Could San Diego and Imperial Counties Split from California?

If one of the efforts to divide up California into smaller states became reality, San Diego and Imperial County would thrive, according to land use consultant Wayne Raffesberger.

1 minute read

July 1, 2017, 9:00 AM PDT

By wadams92101


San Diego Rail

cliff1066â„¢ / Flickr

Venture Capitalist Tim Draper purportedly spent $5 million trying to qualify a ballot initiative to divide California into six smaller states. There have been other efforts to divide the state into smaller states. And of course, there was the short lived "CalExit" movement—until it was revealed to have Russian ties. San Diego land use consultant Wayne Raffesberger is sick of condescending pontificating from the North while L.A. and the Bay Area get most of the funding. He says bring it on: 

We are already far better positioned to go it alone than most would imagine.  On the big issues — water availability, electricity, transportation, and planning, we are either already largely independent of the rest of the state, or could be within a few years.

. . . 

Imagine if our two counties formed a new state of South California, one with a  constitution that celebrates individual liberty, not special interests.  A state devoted to environmental and economic self-sustainability.  It would contain some of the most productive agricultural land in the country, the most important naval base, the best zoo and amusement parks, world-class universities, spectacular scenery, and a fantastic climate.  How special we could be.

For his full opinion, see the source article.

Tuesday, June 20, 2017 in UrbDeZine

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Two yellow and white Dallas Area Rapid Transit light rail streetcars at station in Dallas, Texas.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region

At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

April 3, 2025 - KERA News

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

Aerial view of Spanish revival style buildings with red tile roofs in downtown Santa Barbara, California.

Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land

County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.

April 9 - The Santa Barbara Independent

Green and white interstate freeway signs pointing to Hayward and San Mateo and Half Moon Bay exits in Northern California.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project

The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

April 9 - Streetsblog San Francisco

Kingsbridge Armory, large hangar-like brick building in the Bronx, New York City with brick lower floors and glass/metal curved roof..

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard

After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.

April 9 - Shelterforce Magazine