Why So Many Counties, California?

As California implements High Fidelity Wraparound in all of California’s counties and with community-based contracted providers, a question has been coming up: “Why so many counties, California?”

A Growing History

California has 58 counties due to its large size, geographic diversity and historical growth patterns. The state’s boundaries were set in the mid-19th century, and its population and territory expanded rapidly, leading to repeated subdivision of existing counties.

The history of California’s counties began with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, which ended the Mexican-American War and ceded California to the United States. Following this, California’s first constitutional convention was held in 1849, where delegates from various districts proposed the formation of counties. On Jan. 4, 1850, the first 18 counties were recommended, and by Feb. 18, 1850, the state was officially divided into 27 counties, including Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco.

Over the next century, new counties were created through subdivision as populations and settlements grew. By 1860, 16 more counties were added. By 1893, 14 more counties had been added, and the last county, Imperial County, was established in 1907.

58 Counties, 10 Principles, 1 California

There are four general regions in California—Northern, Bay Area, Central and Southern—each of which could be said to represent specific examples of the 10 Wraparound principles through their beauty, identity and diversity:

• Rural—California’s rural counties range from forested and mountainous landscapes to coastal areas, desert regions, farmlands and vineyards. They also contain some of the world’s most scenic and breathtaking recreational opportunities. Rural counties are especially gifted in the 10 principles of Persistent and Community-Based, while honoring all the other principles.
• Bay Area—The region’s heart is San Francisco Bay, a sprawling, shallow estuary fed by the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers. This geographic feature is the centerpiece of the area, providing both a stunning backdrop and a vital ecological habitat. The Bay Area’s geography is diverse, ranging from the urban skyline of San Francisco to the rolling hills of Sonoma and Napa’s Wine Country, the tech hubs of Silicon Valley and the picturesque shores of the Pacific Ocean. Bay Area counties are especially gifted in Culturally Respectful and Relevant and Outcomes-Based, while honoring all 10 principles.
• Central—Central California—with its stunning Pacific coastline, rolling vineyards and farmlands, and towering hills—has no shortage of things to do. This region offers outdoor activities, cultural experiences and opportunities to relax on the beach. The Central counties’ vast gifts showcase the principles of Collaboration and Persistent, while honoring all 10 principles.
• Southern—Southern California’s history is marked by Indigenous heritage, Spanish and Mexican influence, American annexation, and rapid urban and cultural development. Its diverse population, economic growth and cultural innovations have made it a significant region in both California and the United States, with a rich historical legacy preserved through archives, museums and historical sites. With many of the largest counties, Southern California counties’ gifts are in Team-Based and Natural Supports, while honoring all 10 principles.

No matter the region, all of California’s counties reflect the principles of Family and Youth Voice and Choice and Strengths-Based.

In our work with the Resource Center for Family-Focused Practice and our High Fidelity Wraparound Behavioral Health Center of Excellence, we honor all 10 Wraparound principles of High Fidelity Wraparound while walking alongside counties. Uplifting the Individualized principle, we recognize each county’s unique strengths and needs that we will honor throughout the High Fidelity Wraparound implementation process.

Embracing those strengths while responding to each community’s distinct needs will help all of California honor the 10 Wraparound principles at the heart of our work and that of our counties, so—together—we can best support the children, families and communities we serve.