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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11 03 2025 Item 7.2 Urgency Ordinance - Carol Baker and Vanessa MarvinTobacco-Free Coalition of Santa Clara County 1775 Story Road, Suite 120 San Jose, CA 95122 November 3, 2025 Gilroy City Hall  7351 Rosanna St. Gilroy, CA 95020 Dear Gilroy City Council, The Tobacco-Free CoaliFon of Santa Clara County is dedicated to protecFng and improving the health and well-being of all communiFes throughout Santa Clara County. We are wri(ng in support of the City’s proposal to temporarily prohibit the issuance of tobacco retail licenses within the downtown area. Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. In Santa Clara County, the average age that students first report using a tobacco product is 14 years old, and 83.8% report the first product that they try is a vape. Historically, the tobacco industry has targeted vulnerable populaFons, especially youth. Expansion of tobacco product technology and flavors lure youth to try vaping, cigareUes, and other products like ZYN pouches. All tobacco products contain nicoFne, which addicts and keeps users hooked on tobacco. AddiFonally, nicoFne poisons adolescent brains and is dangerous for youth brain development. Thus we are also concerned about these products being sold at smoke and vape shops within Gilroy. Out of the 50 tobacco retailers in Gilroy, 11 are located within 1,000 feet of schools that serve Gilroy students. As follow up to the August 4th City Council Mee(ng, we also want to remind leadership of our ask that the City of Gilroy strengthens the exis(ng tobacco retail license (TRL) to beGer protect and serve community health. The current TRL does not do enough to minimize youth access to tobacco products or to protect all of Gilroy’s residents from the harms of tobacco’s influence. 6 out of 16 jurisdicFons in Santa Clara County currently have comprehensive TRLs that include provisions such as these— Gilroy is not one of them. Let’s make the changes needed to get Gilroy there. Strengthening the exisFng TRL can beUer hold retailers accountable, prevent illegal sales, and foster healthier, more equitable environments for all Gilroy residents. To the Tobacco-Free CoaliFon of Santa Clara County, a strong TRL would include: •Detailed enforcement provisions, including adequate fees that will ensure enforcement acFviFes •LimitaFons in tobacco retailer density, including buffer zones from youth-sensiFve areas and other retailers •Sales restricFons on all flavored tobacco and vaping products •Consider a cap on retailers to address tobacco density issues The Tobacco-Free CoaliFon has supported the previous tobacco prevenFon iniFaFves within the City of Gilroy and are encouraged to see them being revisited and improved. Thank you for your conFnued commitment to ensure a healthy, united community in Gilroy. Sincerely, Carol Baker and Vanessa Marvin Tobacco-Free CoaliFon of Santa Clara County Co-Chairs Create healthy environments where you can live, work, play, and be…tobacco free!