Los Angeles Receives Low Grade for Children’s Quality of Life

Los Angeles ranks below most large American cities in quality of life for children, the Los Angeles Times reports. According to the "Kid-Friendly Report Card 2001," a study conducted by the environmental group Zero Population Growth, Los Angeles received a grade of C, ranking it 19th out of 25 "major" American cities in such factors as environment, health and public safety. Los Angeles' grade was attributed to its high rate of teenage pregnancy and poor air quality, among other factors, the Times reports. San Francisco placed fifth in the list of large cities, San Diego 10th and San Jose 11th. In the report card's list of 140 "smaller" cities, San Bernardino ranked last. A third list of 74 "suburban cities" ranked Moreno Valley last. Pasadena, which received a D grade and finished 66th among suburban cities two years ago, received an A-minus this year (Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 8/21). To view the full report, go to www.KidFriendlyCities.org/2001.