Creating Vibrant Neighborhoods for
Our Growing Latino Population

Connecting Community Design and Active Living

Date: May 15, 2004, Visalia, CA

Presented by:
Local Government Commission

Hosted by:
Councilmember Jesús Gamboa, City of Visalia

Funded by:
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Active Living Leadership Initiative

Cosponsored by:
National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund
Mexican-American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF)
Latino Issues Forum (LIF)
Latino Urban Forum (LUF)

Active Living is a way of life that integrates into daily routines at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, including: walking or bicycling for transportation, exercise or pleasure; playing in the park; working in the yard; taking the stairs; and using recreation facilities.

How we shape the San Joaquin Valley’s growth is crucial to making our communities healthier, safer and more livable. An important measure of livability is how physically active and healthy people are. Walkable, bicycle-friendly communities provide opportunities for regular physical activity which is important in preventing chronic health problems and improving quality of life.

According to a report by the California Center for Public Health Advocacy, there has been a 67% increase in diabetes among California adults which is linked to a dramatic rise in obesity and overweight. This study also found that, in the San Joaquin Valley, Latinos are one of three ethnic groups with the highest diabetes-related deaths.

This forum provided an opportunity for local elected and appointed officials to learn about efforts to reverse these alarming trends by creating and designing healthier, active living communities in which residents are encouraged and supported in their efforts to walk, ride a bicycle and lead more active lifestyles.

On the Agenda:

• Marla Hollander, MPH, CHES, Director, Active Living Leadership (Presentation)
• Rosa Soto, Regional Director, California Center for Public Health Advocacy (Presentation)
• Paul Zykofsky, AICP, Director of Land Use & Transportation Programs, Local Government Commission (Presentation)
• Manal Aboelata, MPH, Program Manager, Prevention Institute (Presentation)
• Scot Townsend, City Manager, City of Lindsay
• Fred Brusuelas, Community Development Director, City of Reedley (Presentation)