Modesto honored for National Night Out; council hears police summary of smoke-shop inspections and seizures

Modesto’s police department received a national award for its 2024 National Night Out participation and the City Council heard a summary of recent multi-agency enforcement efforts against local smoke shops.

Lieutenant Michael Hammond of the Modesto Police Department presented a plaque from the National Association of Town Watch recognizing Modesto for outstanding participation in National Night Out 2024. Hammond said the city had 92 registered parties in 2024 and that Modesto placed first in California and sixth nationally for cities of its size. "On behalf of Chief Brandon Gillespie and the Modesto Police Department, it is our honor to present this National Night Out Award to the city of Modesto," Hammond said.

Council members praised officers and community volunteers for organizing and participating in neighborhood events. Council Member Scudia Brayton, Council Member Wright and others described their experience attending National Night Out block events across the city.

In council comments, Vice Mayor Bavaro outlined a series of enforcement operations targeting smoke shops. Bavaro told the council that a January operation inspected 23 smoke-shop businesses and resulted in multiple citations; it seized over 1,500 pounds of flavored tobacco and cannabis products and more than 1,000 meth pipes displayed for sale. He also summarized prior operations involving the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration and the district attorney’s office: an October 2024 week-long inspection of 43 businesses that resulted in 22 arrests and a March 2024 operation that led to eight arrests related to illegal firearms, banned flavored tobacco products and other violations.

Bavaro said the inspections found evidence that some smoke shops were operating as fronts for other illegal activity and described concerns about youth-targeted packaging. "These smoke shops are in proximity of our schools and neighborhoods. Smoke shops bring zero social and economic value to our city," he said, adding that he looks forward to an upcoming smoke-shop ordinance when it returns to the council.

The council accepted the award and thanked police staff and community partners for National Night Out activities and for enforcement work that city leaders said aims to protect youth and public health.

No ordinance was introduced or voted on at the Feb. 25 meeting; Vice Mayor Bavaro said he anticipates reviewing an ordinance when it is prepared by staff and returns to the council.