Study: Zoning Ordinance Restricting New Fast Food Restaurants in South L.A. Had No Meaningful Effect

A 2008 zoning ordinance that restricted the opening of new stand-alone fast food restaurants in South Los Angeles did not have a meaningful effect on obesity rates or improving residents' diets, according to a new RAND study. Although no stand-alone fast food chains opened between 2008 and 2012, the study found that nearly 50% of approved food permits were for convenience stores that sell junk food and soda.

• "Study: Fast-Food Curb Did Not Cut Obesity Rate in South L.A." (Chang, AP/Sacramento Bee, 3/19).