Matt Owen is a longstanding and outspoken advocate for California independence. In this first half of a two-part interview, Matt discusses California history, why California would not be "seceding" from the United States, the distinction between the Bear Flag and the Star Flag, the Baja California independence movement, and why returning federal lands to indigenous populations is central to California independence. This interview was recorded on January 17, 2022. MUSIC CREDITS: 1. "Sexy Sneaky Cool Groove", by PhilLarson; elements.envato.com 2. "Vastness", by Andrew Ev; https://mixkit.co/ IMAGE CREDIT: Matt Owen, used with permission