Six Californias measure headed for ballot

One California Just Isn't Enough

• Splitting California would take the state from 2 U.S. Senators to 12 Senators.
• Based on current voting patterns, the new states of Jefferson, Central California and South California might elect six GOP Senators and Governors.  The other three states might elect Democrats.

Once easily mistaken for political satire, venture capitalist Tim Draper’s “Six Californias” ballot measure to tear the Golden State asunder seems bound for the November 2016 ballot.

Draper, who has shelled out $4.9 million on his oft-mocked and maligned campaign, announced he’ll submit petition signatures for the measure Tuesday and hold a news conference in Sacramento reports the San Jose Mercury News.

“California needs a reboot,” said a news release issued Monday by his committee. “Six Californias is our opportunity to solve the many problems we face today. … Six states that are more representative and accountable. Six states that embrace innovation and strive to improve the lives of residents.”

The measure would split California into six states, each with its own government:

• Much of the Bay Area, plus Santa Cruz and Monterey counties, would become the state of Silicon Valley.
• California’s northernmost parts would become Jefferson, as some counties up there have wanted for years.
• Some North Bay counties would become part of North California.
• Stockton, Fresno and Bakersfield would be among Central California’s largest cities.
• Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara would wind up in West California.
• San Diego would anchor South California.

Silicon Valley would become the nation’s richest state while Central California would become its poorest, the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office found.

Should Northern California Secede and

Become the State of Jefferson?