Several students from the Colton Community Coalition for Change (CCCC) organization were in the audience at the Feb 4 council meeting to hear the news of a recent report released by the American Lung Association – State of Tobacco Control 2020, announcing that the City of Colton was a “City on the Rise” for 2020.
This prestigious recognition is part of an effort to encourage communities to educate, promote, and advocate programs that would lead to a reduction of sales of tobacco products, and strictly enforce the prohibition of tobacco sales to minors.
Over the last two years, the Colton Community Coalition for Change, a student outreach program of Mental Health Systems of Colton, have worked tirelessly with local schools, community groups, local tobacco control programs, and ultimately the City Council to push for increased tobacco control policies, including the new requirement of tobacco retail licenses (TRL) for all business who sell tobacco products.
This community grass-roots effort was a major project taken by the student members of the CCCC in collaboration with Mental Health Systems (MHS) - Central Valley prevention program.
Mirza Andrade-Martinez, prevention specialist with MHS who advises the students, elaborates enthusiastically “our commitment to serving the community of Colton is highlighted by the important work of our community youth members who have taken ownership of the issues associated with underage smoking…and seek the support of their elected officials to create a healthier community.”
Amber Valenzuela, Coordinator of tobacco control programs with the California Health Collaborative supports this effort and opines, “it’s been amazing to witness the collaboration between community organizations, such as the Colton Community Coalition for Change and the City of Colton.” She also adds, “this collaboration, represents, the tangible positive impact that a community and its local leaders can make in order to keep its community safe from tobacco.”
In 2019, the Coalition for Change was successful in reaching their goal of a retail tobacco license (TRL) requirement for all local businesses who sell tobacco products. By unanimous vote, the Colton City Council approved adoption of ordinance O-13-19, that ensures that Colton businesses operate in compliance with applicable laws regulating tobacco.
To celebrate their success for the TRL adoption and the “City on the Rise” recognition, members of the Coalition for Change, Mental Health Systems, Santinder Cheema, owner of 7-11, and Dr. G, Council Member, teamed up for an informal rally at the local 7-11 business at 202 N Mt. Vernon Ave., which is one of the principal supporters of the new TRL program requirement.
“We care for our community and our Team 7-11” says Mr Cheema. Dr. G reinforces that sentiment, “our city council unanimously supports the efforts of our youth with regard to the tobacco control issue. They care enough to make a difference – that’s awesome!
For more information about the Coalition for Change or the TRL Program, contact Mirza Andrade-Martinez at 420-5874, or Council Member Dr. G at 213-3730.