Valley Secession Gets Support of 6 Business Groups

The campaign for San Fernando Valley secession said Thursday it has won the support of a half-dozen business organizations, but the breakup effort is expected to suffer a setback today when more than 20 African American leaders come out against splitting Los Angeles.

Valley cityhood also was endorsed Thursday by the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Assn. The association’s president, Richard Close, is head of the secession group Valley VOTE.

“Clearly, there is momentum,” Close said, adding that the association represents 2,700 families. “Now that we have all the facts, groups throughout the Valley are reviewing [secession], and I think most will endorse it.”

Valley VOTE released a list of supporters Thursday that included chambers of commerce in Chatsworth / Porter Ranch, Encino, Northridge, Canoga Park / West Hills and Agoura.

Also on the list is the San Fernando Valley Business and Professional Assn.

“The Chatsworth community has long been frustrated with our current representation from downtown because they are not taking care of our local priorities,” said Allen Glazer, president of the Chatsworth / Porter Ranch chamber of commerce.

The secessionists have worked hard to get the backing of prominent African Americans, but with little success.

Today, Assembly Speaker Herb Wesson (D-Culver City) and Geraldine Washington, president of the L.A. chapter of the National Assn. for the Advancement of Colored People, are among those scheduled to hold a news conference to announce their opposition to secession. Others include the Rev. Cecil “Chip” Murray and the Rev. Leonard Jackson, pastor and associate pastor, respectively, of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Secession, said Jackson, “would erode our tax base.”

Secession measures for the Valley and Hollywood will be on the Nov. 5 ballot.

Hollywood secessionists said Thursday they have crafted a plan, with the help of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, to create seven council districts in a new Hollywood city within two years if the secession measure is approved.

“We are delighted that MALDEF assisted us in creating these districts,” Hollywood secession leader Gene La Pietra said.

MALDEF had opposed a plan for at-large elections, saying it would dilute Latino voter strength.