RICHMOND, Calif. (MCT) — In a few short months, New York City has pushed to new heights the national debate over sugary drinks and their impact on public health. But an equally important battle over the same turf is playing out here, in this gritty Bay Area suburb long defined by its battles against crime and poverty.

The Big Apple’s assault is being led by its slick, savvy, billionaire mayor, who has inspired admiration and ridicule with his push to ban the sale of supersized sugary drinks. In Richmond, the role of field marshal has fallen to a Brooklyn-born, ponytailed cardiologist-turned-councilman who pulls a little red wagon full of sugar around town in his quest to persuade Richmond voters to become the nation’s first to tax businesses that sell sugar-sweetened beverages.