Group kicks off campaign for Oakland soda tax on November ballot

KGO

Fanta soda cans are seen at The Corner Market in Washington, on Saturday, May 22, 2010. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

BERKELEY, Calif. (KGO) -- On Thursday, a group of civic and community leaders kicked off their campaign to put a soda tax on the ballot in Oakland this November.

.@annieforoakland @Kaplan4Oakland @desleyb announce coalition to put @Oakland sugary soda tax on November ballot. pic.twitter.com/2uIUw3yI3M
— Laura Anthony (@LauraAnthony7) April 7, 2016

A rally got underway at city hall around 10:30 a.m.

Neighboring Berkeley already imposes an added tax every time you buy a sugar sweetened beverage like a soda or juice.

Dr. Tom Sugarman says tax on sugary beverages will decrease consumption of unhealthy beverages in @Oakland. pic.twitter.com/elLmijcJO6
— Laura Anthony (@LauraAnthony7) April 7, 2016

Now Oakland would like to do the same.

This tax would raise money for wellness programs in the community and in local schools.

Proposed tax would be 1 cent per ounce on sugary beverages, same as Berkeley. pic.twitter.com/n8yGWuqG2T
— Laura Anthony (@LauraAnthony7) April 7, 2016

Reporter Laura Anthony will have the latest on this campaign starting at 4 p.m. on ABC7 News.