Good morning, Redwood City!
It seems the holidays are officially upon us. The first few Christmas tree sightings surprised me, as they always do, but with Thanksgiving just around the corner I’m starting to get into the spirit.
Speaking of, the city just announced the return of the annual Holly Jolly Home Decorating Contest. Think you’ve got the merriest, cheeriest or most inflatable house in town? Sign ups open next week, so grab your spot—more info about that here.
Last night the City Council discussed an ordinance that would ban the sale of flavored tobacco products. And they wouldn’t be the first. In San Mateo County alone, East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, San Mateo and South San Francisco have all limited the sale of electronic cigarettes.
Citing the dangers of flavored tobacco as “starter” products that can lead to addiction, the Vice Mayor Giselle Hale spoke in favor of a ban.
“I just want to say how happy I am that we are finally here,” she said. “Schools aren’t coming to us about alcohol, they are coming to us about tobacco….They are coming to us about the particular ways in which big tobacco are using these products to attract children.”
Several council members took issue with the inclusion of hookah in the ordinance, however, including council members Lissette Espinoza-Garnica and Michael Smith who emphasized the “cultural element” of hookah.
Ultimately the council voted 6-1 (with Espinoza-Garnica dissenting) to revisit the ordinance in November of next year.
What do you think? We’d love to hear your thoughts. And happy Tuesday!
Signing off,
Leah
Photo of the Day Caption: Blue sky trying (corner of Hopkins and Alameda). Photo by Kris Johnson
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