Council Gives Secessionists More Time to Prepare Drive

The Los Angeles City Council, setting aside a bitter internal feud over the political future of the San Fernando Valley, voted unanimously Tuesday to help Valley activists gain more time to petition for a study and possible vote on secession.

Members expressed outrage over how city officials at the Van Nuys Airport illegally banned petition gatherers from Valley VOTE, the group collecting signatures for the study, from the widely attended air show on July 18 and 19.

“It’s a sad commentary because it shows there is very little understanding of the 1st Amendment by the average American,” said council member Jackie Goldberg, an opponent of Valley secession.

The proposal, approved 14 to 0, was sponsored by council member Laura Chick of the West Valley, who does not support secession but said the city must make amends for violating the rights of Valley VOTE volunteers.

“This was not about secession, it was about righting a wrong,” Chick said. “We have to send a message that the city of Los Angeles respects the democratic process and constitutional rights, and we’re not going to allow the interference of those rights.”

The council directed the city attorney’s office to assist leaders of Valley VOTE if they file a court action seeking a 30-day extension for the petition drive.

However, legal assistance from the city is contingent on assurances by Valley VOTE leaders that they will not sue the city over the incident at Van Nuys Airport.