Panel Votes to Oppose Bill on Secession

Setting the stage for a debate over the San Fernando Valley’s right of self-determination, a Los Angeles City Council committee voted Tuesday to oppose a bill that would make it easier for the Valley to secede.

The Intergovernmental Relations Committee recommended that the entire council oppose the bill and send that message to state legislators before they vote on it sometime in the next few weeks.

The entire City Council is expected to take a position Tuesday on the bill by Assemblywoman Paula Boland (R-Granada Hills).

Although the legislation simply gives Valley residents more power by stripping the council of the ability to veto a secession vote, the panel focused on how a secession would affect the Valley and the city.

Council members John Ferraro, Jackie Goldberg and Mike Hernandez said the bill raises questions about who would retain control of the city’s water system, police stations and parks if a secession were approved.

Ronald Deaton, the city’s chief legislative analyst, urged the panel to oppose the bill, saying there are no answers to many of these questions.

“Obviously, I’m not enthusiastic about this bill,” he told the panel.

In addition to those questions, Deaton said secession raises questions about how to split up the debt owed by the city, including payments for bonds used to retrofit earthquake-damaged City Hall.

“I don’t think the Valley would want to continue paying for that,” he said.

At least five council members have indicated they would support the bill, saying Valley residents should at least have the right to vote on secession.