The City Elections : The Propositions : 3 Bond Measures, 1 Charter Change Pass

Los Angeles voters approved three bond measures to improve libraries, police stations and other city facilities but narrowly rejected another one that would have helped finance rehabilitation of aging, low-income housing and would have provided $10 million to shelter the homeless.

With the rejection of Proposition 3, some low-income housing advocates were already calling on the City Council to head off the loss of thousands of homes for the poor. Most of the buildings are in some of the city’s poorest neighborhoods in East and South-Central Los Angeles.

Low-Interest Loans

The bond measure, which drew just 64.8% of the 66% yes votes needed to pass, would have provided low-interest loans for the buildings’ owners, many of whom cannot get conventional financing, to bring them up to earthquake safety standards.

Proposition 1, a $53.4-million bond measure to build three branch libraries in the San Fernando Valley and to improve 26 other branch libraries throughout the city, passed with 68.3% of the vote. Proposition, 2, which calls for $176 million in bonds to build and remodel police stations, drew 68.7%. Proposition 4, a $60-million bond issue for installation of fire sprinklers and removal of asbestos in municipal buildings, won with 68.4%

Voters approved one proposed amendment to the City Charter but rejected another. Charter Amendment 5 would have reduced the number of votes required on the 15-member council to approve employee pay raises but was defeated 42.3% to 57.6%. But Charter Amendment 6, which raises the limit on funds that can be transferred within the same city department without approval of the mayor and City Council, won 58% to 42%. Both Charter proposals required only a simple majority to pass.

Older Buildings

The rejected $100-million housing bond measure would have helped preserve an estimated 15,000 older brick buildings. Housing advocates fear their loss would sharply exacerbate the city’s affordable-housing crisis.

“The City Council and the mayor have to do something or else we’ll be displacing thousands of people,” said Alice Callaghan of the Skid Row Housing Trust.

If the buildings are condemned, many of the poor residents could end up homeless.

“We’ll pay for it one way or another,” said Susan Romeo, co-manager of the Proposition 3 campaign. “We can save the buildings or we can pay for the homeless.”