HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES NO 002-12RESOLUTION NO.
002-1.2
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE HEALTHY
EATING, ACTIVE LIVING (HEAL) CITIES
CAMPAIGN
RECITALS
WHEREAS, in 2004, the League of California Cities adopted an Annual
Conference Resolution to encourage cities to embrace policies the facilitate
activities to promote healthier lifestyles and communities, including healthy diet
and nutrition, and adoption of city design and planning principles that enable
citizens of all ages and abilities to undertake exercise; and
WHEREAS, on November 18, 2009, the League of CA Cities Board of
Directors unanimously voted to encourage 100% board participation in the HEAL
Cities Campaign; and
WHEREAS, in July 2010 the League of California Cities Board of Directors
resolved to partner with and support the national Let's Move Campaign, and
encourages California cities to adopt preventive measures to fight obesity; and
WHEREAS, the League of California Cities has a strategic goal to promote
and develop safe and healthy cities; and
WHEREAS, more than half of California's adults are either overweight or
obese and 2010 data shows that 43.8% of Bakersfield and Kern County's children
are overweight which is a 5% increase in last five years; and,
WHEREAS, overweight children and adults are at greater risk for numerous
adverse health consequences, including stroke, high blood pressure, high
cholesterol, certain cancers, asthma, low self-esteem, depression and other
related diseases; and,
WHEREAS, obesity shortens the average lifespan by at least four to nine
months, and if childhood obesity continues to increase, it could reduce the life
expectancy by five years over the next several decades; and,
WHEREAS, the United States Surgeon General has issued a call to action to
prevent and decrease overweight and obesity, and the United States
Department of Health and Human Services has made reducing the proportion
of overweight and obese children and adolescents a key goal; and, ~0AKF9
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ORIGINAL
WHEREAS, the quality of the built environment, including neighborhood
safety, sidewalks, streets, public transportation, restaurant and convenience
store density, access to parks, trails, and grocery stores has a significant impact
on obesity rates; and,
WHEREAS, in light of the foregoing statistics and considerations, the City of
Bakersfield encourages physical activity and good nutritional habits in order to
decrease the rate of obesity in the community. To this end, the City of
Bakersfield has a number of existing policies, council goals, programs and
ordinances that promote active, healthy living:
• A Bicycle Master Plan that identifies current and planned bicycling
facilities
• Trails plan with pedestrian links to the Kern River and recreation facilities
• Kern River Element that promotes a wide range of recreational and
educational opportunities along the Kern River corridor
• Infill policies to promote development of areas surrounded by existing
urban infrastructure that are walkable
• Centers concept that encourages mixed use development with housing,
recreation, jobs and open space to provide direct links for bicyclists and
pedestrians
• Recreation policies to promote active participation in outdoor pursuits
• Direct bicycle and pedestrian links from residential areas to commercial
centers
• Community open space areas, and bicycle and pedestrian
enhancements within new shopping centers
• Street trees along sidewalks to enhance pedestrian activity
• Zoning districts that permit, by right, farmers markets and community
gardens.
• The Recreation and Parks Master Plan, approved in 2007, which includes a
proposed park within a mile of every city resident.
• A 32-mile paved path along the Kern River that is open for non-motorized
travel every day of the year. This is part of the approved bicycle master
plan.
• Youth programs that teach nutrition, gardening, bicycle repair and safety
as well as learn to swim programs that provide opportunities for lifelong
healthy choices.
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• Special events that encourage families to participate in runs/walks/bike
rides, outdoor movies, family fun nights and Winter Wonderland at the ice
arena.
• Seasonal Farmers Markets in Central Park and throughout the city.
• Assure that park vending and concessions offer sugar free drinks.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Bakersfield City Council recognizes
that obesity in adults and children is a serious health threat in the community.
City Council has approved goals that are currently being acted upon by city
staff and the community which allows for individuals to make healthy choices;
THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, these goals include guidelines for
trails, planned growth, beautification efforts, recreational opportunities and
downtown improvements;
THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the City of Bakersfield supports the
California "Healthy Eating,-Active Living (HEAL) Cities Campaign."
HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution was passed and adopted
by the Council of the City of Bakersfield at a regular meeting thereof held on
JAN 11 2012, by the following vote:
AYES;
NOES:
ABSTAIN
ABSENT:
CITY CLERK AND EX OFF of the
Council of the City of Bakersfield
APPROVED
By
COUNCIL MEMBER SALAS, BENHAM, WEI CO H, HANSON SULLIVAN, JOHNSON
COUNCIL MEMBER 0 0-nn
COUNCIL MEMBER n
COUNCIL MEMBER lrln
JAN 1 1 2012
HARVEY L. HALL
Mayor
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ORIGINAL
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
VIRGINIA GENNARO
City At~ y
By
(NAME & TITLE)
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