Broad-Based Group Backs Proposition on Housing

A broad-based group of politicians, bankers and anti-poverty advocates Thursday urged voter approval of ballot measure Proposition K, a $100-million housing bond issue that would renovate 5,000 earthquake-unsafe apartment units, create homeless shelters for more than 1,000 people and provide loans to struggling first-time home buyers.

Los Angeles City Councilman Hal Bernson said the measure is critical to efforts to save badly needed affordable housing. A similar measure in 1988 failed by only a few thousand votes.

State Sen. David A. Roberti (D-Los Angeles), speaking at a dilapidated Skid Row slum hotel that officials said would not withstand a major earthquake, predicted widespread voter support. “Almost one year ago . . . there was a massive earthquake in Northern California which resulted in $6 billion in damage, 63 deaths,” he said. “That earthquake was a grim reminder of what could, and frankly will, occur here.”