I think OP understands fine: a regional government will be unpopular unless it benefits you. SF has money and influence, San Jose has population. Oakland and Sa

I think OP understands fine: a regional government will be unpopular unless it benefits you. SF has money and influence, San Jose has population. Oakland and Santa Clara will simply reject this out of hand since it's less likely they will be adequately represented. If the issue wasn't so highly politicized, then sure, it's a great idea, but ultimately it will fall victim to the same problem local governments have.