San Clemente to vote on gas tax

Several cities in California are preparing for sales and tax measures on the November ballot due to pressing financial needs. In Cottage Grove, a proposed gas tax increase from three to nine cents per gallon aims to address $35 million in backlogged street repairs. San Clemente's city council has placed a half-percent sales tax measure on the ballot to fund beach erosion projects, projected to generate $6.75 million annually, though it falls short of the estimated costs. Meanwhile, Manhattan Beach seeks to increase its sales tax by half a cent to collect approximately $5.3 million for infrastructure repairs, while Long Beach aims to end utility tax exemptions for two power plants, potentially adding $15 million to the city's general fund. La Habra is also asking voters to consider a 1% sales tax increase to maintain public safety services amid budget cuts. These measures reflect a broader trend across California cities grappling with budget deficits and infrastructure challenges.