Valley Secession and Water Rights

Antonio Rossmann (Commentary, May 21) attempts to teach the history of the San Fernando Valley, primarily in regard to water rights. However, he fails to point out a primary portion of the facts. Simply, the city of Los Angeles made a deal for the water rights under the Valley, informed Valley residents that they could not use their well water anymore and basically said, “Join us or suffer.” The few Valley residents at the time, mostly farmers, were forced to join the city or risk losing everything.

As it stands today, Valley residents are charged unfairly for their water and sewer service. The Valley has a lower population density than the city, much of the water that is used by the Valley is used for watering lawns or landscaping, and much of that is returned through the soil to the water table. Related to this are sewer rates. Water returned to the water table is not put into the sewer system. Yet Valley residents are charged sewer rates based on water usage.

As to the idea that if the Valley should secede, it should pay the city for its infrastructure: This ignores the fact that the Valley has paid more than its fair share of taxes for decades and in fact, the Valley has more than paid for its infrastructure. What many of the opponents of Valley secession fear is that they will be forced to pay their fair share.

ROBERT AITCHISON

Sherman Oaks

* Regarding a bill that would make it easier for the San Fernando Valley to secede from Los Angeles, The Times has it wrong when it states that I am “against secession and for the measure” (editorial, May 16). I have never said that I oppose secession.

To set the record straight let me reiterate my position. I support AB 2043 (Boland) because it grants equality to all people regardless of their geography.

On the issue of a secession movement, I intend to follow the lead of my constituents. If they say they want to secede from the city, then I could become an advocate for secession. And if the Valley isn’t treated equitably, I may become an advocate for secession.

HAL BERNSON

Councilman, 12th District