Alcohol and Your City: San Gabriel Valley
Alcohol is everywhere in our community - highly anticipated super bowl commercials, some of the “most interesting” radio ads, billboards along highways, popular television shows and movies, etc. For many, alcohol, in some way or another, is an accepted part of everyday life; weekends are an opportunity to get together with friends over a few drinks, happy hour lets people shake off work related stress and watching the big game isn’t the same without a few “cold ones.” Each of the aforementioned scenarios contributes to the notion that alcohol use, and more troubling mis-use, is “normal.”
In contrast to the popular representations of alcohol, little media coverage and public discussion is devoted to the many risks of alcohol use and misuse. Excessive alcohol consumption is the second leading cause of premature death and disability in Los Angeles County. Also little known is that underage drinking is a risk factor for a number of serious health issues, including heavy drinking later in life. Because of these risks, RAD developed this report in an effort to help local communities think more critically about alcohol.
The report is designed to be an easy-to-read document to inform residents, City staff and elected officials about local alcohol use, its impacts, and evidence-based safeguards available to communities. We hope you will find it of use as your community continues its efforts to improve public health and safety.
In contrast to the popular representations of alcohol, little media coverage and public discussion is devoted to the many risks of alcohol use and misuse. Excessive alcohol consumption is the second leading cause of premature death and disability in Los Angeles County. Also little known is that underage drinking is a risk factor for a number of serious health issues, including heavy drinking later in life. Because of these risks, RAD developed this report in an effort to help local communities think more critically about alcohol.
The report is designed to be an easy-to-read document to inform residents, City staff and elected officials about local alcohol use, its impacts, and evidence-based safeguards available to communities. We hope you will find it of use as your community continues its efforts to improve public health and safety.
Download Report
| sgv_alcohol_report_card-final_12.2013.pdf |