Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has been on the fence, or at least noticeably quiet, about a proposed sales-tax hike that will come before L.A. city voters March 5.

Today the Yes on A campaign revealed that our leader is giving Proposition A his support.

According to a statement from the camp Villaraigosa will join the initiative's main backer, City Council President Herb Wesson, …

… LAPD Chief Charlie Beck, L.A. Fire Department head Brian Cummings and others to announce his thumbs up Monday at 9 a.m. at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Backers say Proposition A's half-cent sales tax hike would raise $200 for the city's general fund. About 70 percent of that fund goes into LAPD and LAFD services.

Yes on A states:

While the City has made tremendous strides in eliminating a massive structural deficit, the threat of cuts to public safety and other vital City programs remains a serious concern. Mayor Villaraigosa will be joining Proposition A campaign co-chairs Police Chief Charlie Beck and Fire Chief Brian Cummings.

[@dennisjromero / djromero@laweekly.com / @LAWeeklyNews]

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