Photo: Oscar Castillo
Six years ago, the city of Pico Rivera, Calif., was similar to many Los Angeles suburbs—the working-class population had a high Hispanic demographic and a list of demands as to what residents expected from the city. The parks and facilities were tired and worn, the athletic fields were overused, and there was no funding to implement major capital improvements. With just over 100 acres encompassing its nine local parks, literally hundreds of people used the parks every day. Without some type of structural increase to its revenue, Pico Rivera would have to shut down recreational programs, close the community pool, and possibly lay off employees.
A grassroots group of residents took up the cause, which resulted in the proposal of a local sales-tax ballot measure. Measure P would raise the sales tax from 8.25 percent to 9.25 percent.
Against The Odds
Measure P was expected to preserve public safety and community programs and also prevent significant cuts to essential services by funding general city services. These were to include hiring additional police; maintaining anti-gang and graffiti efforts; providing youth and after-school parks and recreation services; expanding the library and parks; fixing city streets; and contributing to other essential neighborhood improvements.