Proposed half-cent sales tax to fund LA Fire Department is cleared for signature gathering

A proposal to raise Los Angeles’ sales tax by a half-cent to fund the Los Angeles Fire Department has cleared a required procedural step, allowing proponents to begin collecting signatures to place the measure on a future citywide ballot.

The Los Angeles City Clerk last Friday approved a draft initiative petition that would impose an additional 0.5% sales tax dedicated to the Los Angeles Fire Department. The initiative comes amid renewed scrutiny of the agency’s resources and preparedness following the Palisades fire...