Councilmember Steve Veres, who was re-elected to the San Fernando City Council for a four-year term in March 2007, moved to the city from Westwood after studying at UCLA. As someone who enjoys swimming, taking his dog on walks to the park and riding his bike to work, Veres noticed the disparities between the two communities immediately. “In San Fernando, there were few outlets for recreation and fitness, said Veres. “No gyms, few parks, limited access to healthy foods, and poor selections of fresh fruits and veggies at the local markets.”

Veres felt particularly compelled to act when he noticed the increasing number of obese children and teens in San Fernando and realized how limited access to physical activity and nutritious foods was impacting their long-term health.