Jonesing for healthy neighborhoods

Glennah Trochet, Sacramento County’s health officer, might get an expanded job description if Assemblyman Dave Jones’ new bill passes. Jones wants officers like Trochet to step into the city-planning process and advocate for good urban design that promotes healthy lifestyles. Assembly Bill 437, introduced last Friday, would allow county health officers to assist local governments in land-use and transportation planning.

According to the text of the bill, assistance may include “prevention of obesity and chronic diseases such as diabetes, some forms of cancer, arthritis and stroke in relation to physical activity, and issues of ease of walking and biking and vehicle miles traveled.”