Vernon May Disband
On April 28, the California State Assembly voted 60–7 in favor of a bill to disincorporate the Southern California city of Vernon.
The move was spurred by a “pattern of unprecedented corruption” in the Vernon city government, said Assembly Speaker John Perez, who authored the bill. The city, which is home to less than 100 residents, is a haven for many industrial businesses, including numerous apparel manufacturers, thanks to very competitive utility rates and minimal city taxes and fees.
Opponents of the bill say disbanding Vernon would have a negative effect on the businesses there. The Vernon Chamber of Commerce has called the disincorporation effort a “disconcerting issue that would cause a direct threat to the hellip; businesses that operate” in Vernon. Perez responded to this criticism, saying lawmakers “will keep listening to concerns and identifying solutions” for issues such as utility rates, safety services, land use and zoning designations.
The bill now goes to the California State Senate. —Erin Barajas
