East L.A. cityhood takes a step forward

The cityhood drive in East Los Angeles took a major step forward today when officials announced the campaign gathered enough petition signatures to have voters consider the issue.

Backers gathered more than 11,000 verified signatures, more than what was required.

They hope that incorporating the community of 143,000 people will amplify East Los Angeles’ voice, aiding efforts to improve roads, fight gangs and provide more youth programs. Past efforts at cityhood in the predominately Latino unincorporated district have failed.

The election would likely take place in 2010.

--Hector Becerra

Photo: East L.A. cityhood could be the road to improvements of Whittier Boulevard. Credit: Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Charles]

Since the people of South Pasadena do not want the 710 freeway to transit their city, they should not be able to force the people of Alhambra to cope with the enormous inconvenience of freeway traffic flooding city streets. The 210 Freeway should at least be completed to the edge of the city of South Pasadena, so that South Pasadena can deal with the inconvenience of its terminus.