During a recent government meeting, community members voiced significant concerns regarding tobacco access for youth in Vallejo, California. Jimmy, a representative from the Tobacco Free Islamic Coalition, highlighted alarming statistics indicating that eight school sites within the Vallejo City Unified School District are located within 1,000 feet of tobacco retailers, with seven of those within just 500 feet. He noted a troubling trend of illegal tobacco sales to minors, citing that from 2021 to 2023, 25% of local retailers sold tobacco to underage decoys during compliance checks.

The California Healthy Kids Survey revealed that youth access to tobacco in Vallejo is increasing, contrary to statewide trends. Specifically, 45% of juniors reported that obtaining cigarettes is easy, while 67% felt the same about e-cigarettes. In response to these issues, the Vallejo City Unified School District passed a resolution endorsing a comprehensive Tobacco Retail License (TRL) aimed at regulating tobacco sales and ensuring compliance.

Tara Leigh Martin, another advocate, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need for accountability among tobacco retailers. She recounted her experiences conducting surveys at local tobacco shops, where half of the retailers sold tobacco products to minors. Martin argued that allowing tobacco lounges would undermine efforts to protect youth from addiction, calling for continued vigilance against the influence of big tobacco.

The meeting also included discussions about the regulatory environment for tobacco sales, with some speakers advocating for small businesses while expressing concerns about the impact of strict regulations on local commerce. The city attorney clarified that further discussions on tobacco regulations would take place in future meetings, allowing for a more in-depth dialogue on the matter.

Overall, the meeting underscored a community deeply concerned about youth tobacco access and the need for effective policies to safeguard public health.