I am writing to encourage the residents of Lassen and Plumas County to take action to protect our youth from the dangers of tobacco.
Think about the young people in your life—a family member, a neighbor, or a co-worker's child. How would you feel if you learned they were using tobacco products? What if they were in elementary school? What if they were a straight-A student or a star athlete? What if they told you they wanted to quit but couldn't? These situations are real and happening in our community.
Tobacco use among young people in our rural areas is higher than ever. Many youth believe that vaping, chewing, and other tobacco products help them cope with anxiety, stress, and depression. In reality, tobacco use only makes these problems worse.
High schools in our area are struggling with this issue. Many have had to lock restrooms during passing periods because of vaping in the stalls. Students must ask a staff member to unlock the bathroom, which keeps some from using them due to fear of secondhand vapor or peer pressure.
What can we do? We can speak up and ask our leaders for change. I urge you to write letters or call local decision-makers like City Council members and the Board of Supervisors. Share your concerns about youth tobacco use and ask them to:
- Create a Tobacco Retail License Ordinance
- Raise the price of tobacco products
- Get rid of tobacco coupons
- Encourage local stores to help protect our youth
For the past four years, I have worked hard to keep tobacco away from young people. I have spoken with students, parents, teachers, coaches, and community members. Everyone agrees that youth tobacco use is a serious problem. Yet, the situation has only gotten worse. In Portola, there are now seven tobacco retailers for just over 2,021 residents (based on the 2023 U.S. Census). That means there is one tobacco retailer for every 300 residents. How many of those 300 are old enough to buy tobacco? The numbers don't lie.
Now is the time to act. Please reach out to local leaders and ask them to protect the health and future of our young people.
Sincerely,
**Regina Martinez**
Smoke Free High Country
Concerned Community Member
