Went down to San Diego to hang with some revolutionaries Friday.

It wasn't exactly the '60s, but methinks there were some stalwarts there, even in black cap-toes.  

The occasion was the San Diego presentation of Repair California's show traveling the state discussing and promoting the coalition's two proposed ballot measures that would provide for redrawing the state Constitution starting no later than May 20, 2011. It would go to the voters in 2012.

Considering there are a few million people in greater San Diego, the turnout of about 75 residents who'd really like to see this state work as it should seemed kind of pitiful.

Residents should be clamoring to get in.

Too bad they aren't, because with luck we'll be on the way this time next year to having a convention and life as we know it could change significantly for the better. Shoot, couldn't get much worse.

Though it's been labeled officially as "limited" in scope ---- that is, not to include social issues or taxes ---- don't let that bother you. As was pointed out, it's funny how the law of consequences, intended or otherwise, can play out.

The four areas to be addressed are: government effectiveness, elections and the initiative process, spending and budgeting, and the governance, "including the relationship between the state and local governments and the structure of the legislative and executive branches."

It has been brought to my attention that the coalition is populated with plenty of folks who don't share the more traditional view of our government and its prerogatives ---- or lack of.

OK, knew that, but the random selection process of the simple majority of delegates ---- 240 of the 461 ---- from voter and property tax roles and DMV records should produce a relatively accurate picture of the state's population. And, as with jury duty, there's no easy escape.

The balance, except for four American Indian delegates, would be chosen by a combination of county supervisors, council members and school board members. No one elected since 2005 would be eligible. For details see the Web site repaircalifornia.org.

The convention would be jump started by the Fair Political Practices Commission.

In the coming months you will be bombarded with all manner of lies and slight-of-tongue to try to convince you that a constitutional convention will spell doom for our state and you should let the Legislature handle it either in whole or piecemeal.

And besides "We (our state officials) have seen the light and will be really good from now on."

Hooey.

We are so far down the road to ruin that triage of the most serious nature is in order and we mustn't trust those who got us here to perform it.

More than one speaker quoted Bob Edgar, Common Cause president, who said "We are the leaders we have been waiting for ... "

Let's hope he's right.

PHIL STRICKLAND writes from Temecula. Contact him at philipestrickland@yahoo.com.