Beleaguered Vernon can't catch a break.
Vernon, population approximately 100, saw the State Assembly taking steps Wednesday toward dissolving the city into Los Angeles County. A bill seeking to break up Vernon is authored by Assembly Speaker John Pérez, D-Los Angeles, who called the city's corruption "the worst we've seen in this state."
Now
Vernon is getting dubious looks from more-populous cities for leading
The Mayor's Challenge, a competition between Southern California
cities to save water and reduce pollution during April, Earth Month.
On Thursday, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach were sitting in second
and third place, respectively.
Residents can make a pledge in the competition by going to www.mywaterpledge.com through the end of the month. The victor city's residents will be eligible for tickets to Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim games and Disneyland as well as discounted passes to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach.
With prizes and pride on the line, some have complained that Vernon is too small to win the contest that is tabulated on a per capita basis.
Steve Creech, vice president of the Wyland Foundation, the nonprofit putting on the contest, said that if Vernon stays in first place it would be co-winner with another larger city.
"The remaining 99 percent of prizes available would go to the next city," Creech said. "And for that matter we would have to see if the vote from Vernon would be authenticated."
Fourth through 10th place on Thursday was occupied by Long Beach, Signal Hill, Villa Park, Gardena, Monrovia, Mission Viejo and Torrance.
A friendly but spirited competition has ensued between South Bay cities for the top spot in The Mayor's Challenge. Redondo Beach Mayor Mike Gin released a video on Wednesday urging residents to participate. Gin appeared in the video with someone dancing in a lobster suit.
Creech appeared sympathetic with Vernon's plight as the tiny city tries to makes its presence large in the contest.
"Somewhere in Vernon is a person who cares," he said.
