Dear Diane Zimmerman (Oct. 29 letter):
“New California” may exist in your heart and mind, but the odds of splitting California into two states are insurmountable. The “New California” movement has no legal standing. Article IV, Section 3, Clause 1 of the U.S. Constitution clearly states: “No new state shall be formed or erected within the jurisdiction of any other state … without the consent of the legislatures of the states concerned as well as of the Congress.” In other words, creating “New California” would require approval from both Congress and the California Legislature.
It’s hard to see what incentive the Democrat-controlled Legislature would have to divide the state — and even Republican members of Congress would hesitate. They know that opening the door to a new state could, one day, lead to statehood for Washington, D.C., or Puerto Rico — both of which would likely strengthen Democratic representation in national offices. The current structure of the Electoral College and the Senate favors Republicans. Why tempt fate?
Even if the constitutional barrier could somehow be overcome, the logistical hurdles are enormous. Dividing water rights, highways, universities, pension systems, law enforcement, and courts, to name a few, would be a bureaucratic nightmare. And yes — “New California” would need its own DMV. Imagine starting that from scratch!
Philip Wasserman
Stevenson Ranch
