First Real Steps for East L.A. Cityhood

The East Los Angeles movement moves forward: Armed with the working title "East Los," the East Los Angeles Residents Association completed an economic feasibility study in its bid for cityhood.

The LAT reports "A city of East Los Angeles could generate at least $48 million in projected annual revenue to support its own city council and such services as street upkeep,"

Supervisor Gloria Molina, whose district includes East Los Angeles, remains neutral on the cityhood question and skeptical about the finances, despite the report.
 
"It's very, very glamorous to think about a city incorporating itself," said Molina, who wants further study and clarification. "Can it sustain itself? That's the real question."
 
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The area, crisscrossed by four freeways, "has been an orphaned child in Los Angeles County," said state Sen. Gloria Romero (D-Los Angeles), a strong supporter of cityhood for the area. "This is a vibrant community with a long history that cries out for representation."
 

Even though a long process is expected before voters would even have a say, organizers are aiming for incorporation by April 2009. First,signatures need to be gathered, then the county reviews a report and hold hearings, before it's all looked at by the Board of Supervisors.  Then it's voted on by "East Los-ites."

LAT [East L.A. is ready, financially, for independence]
Previous VFaL here and here.
Graphic / View From a Loft