Despite Legality Concerns, San Francisco Bumps Age To Buy Tobacco To 21
Opponents say that California law, which sets the age at 18, cannot be trumped by cities' legislation.
The Associated Press:
San Francisco Raises Age To Buy Tobacco To 21
San Francisco supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to boost the legal age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21, despite arguments from opponents that cities and counties cannot trump California law. San Francisco becomes the second-largest city after New York City to raise the minimum age to buy cigarettes and other tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. Hawaii and Boston also require tobacco buyers to be 21. (Har, 3/1)
San Francisco Chronicle:
Supes Raise Age To Buy Tobacco From 18 To 21 — Lawsuit Possible
The legislation could lead to a lawsuit: The National Association of Tobacco Outlets has said it may sue the city because, it claims, state law preempts the city from lowering the age to purchase tobacco. [Superviser Scott] Wiener struck a defiant chord at the board meeting and said the city would not be “bullied” by the tobacco lobby. (Green, 3/1)
In other public health news from around California —
The Ventura County Star:
County Cutting Contract With Kids' Crisis Team
A nationally accredited team that assesses and counsels suicidal children is being eliminated effective this summer. County Behavioral Health Director Elaine Crandall decided to stop the contract with the Casa Pacifica agency and provide the service through the county's crisis team for adults, she confirmed Tuesday. Team members will be trained in children's crisis care over the next few months and four others, plus a supervisor, will be hired, Crandall said. (Wilson, 3/1)
The San Diego Union-Tribune:
County Moving Forward With HIV Plan
While there has been a significant drop in the number of residents contracting HIV, San Diego County is poised to start a program that will encourage county-wide testing, preventative drug prescriptions, and other measures aimed at further cutting the prevalence of the illness. The effort comes as statistics show that even though HIV is less of a problem today than it was three decades ago, San Diego County still lags behind the state and country in key measures related to combating HIV and AIDS. (Stewart, 3/1)
The Sun:
Appeals Court: Upland, Cannabis Attorneys Argue Over When Voters Can Weigh In On Medical Pot Ban
An appellate court is already leaning toward allowing Upland residents the chance to overturn the city’s ban on medical marijuana dispensaries, but proponents of such an election want it as soon as possible. Attorneys for California Cannabis Coalition and the city of Upland appeared before a three-judge panel Tuesday, which will ultimately decide when voters get to weigh in. (Marquez, 3/1)