older comments regarding this idea.
Desire to create a State called Jefferson using parts of Oregon and California.
Having grown up in California and now living in Texas I would go along with this plan as long as the number of U.S.Senators are not increased to six.
It makes perfect sense, thus it will never happen.
The Democrats would never allow this. As it is now they have a solid 55 electoral votes in every Presidential election no matter the candidate.
California is the 5th largest economy based on GDP and can be a country unto itself. Can’t have that.
I’d be happier if it were its own country with a UN seat and foreign goodwill. That we we could keep our natural resources. Why can’t Californians benefit, for example, from our own oil?
CA can split if Rhode Island and Connecticut merge.
6,
California/LA /San Fran and NYC are ostensibly the foreign face of the country USA.
As for your resources, what makes you think being a “nation” lets you keep it? Canada gives 4/5ths of its oil the US because you’re so awesome.
#6:
“Why can’t Californians benefit, for example, from our own oil?”
You think Cali-as-a-nation would drill for oil? Goofball greenies would put the kibosh on that real quick.
Your only hope for yanking that shit out of the ground is when the rest of the country starts demanding it (eventually.)
#8:
“Canada gives 4/5ths of its oil the US because you’re so awesome.”
Yeah but like, we give them money for it. It’s called commerce.
10
“Yeah but like, we give them money for it. It’s called commerce.”
The one thing, and ONLY thing I hate about the Internet, is sarcasm is very hard to portray effectively.
What I was alluding to is that California would “own” their oil but still sell it since it makes money. Oh well…
#6 “I’d be happier if it were its own country with a UN seat and foreign goodwill. That we we could keep our natural resources. Why can’t Californians benefit, for example, from our own oil?”
What would they do with it besides sell it like they do now? Doesn’t the People’s Republic of California buy most of its power from out of state since they don’t want to burn oil or build nuclear plants in state?
California is a perfect example of why state governments should be more limited.
California Uber Alles
California Uber Alles
Uber Alles California
Uber Alles California
sorry this division will never happen
Then Texas, New York and Florida will want to divide.
Hmm, distinct culture and political leanings, the want to rely on its own natural resources…this sounds vaguely familiar to my Canadian ears…
Well, best of luck, just be prepared to accept the fact it won’t happen in our lifetime.
i say LET CALIFORNIA GO BANKRUPT! then split them into a ‘good california’ and a ‘bad california’, selling off the ‘bad california’ to whatever sheik or chinaman that wants it. it’s worked before, right?? RIGHT??
# 6 Dvorak – I see more brownouts in your future. Better get solar, cause I think you know you’re in the minority in California 😉
California is no longer sustainable as a state because of its inhabitants who chose idiot representatives and allowed equally idiotic laws and regulations. I say – no splitting or related benefits. Live with what you have cooked up for yourselves.
just sell it off to China?
International banks would love to get their hands on a balkanized North America.
Size matters.
First, it’s a stupid idea that will never happen but naturally this what Americans like to spend their time on…
As long as California is not repartitioned to give the GOP more seats, I’m OK with it.
This trick was done in Texas where the GOP mob in power redistricted communities. The objective was to prevent liberal and forward thinking communities from representation in government by combining them with nearby conservative, yahoo communities.
I’m up on that trick.
Utter crap.
Dividing California will only lead to more government and even less efficiency.
California is doing just fine.
#20
Its called gerrymandering. The Whigs and Democratic-Republicans were doing it in the early 1800’s. The GOP does it in Texas, the Dem’s do it in California, etc.
I don’t think its right, but since everyone does it I don’t think it has much of an effect.
#22 Yep. That;s the name – thanks
While we’re at it, instead of “Southern California”, just call it “Northern Mexico” and let it secede. That will end the illegal immigration problem.
Never happen because it would upset the Missouri Compromise. I will be leaving California soon, and will fart in it’s direction as I go. This is one fucked up state. With the defeat of AB357, I have had it.
#21 – “Just fine”? What the hell have you been smoking? Let’s see… 49th in credit rating, 49th in education, completely over extended financially, prisoners being released because we can’t pay for their baloney sandwiches, etc, etc.
You are one liberal in complete denial.
#18 – Mr Anderson said – just sell it off to China?
Make sure to dig a wide ditch around it. We don’t want any illegal JCDs coming across…
It doesn’t matter because soon the big one will hit and SoCal will slip into the ocean or become a new mountain range.
No. Just cut it in half, then kick out Texas. That way we still have 50 states.
Well if we’re going to change things around abit why don’t we: 1) Divide Calif. into 3rds as suggested, but I’d make Southern Calif. a bit smaller. Then SELL Southern Calif. to Mexico. And while were at it, SELL Hawaii to Japan.
We end up with a ‘solved’ immigration problem in both regions. A hugh influx of cash to pay down this astronomical debt that’s been created in the last 6 months …
And
We wouldn’t have to change any American flag cause there’d still be 50 states.
Damn that pesky Constitution though.