Just 40 percent of California voters support a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages like sodas and energy drinks.  Fifty-three percent are opposed.  On the other hand, if the tax revenue gets directed to school nutrition and physical activity programs, it's a completely different story: Nearly 70 percent of voters would support that soda tax, with just under 30 percent opposed.

In other findings, about 45 percent of Californians would favor a New York City-style ban on "big gulp"-sized soft drinks.  Slightly more oppose a ban.  And there's broad support for limiting unhealthy food and drinks in schools and day care centers.

The poll was paid for by the California Endowment, which advocates on health care issues. The California Endowment is a financial supporter of Capital Public Radio.