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El Cajon council pushes for stronger restrictions on novelty vaping devices aimed at youth
Summary
Councilmembers, citing disguised vaping devices sold in kid‑friendly forms, asked staff and counsel to pursue options for stiffer local penalties and a possible ban on certain products; CASA urged inclusion of flavored products in any local restrictions.
Councilmembers raised alarm about small vaping devices disguised as watches, highlighters, USB drives and novelty items that they say are marketed to children. Deputy Mayor Phil Ortiz and Councilmember Gary Kendrick introduced the item and asked staff to explore stronger enforcement and penalties.
Kendrick said the devices are "exclusively marketed to children," and urged the council to protect young people. Councilmember Michelle Mitchell urged strict penalties for retailers who sell such products to minors, arguing there should be no second chances for owners who permit sales to underage buyers. City Attorney counsel explained that due process is required in enforcement actions and described the city’s existing minor‑decoy program and tobacco‑retail licensing penalties, including fines and the potential for license suspension and revocation.
Rebecca Branstetter of Community Action Service and Advocacy (CASA) addressed the council in support of local restrictions and recommended including flavored tobacco products in the discussion, saying El Cajon’s strong tobacco‑retailer licensing historically reduced youth access and that novel vapes have driven a new rise in youth use.
Council directed staff and the city attorney to draft enforcement options and ordinance language and noted the matter would return to council for further consideration in early 2025.
