Note, This is NOT a politically correct story. If you need a safe space, don't read this story.
In book 1, Governor Brown announced his secession; China surprised the President when they recognized the People's Republic of California. People in Yuba City decided they didn't want to be of the new nation, they wanted to remain American Citizens, but did they speak for most of the people in the town? This story tells the background of how the politicians handle the secession. They don't care about anything except for their own power and their party's power. They leak information; they issue false news. They tie the President's hands from taking action, even members of the President's own party vote against him.
The Chinese and American navies fight a battle off the coast of LA to determine who will control the air and ports of the West Coast.
Other states announce they plan to join California. They allow the Chinese to use their ports and airports to bring troops to California. Before they can act, the Supreme Court changes everything when they issue an review on the secession. The Court's ruling impacts the Yuba City One Hundred, they get caught in a tangle of laws between Califronia and America.
Politics aren't pretty, it's like the difference between eating a hot dog and watching how one is made. While the country burns, the politicians play power games.