The founders of New California took an early step toward statehood Monday with the reading of their own Declaration of Independence from California, a state they describe as “ungovernable.”

Their solution: Take over most of current-day California — including many rural counties — and leave the coastal urban areas to themselves.

“The current state of California has become governed by a tyranny,” the group, led in part by vice chairman Robert Paul Preston, declared in a document published online.

The split would look something like this, per the group:

Read the full story at USA Today.

A map of New California, as envisioned by the proposed state’s organizers. (Photo: New California / USA TODAY)

A map of New California, as envisioned by the proposed state’s organizers. (Photo: New California / USA TODAY)

A map of New California, as envisioned by the proposed state’s organizers. (Photo: New California / USA TODAY)

A map of New California, as envisioned by the proposed state’s organizers. (Photo: New California / USA TODAY)