Raymond Craib’s early warning about California Forever
In September 2023, historian Raymond B. Craib offered what can best be described as a scholarly “uninformed” warning about the California Forever proposal¹. His remarks came just weeks after The New York Times revealed that Silicon Valley billionaires were behind secretive land acquisitions in Solano County². With no master plan or governance details yet available, Craib drew on his research in Adventure Capitalism³ to caution that such ventures often echo libertarian “exit” projects — speculative utopias that risk undermining democratic accountability and displacing communities. His critique was grounded in historical patterns rather than in the specifics of California Forever, which were not yet disclosed.
Since then, however, California Forever’s planning and processing efforts have unfolded in ways that demonstrate adherence to legally required procedures. The proponents first attempted a ballot initiative, which faced strong pushback and was withdrawn. They then shifted strategy to work directly with adjacent municipalities, framing the current annexation proposal into Suisun City. This approach situates the project within established planning channels rather than attempting to bypass them. Importantly, concerns raised by Travis Air Force Base — one of the most significant early critics — were formally addressed, with the Air Force issuing a letter confirming its issues had been resolved.
While challenges remain, including residents' skepticism and questions about feasibility, the trajectory of California Forever shows that its proponents are not attempting to circumvent legal processes. Instead, they have moved from an initial controversial approach to a more conventional annexation pathway, demonstrating responsiveness to stakeholder concerns. This evolution highlights the contrast between Craib’s early, pattern-based warning and the subsequent planning steps, which reflect a legally compliant and procedurally engaged effort.
Craib’s warning vs. what’s happend
Notes
Raymond B. Craib, comments on California Forever, Cornell Chronicle Tip Sheet, September 6, 2023. Available at: Cornell History Department.
Conor Dougherty, “Silicon Valley Billionaires Reveal Secretive Land Purchases in Northern California,” The New York Times, August 25, 2023. Available at: NYT Article.
Raymond B. Craib, Adventure Capitalism: A History of Libertarian Exit, from the Era of Decolonization to the Digital Age (Oakland, CA: PM Press, 2022). Available at: PM Press.
