Tobacco Prevention
Port Hueneme Chapter
The Problem
Youth from Port Hueneme and South Oxnard are continuing to advocate for action against the vaping epidemic that is affecting people across the country but especially youth of color.
The Result
At the beginning of this year, Port Hueneme City Council voted to move forward with enacting a Tobacco Retail Licensing (TRL) Program, adding itself to the list of cities in our county who regulate the sale of tobacco. The Port Hueneme City Council has demonstrated a step in the right direction with the TRL policy, but the students continue to work in their local community to bring change and continue pushing for a complete flavor ban in the City of Port Hueneme.
Carpinteria Chapter
The Problem
The youth of Carpinteria continue to do anti-tobacco and vaping education and advocacy in the city given that our youth, as well as vulnerable populations, are the main targets for big tobacco companies. Last year, the city of Carpinteria enacted an emergency flavored tobacco/ electronic devices moratorium. Following this, the city has been very proactive in implementing the ban in the local stores, however, the youth still see a need for a more permanent ban as well as the proper language to be addressed in the city’s TRL.
The Result
We are now moving forward in making sure that our city’s TRL includes the right language to encompass electronic smoking in all smoke free areas in Carpinteria. In our efforts to keep our community engaged and informed, we are currently using our instagram and facebook to deliver educational and resourceful material. Some of the activities the students will be engaging in for the months to follow include an educational Instagram Live related to tobacco and COVID-19, as well as a community forum scheduled for fall.