Riordan Denounces Valley Secession Campaign

Mayor Richard Riordan denounced the San Fernando Valley secession movement Friday, asserting that the Valley would still be rebuilding from the 1994 Northridge earthquake if not for his efforts.

“I and others lobbied to get tens of billions of dollars from the federal government to bring the Valley back, and in fact we did,” Riordan said. “We have a lot of pride. We brought the Valley back . . . much faster than San Francisco after the Loma Prieta earthquake.”

Riordan made his remarks in Van Nuys before a state commission created last year to recommend changes in the Byzantine laws that govern secession and municipal boundary shifts.

“Those who argue that the Valley now pays to supplement services to the rest of the city are simply wrong,” Riordan said. “Valley residents make up about 35% of our population, and pay about 33% of taxes. Our tax resources are invested according to demand and need, not simply by geography.”

Proponents and opponents of secession also addressed the Commission of Local Governance for the 21st Century. It must submit a final report to the governor and the Legislature by the end of the year, and is in the process of holding a series of meetings throughout California to solicit input.