East L.A. Bids for Incorporation

"'We're a nationally branded area,' said Diana Tarango, vice president of the East Los Angeles Residents Association, the prime backer of the effort. 'We should be making our own decisions about planting trees on the street or putting up light poles.'"

"Rep. Grace Napolitano, D-Calif., who supports cityhood, said she is encouraged this time because residents are well-organized and informed.

'It has a great chance of passing,' said the congresswoman, whose district includes East L.A. 'But they will need to allay fears that incorporation will mean an increase in property taxes.'

Voters probably won't get their say on cityhood for two years while the issue wends its way through the bureaucratic and political process."