Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Building Healthy Communities

Sacramento, California

One of my favorite quotes from Richard Louv's Last Child in the Woods is from an 11 year old in San Diego who says "I like the indoors better cause that's where the electrical outlets are" I find that this quote sums up why so may young people don't experience the outdoors today. The instant gratification young people recieve from playing video games is understandable but the experience of being active outdoors not only helps build an appreciation for the environment but helps with obesity and nutrition issues.

The Sierra Club is happy to be working with Senator Alex Padilla (D-20) http://dist20.casen.govoffice.com/ on SB 207 http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/postquery?bill_number=sb_207&sess=CUR&house=B&author=padilla which will get outdoor education and recreation programs sustainable funding. Senator Padilla a rising star in California politics feels the support of these programs is critical in helping young people especially from underserved communities "live a healthy lifestyle". The Sierra Club is co-sponsoring the legislation with the American Diabieties Association and the California Sheriff's Association. This diverse group of supporters showcases the broad appeal of leaving no child inside.

The San Francisco Chronicle wrote a great piece on the legislation last week http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/02/25/SPG2POAJ5D1.DTL&hw=Martin+LeBlanc&sn=001&sc=1000

Spring is coming, a great time to get outdoors!