Valley Secession Group Begins Petition Drive

Calling the day historic, leaders of a San Fernando Valley group launched a petition drive Saturday that if successful would complete the first step toward political autonomy for the region.

Meeting in Lake Balboa Park in Encino, 45 people showed up to volunteer for the drive, organized by Valley Vote. Leaders were upbeat, saying they have yet to encounter opposition.

“There is absolutely no resistance to people signing this,� said Valley Vote member Tony Pasano. “Nobody says ‘No.’ It’s incredible.�

During the three-hour event, Valley Vote members tried to coax several park-goers, including a few wearing bike shorts and in-line skates, to stop and sign.

Jan Leegard, a Tarzana resident who was skating past when she was asked to sign, said she supports the idea of a separate city in the Valley.

“I think the Valley should have its own government that will allow this community to invest in itself,� she said.

Others who showed up to support the effort said they read about the event in the newspapers. A few people grabbed stacks of petitions, which they promised to circulate.

Valley Vote Chairman Richard Close was not disheartened by the small turnout, saying the event was simply ceremonial, and predicting that 4,000 volunteers are ready to begin in earnest on Tuesday.

If the group collects 135,000 signatures--25% of the registered voters in the Valley--the Local Agency Formation Commission would then study the impact of a Valley political secession.