In California, there are two kinds of cities: charter cities and general law cities. Of the 477 cities in the state, 105 are chartered. Unlike cities in many other states, both kinds of California cities have broad powers and enjoy considerable freedom in the form of government, which may be established, and the types of activities in which they may engage. Santa Clarita is a general law city.
A general law city operates within the parameters and guidelines of California municipal law. The advantage of a general law city is that general state laws have been subjected to judicial scrutiny and tested over the years, so there is relatively little confusion about their application. City charters, by contrast, can be much more complicated and can raise many more questions about what can and cannot be done under state law.
Charter Cities: The authority provided in the state constitution to organize as a charter city is extended only to an existing city. Although general law cities now have nearly equal powers, charters are adopted by cities where special conditions create needs that cannot be adequately met by the general laws. An advantage of the charter form of government stems from the potential breadth of local authority, which may be exercised. Since the powers of a charter city are not restricted to only those outlined in the general state municipal law, a city can adopt a charter and custom-tailor its organization and elective offices to provide for unique local conditions and needs. A charter can only be adopted and /or changed by a majority vote of city residents -- not by a vote of the city council. Citizens can establish the terms and number of council members and impose other limitations upon their city council through a charter provision.
Exception to the rule. There is one consolidated government unit in California. San Francisco is actually both a county and a city government. Because the city comprises the entire county, voters decided to combine the two governments into one. To date, it is the only example of city and county consolidation in California, although attempts to consolidate have been made in other areas, such as Sacramento County. There, voters, as recently as 1990, turned down a proposal to combine the city and county governments.
LEARN MORE AT THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES: http://www.cacities.org/index.jsp?displaytype=§ion=allabout&zone=locc