LOS ANGELES (AP) - Residents and leaders of the county's unincorporated East Los Angeles section, an area long identified with Mexican-American history and culture, have launched a campaign to become a city.

Last week, leaders of the effort met with county officials to analyze the tax consequences of incorporation. It's possible voters could consider the question later this year.

If they are successful, East Los Angeles would become a city of roughly 140,000 people, one of the 10 largest in Los Angeles County and one of the most overwhelmingly Mexican-American cities in the nation.

"This has engaged the community," said state Sen. Gloria Romero, D-Los Angeles. "The demographics are there. The history is there. The reason is there."

Supporters say cityhood would validate East Los Angeles' standing in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, rather than continue as unincorporated land left behind as cities took shape around it.

The gritty area, covering about 10 square miles on the edge of Los Angeles, has long suffered from gang violence and other crimes. The county provides its fire and police services.