S.F. declines to take lead on curbing soda sales

http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/S-F-declines-to-take-lead-on-curbing-soda-sales-3658064.php

San Francisco politicians are famous for thinking they know what's best for the public's health.

Not long ago, the city grabbed headlines for banning toys in Happy Meals in an attempt to combat child obesity.

But now, as a growing number of cities in California and nationwide push aggressive policies to curb soda consumption - the hot-button public health issue of the moment - San Francisco remains relatively quiet on the subject.

As obesity and diabetes rates soar in the United States, Richmond this fall will vote on a soda tax that would be the first nationwide. New York City this month moved to outlaw super-size sodas and sugary drinks, an idea also gaining support in Cambridge, Mass. A proposal in Los Angeles would end vending machine sales of sodas in parks and libraries.