If California were a country, it would be the 35th most populous nation in the world; all 34 countries bigger than California have some form of state, regional or provincial government. But California's distinct, state-like regions don't have governments, or representation. That has bred frustration -- and has sparked proposals by various regions and people, many of them in inland California, to break off regions or split the state in two. Is California too big for its own good?

On Monday, October 10, 2011 Citizens in Charge Foundation will join with Californians from all over the state to celebrate the 100th Anniversary Celebration of California’s Initiative & Referendum Process. The event is free and open to the public, but RSVP to Amanda@CitizensInCharge.org is required for registration.

This event is taking place thanks to the support of sponsors:

Over two million Californians have medical debt. These residents find it difficult to access needed health care or affordable credit. Even with the passage of the Affordable Care Act, many East Bay residents will continue to struggle with medical debt that makes it harder for them to pay other bills and leads to financial and mental stress.

For more than a century, Oregon has led the country in direct democracy, with the state’s voters confronting more initiatives than other Americans. In recent years, Oregon has conducted a thorough debate over the process, and taken historic steps to build a citizen-based infrastructure for direct democracy.