HomeMy WebLinkAbout05 04 2026 - Item 9.3 - Vanessa MarvinTobacco-Free Coalition of Santa Clara County
150 W Tasman Dr
San Jose, CA 95134
May 1st, 2026
Gilroy City Hall
7351 Rosanna St.
Gilroy, CA 95020
RE: 5/4 Gilroy City Council Mee5ng – Item 9.3 – Support of TRP Density & Flavored Tobacco Restric5ons
Dear Gilroy City Council,
The Tobacco-Free CoaliFon (TFC) of Santa Clara County is dedicated to protecFng and improving the health and well-being of
all communiFes throughout Santa Clara County. The CoaliFon includes 148 members across 60 stakeholder groups, including
local tobacco prevenFon, lung health, youth-serving organizaFons and community residents. We are wri 5ng to ask that the
City of Gilroy strengthens the exis5ng tobacco retail license (TRL) to beRer protect and serve community health.
Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Smoking costs California $43.54 billion in health care
costs and reduced workforce parFcipaFon from smoking-related illness and early death. 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.
Also, flavored tobacco use in California is reported as highest for e-cigareYes / vapes (89.1%) out of all tobacco.
Historically, the tobacco industry has targeted vulnerable populaFons, especially youth. Expansion of tobacco product
technology and flavors lure youth to try vaping, cigareYes, and other products like ZYN pouches. All tobacco products contain
nicoFne, which addicts and keeps users hooked on tobacco. 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 45 tobacco retailers in Gilroy, 9 – that’s one in five – are located within 1,000 feet of schools serving Gilroy students.
These provisions for the current TRL fall short in protecFng Gilroy residents, as retailers are disproporFonately located in
medium-to-high socially vulnerable areas. Gilroy faces condiFons that may elevate the risk of poor health outcomes for
residents, especially youth. To the Tobacco-Free CoaliFon, 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
6 out of 16 jurisdicFons in Santa Clara County currently have comprehensive TRLs that include the provisions above — Gilroy is
not one of them. We urge you to make the changes needed to get Gilroy there. Without such safeguards, Gilroy youth remain
at risk of iniFaFon, a lifeFme of addicFon and poor health outcomes. Strengthening the exis5ng TRL can beRer hold retailers
accountable, prevent illegal sales, and foster healthier, more equitable environments for all Gilroy residents.
In addiFon, we encourage the council to consider these measures to strengthen the ordinance to further protect Gilroy youth:
•A cap on the number of retailers to address tobacco density issues
•Limit grandfathering to exisFng retailers, ensuring they do not apply to new retailers, and phasing them out over Fme
so all retailers comply with the updated TRL ordinance
Lastly, TFC of Santa Clara County was appreciaFve of your past efforts in Secondhand Smoke work in the past year. We thank
you for your ongoing support of this topic and conFnued commitment to ensure a healthy, united community in Gilroy.
Sincerely,
Vanessa Marvin, Chair of Tobacco-Free CoaliFon of Santa Clara County
Create healthy environments where you can live, work, play, and be…tobacco free!