This document summarizes community champions from six different California communities that are working to promote health and wellness. It profiles champions such as elected officials, healthcare professionals, youth leaders, and educators who are leading efforts to improve access to healthy foods, increase physical activity opportunities, and influence policy changes like menu labeling and joint use agreements. Their work includes developing toolkits, organizing community events, advocating for policy changes, and mentoring youth.

1. South LA, Los Angeles County

2. South Los Angeles Community Champions Jan Perry Councilwoman 9 th District Raul Morales Owner Taqueria Vista Hermosa Britanni Dighero Youth Leader MarketMakeovers.org

4. “ Through thoughtful policy and planning,”

5. “ we can improve the health and welfare of our community.”

6. “ we can improve the health and welfare of our community.”

8. “ Menu labeling is healthy for everyone…”

9. “… my customers, my family and me.”

12. “ I got involved with HEAC because the food desert…”

13. “… that is South L.A. was brought to my attention,”

14. “… and I couldn't go on without helping to better my community.”

15. South Los Angeles Community Champions Jan Perry Councilwoman 9 th District Raul Morales Owner Taqueria Vista Hermosa Britanni Dighero Youth Leader MarketMakeovers.org

16. Baldwin Park, Los Angeles County

17. Baldwin Park Community Champions Xochitl Escalante HEAC Resident Leader Resident Advisory Committee Concepcion Gonzalez HEAC Youth Leader Healthy Teens on The Move Marlen Garcia Councilmember City of Baldwin Park

20. “ I wanted to be part of a healthier community…”

21. “… to motivate community members…”

22. “… to demand a better quality of life.”

24. “ When teens come together…”

25. “ When teens come together…”

26. “… we can really transform our community.”

27. “… we can really transform our community.”

29. “ It is my obligation to create healthier communities…”

30. “ and be the voice for those who do not yet have one…”

31. “… our children.”

32. Baldwin Park Community Champions Xochitl Escalante HEAC Resident Leader Resident Advisory Committee Concepcion Gonzalez HEAC Youth Leader Healthy Teens on The Move Marlen Garcia Councilmember City of Baldwin Park

33. Chula Vista, San Diego County

34. Chula Vista Community Champions Steve Castañeda Councilmember City of Chula Vista Shaila Serpas, MD Assistant Director Scripps Family Medicine Residency Program Chris Searles, MD, FAAFP Co-Director Combined Family Medicine and Psychiatry Program

36. “ I fight to change policy…”

37. “ affecting our childhood obesity epidemic, so…”

38. “… I can help prevent lifelong health issues.”

40. “ I hope to have a larger impact and help the next generation,”

41. “ the child of that 9 pound baby, to grow up healthier…”

42. “… with a better environment than his parents had.”

44. “ Those little plots of land are not just places where fruits…”

45. and vegetables grow. They are islands of dialogue.”

46. “ and vegetables grow. They are islands of dialogue.”

47. Chula Vista Community Champions Steve Castañeda Councilmember City of Chula Vista Shaila Serpas, MD Assistant Director, Scripps Family Medicine Residency Program Chris Searles, MD, FAAFP Co-Director Combined Family Medicine and Psychiatry Program

48. Oakland, Alameda County

49. Oakland Community Champions Stephanie Renfrow Hamilton Project Coordinator HEAC School Sector Oakland Unified School District Robert Savio, MD, Chief of Pediatrics Alameda Co. Medical Ctr-Highland Christine Cherdboonmuang Network Project Coordinator Oakland Farms to Schools/ EBAYC

51. “ Demonstrating healthy eating and physical activity…”

52. “… should be right up there…”

53. “… with teaching good study habits.”

55. “ If we don't change the food available in hospital settings,”

56. “ If we don't change the food available in hospital settings,”

57. “… it's like we're creating our own patients."

59. “ This work taps the part of people that is passionate about food.”

60. “ This work taps the part of people that is passionate about food.”

61. “ It’s connected to our family and cultural conditions.”

62. “ It’s connected to our family and cultural conditions.”

63. Oakland Community Champions Robert Savio, MD, Chief of Pediatrics Alameda Co. Medical Ctr-Highland Christine Cherdboonmuang Network Project Coordinator Oakland Farms to Schools/ EBAYC Stephanie Renfrow Hamilton Project Coordinator HEAC School Sector Oakland Unified School District

64. Santa Ana, Orange County

65. Santa Ana Community Champions David M. Souleles, MPH Deputy Director Orange County Health Care Agency Alberto Cabrera Youth Coordinator Latino Health Access Jane A. Russo Superintendent Santa Ana Unified School District

67. “ The health and well-being of our students go hand in hand…”

68. “ with academic success and achievement…”

69. “ Our partnership with HEAC helps make this possible.”

71. “ Walk to School Day is a great event because…”

72. “ it encourages young people to take small steps…”

73. “ to improve their lifelong health and quality of life.”

76. “ I wish to empower youth to live healthy and successful lives…”

77. “ through my actions. Every day I see an opportunity to positively…”

78. “… influence young resident leaders in Santa Ana."

79. Santa Ana Community Champions David M. Souleles, MPH Deputy Director Orange County Health Care Agency Alberto Cabrera Youth Coordinator Latino Health Access Jane A. Russo Superintendent Santa Ana Unified School District

80. Shasta County

81. Shasta Community Champions Mary O’Keeffe Cottonwood Community Park Board Community Development Organizer Pam Lewis Recreation Supervisor City of Anderson Parks & Recreation Barbara Camacho Anderson Union H.S. District Director of Nutritional Services

83. “ Because I believe healthy people produce healthy communities.”

84. “ Because I believe healthy people produce healthy communities.”

85. “ Because I believe healthy people produce healthy communities.”

87. “ I’m involved because of the kids.”

88. “ I’ve seen what a healthy meal and exercise can do to improve the attitude of a teen.”

89. “ I’ve seen what a healthy meal and exercise can do to improve the attitude of a teen.”

91. “ Eating at school must not be just lunch , but an opportunity…”

92. “ to teach our students the importance of healthy eating…”

93. “ for a lifetime.”

94. Shasta Community Champions Mary O’Keeffe Cottonwood Community Park Board Community Development Organizer Pam Lewis Recreation Supervisor City of Anderson Parks & Recreation Barbara Camacho Anderson Union H.S. District Director of Nutritional Services