On September 4, 2024, the San Diego County Childhood Obesity Initiative (COI) held a Legislative Breakfast at Caltrans District 11 Headquarters. The event, attended by over 90 decision-makers and community members, aimed to foster collaboration and discuss actionable solutions for improving active living around schools, parks, and healthcare facilities. Key attendees included representatives from city and county governments, SANDAG, Circulate San Diego, Families for Safe Streets San Diego, SBCS, and the COI Community Council.
The morning began with networking and poster presentations showcasing walk audits conducted by community members. These audits allowed participants to connect with elected officials, voice concerns and propose recommendations to make neighborhoods safer and more accessible. Community Council member Judit Garcia, for example, shared her experience working near Cesar Chavez Elementary with Victor Caymais from Councilmember Vivian Moreno’s office. She expressed how empowering it was to be part of efforts to improve her community, stressing the importance of identifying and addressing real problems in the neighborhood.
Dr. Tom Coleman, COI Executive Leadership Team Tri-Chair and Medical Director for the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency welcomed everyone and facilitated introductions of partners. Chairwoman Nora Vargas delivered an inspiring keynote address, emphasizing the importance of improving access to fresh fruits and vegetables in San Diego County and creating safe routes to schools, especially in underserved communities. She urged elected officials to support and pilot programs that advance health equity.
A panel discussion, moderated by Kristin Haukom, featured representatives from Escondido’s city and school district, who discussed how they collaborate to improve safe routes to schools by pooling resources. Laura Keenan, a member of Families for Safe Streets San Diego, gave a powerful personal account of losing her husband to a motorist while biking, underscoring the critical need for safer streets. Her story highlighted how pedestrian and bike accidents impact entire families and communities, emphasizing the urgency of street improvements.
COI Community Council Tri-Chair Earl Felisme announced a $5 million grant to advance food justice through community-driven research in collaboration with our UCSD Center for Community Health, the School of Public Health, YMCA of San Diego, and COI. Other partners shared upcoming events, including community fundraising walks and Pacific Islander cultural celebrations.
A team member at our Center, Lan Nguyễn, reflected on the event, noting how it brought together legislators and community members in a shared effort to create healthier environments. Moving forward, COI will continue facilitating partnerships between community members, elected officials, and decision-makers to implement both short- and long-term solutions that ensure access to healthy food and safe streets. The COI invites everyone to join in its vision of optimal health and wellness for all children and families in the San Diego region through healthy eating and active living.