CitySLUSD Liaison Highlights 2010 0729

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• 4. Update on Safe Routes to Schools Councilmember Gregory summarized how, in an effort to tackle childhood obesity, he jump - started the "Shape Up San Leandro" initiative modeled after the successful Somerville Program. Then in 2007, Supervisor Alice Lai - Bitker launched the "Health Is Not Just Health Care" initiative, under which a District -wide initiative, Safe Routes to School (SR2S), was formed. Akon Walker, SR2S Coordinator provided a brief introduction and update to their program and activities stating that SR2S is dedicated to increasing the safety and number of children walking and bicycling to school, and with that address physical activity, community involvement, reduction of traffic congestion, and improvement of environmental health. A packet of information was distributed that included a list of activities and education programs offered. A list of participating schools in San Leandro showed that Madison, McKinley, Roosevelt, Washington, and Wilson Elementary schools have joined the program and 5 new walking school routes have been established. It is their hope to reach all of the elementary schools in San Leandro this year, later branching out to the middle schools and high school. Ms. Walker passed around a sign -up sheet for those interested in learning how to become involved with the SR2S Program. In addition she stated that a San Leandro Safe Routes To School Task Force has been formed and meets quarterly to discuss how to implement education activities in the city. The first meeting for this quarter will be August 20 at the City Hall and the topic will be the International Walk to School Week which is scheduled for October 4 -8, 2010. Trustee Cutter raised a concern about the parking around Washington Elementary School and would like to see stricter enforcement of parking violations. The Mayor commented that this has been an ongoing problem in the City and felt that creating "drop -off' cutouts at sites (as was done at the high school) needs to be brought back for consideration. Councilmember Gregory encouraged the District staff to consider enlisting the help of the Leadership staff at their beginning -of- the -year meeting and invite SR2S Director Nora Cody to share information about their program. 5. Discussion on Health Element Councilmember Gregory commented that in order to create healthier environments and support health equity, Alameda County is leading the way in this grassroots effort towards inclusion of a health element in General Plans. Referring to language in the "Richmond General Plan Health Element," Councilmember Gregory noted that while California state law requires each jurisdiction in the state to develop a general plan that contains seven elements, public health considerations are rarely addressed. While 4