California.

The Los Angeles City Council last week placed a $1.5-billion revenue bond proposal on the November ballot to finance improvements to the city sewer system.

In addition, officials approved for the ballot two tax increases designed to upgrade the city's police services and emergency communication system.

Proceeds from the proposed sewer bond issue, which requires simple-majority voter approval, would help bring Los Angeles into compliance with federal Clean Water Act regulations. City voters already authorized $500 million of sewer bonds in 1987 and another $1.5 billion in 1988.

Two-thirds voter support is needed Nov. 3 for the city to create a benefit assessment district in addition to increasing property taxes by $101 million to hire 1,000 police officers.

Voters will also consider passing a parcel tax, which needs two-thirds support, to back $235 million of bonds for improving the city's police and fire communication systems.

In 1991, voters rejected a similar communication upgrade. But Marcela Howell, an adviser to Mayor Tom Bradley, predicts the measure will pass.

"I think with a new police chief, people have more confidence," she said. "Also, given the amount of earthquakes we've had recently, I think people are more concerned with emergency response."

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