As discussed at length in previous editions of the Redwood Needles, a small group of extremists has come up with a seriously bad idea: they want a group of northern California counties to secede from the state and set up a new (impoverished and underserved) “State of Jefferson.” The Sierra Club strongly opposes this effort, which among other defects is specifically targeting California’s landmark environmental laws
Although most of the controversy is taking place in northeastern California within the boundaries of the Mother Lode Chapter, proponents recently sponsored a (poorly attended) “town hall” meeting in Mendocino County, and are also targeting Humboldt and Trinity. Next year Lake Group expects to play a leading role inthis political firestorm, with the Board of Supervisors having declared their intention to place an advisory vote on the November 2016 ballot.
In the meantime it is reassuring to learn that on April 7 concerned citizens from throughout the region met in Redding to form a new multi-county, non-partisan political action committee to represent the interests of residents who oppose separation from California and the formation of a new state.
“Keep It California is forming local coordinating committees in every county where State of Jefferson proponents are active and has volunteers in 20 counties building these committees to monitor and respond to any incursions by Jefferson proponents,” stated Vice Chair Kevin Hendrick. “Keep It California will provide material and financial assistance to these local efforts.” Hendrick was the director of the June 2014 Keep It California campaign in Del Norte County, a campaign which defeated a resolution of support for the proposed “State of Jefferson” by a 58/42 percent majority. Keep It California will encourage local agencies to evaluate the financial risks and uncertainties of this extremely ill-advised proposal and will inform voters and elected officials of the disastrous consequences of separating from California.
To learn more about these issues, and to donate, volunteer, and endorse the Keep It California campaign, visit KeepItCalifornia.org and the organization’s Facebook page, facebook.com/KeepItCalifornia
by Victoria Brandon, Redwood Chapter Chair