Successful Election for Public Health in California

With the election, we saw key initiatives pass in Sonoma, Berkeley and Santa Cruz that will have a great public health impact.

Measure I passed in Sonoma County, Ensuring Quality Care for Children

Sonoma celebrated a victory that will dramatically increase access to quality care for children on election day. Measure I will raise $30 million annually for early childhood education centers to improve quality and quantity of care. Measure I approved a 0.25% transaction and use tax on the sale and use of tangible property within Sonoma County, including incorporated and unincorporated areas, to fund early childcare, education and healthcare for children with high-priority needs. Measure I will establish services designed to identify health issues early, reducing the risk of chronic conditions and helping give children in Sonoma County a healthy start. Passage of Measure I means access to quality, comprehensive, early healthcare and education, which we know can improve long-term health outcomes.

Measure Z Passed in Berkeley and Santa Cruz to Support Safe and Healthy Communities

Northern California marked two big wins for public health policy that could challenge statewide preemption on sugary drink taxes. Both Berkeley and Santa Cruz passed Measure Z, placing a tax on sugary drinks. While the City of Berkeley renewed their existing tax, the City of Santa Cruz passed a new tax that could chart a path forward for new sugary drink taxes throughout the state. The victory was especially sweet in Santa Cruz, where we triumphed in a true David vs. Goliath battle, outspent by the opposition 27-1.

Consuming sugary drinks can set up a child for a lifetime of health challenges that include type 2 diabetes, tooth decay and heart disease in both children and adults. When residents voted yes for Measure Z, they voted not only in favor of a proven public health intervention, but also sent a message that the voting public sees the benefits that sugary drink taxes have brought to other California cities, both through people consuming fewer sugary drinks and through investments of revenues back into their communities.