No Fix for Rundown Sidewalks and Streets in Los Angeles

"Two Los Angeles lawmakers on Tuesday abandoned the effort to put a half-cent sales tax hike for street and sidewalk repairs on the November ballot," reports David Zahniser.

"Councilmen Joe Buscaino and Mitchell Englander had spent the last three months reviewing a plan to generate $4.5 billion in new tax revenue, money that would go toward fixing the city's most deteriorated roads and walkways. It was the second time in two years that they had worked on a street tax proposal only to table it."

"More than 35% of L.A.'s streets, or 8,200 lane miles, are considered to be failing or near failing, receiving grades of D and F, according to a recent analysis. City officials said 40% of the city's sidewalks may be in need of repair."