SF Valley Secessionists Gain Victory

With the Counsel's decision, there is a much greater likelihood of getting secession on the ballot for a vote in 2002 because the LAFCO will draft and choose a number of varying proposals instead of only one. Of particular importance, the Counsel also decided that the LAFCO has the authority to decide water rights. Many Los Angeles city officials feel that these rights should be retained by the city because it owned the rights before the Valley joined Los Angeles. Although the study being conducted by the LAFCO is at least two months delayed, Executive Officer Larry Calemine feels confident the delay will not prohibit the proposal from appearing on the ballot in 2002.