The Associated Press interviewed Prof. Jack Pitney about how San Bernardino County voters approved a ballot proposal to explore seceding from California.

“A lot of Californians are unhappy in many ways,” said Prof. Jack Pitney, citing record gas prices, the rising cost of living, and real estate prices that make home ownership unattainable for many working-class families.

“The vote on secession was like smashing the china. It’s a way of getting attention but in the end it doesn’t accomplish much,” Pitney said.