A front page story in the LA Times Monday detailed mounting unrest in the city of Needles, prompting some residents to suggest seceding to Nevada or Arizona, just over the Colorado River.
Needles, the pastoral home of Snoopy's cousin Spike (pictured at left), rests over 220 miles from the San Bernardino County seat. It is years of neglect -- real or perceived -- from the county that has Needles residents crying foul. One council member quoted in the piece laments: "Have you been downtown? It's like little Hiroshima. It's HiroNeedles."
Secession to neighboring state is a tall order (the U.S. Congress would have to approve), but the clear traction around the idea says enough about the city's struggle to survive. Situated along historic Route 66, Needles has watched nearby cities across the border boom with new development, casinos and other enticements.
Read the full Times story here.