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DISTRICT ATTORNEY - District Attorney Matthew D. Rogers
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Requested Action(s)
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a) APPLICATION - Request approval for the District Attorney or his designee to apply for the State of California Department of Justice Retail Tobacco Enforcement grant
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Financial Impact:
If awarded, this is a three-year grant for a total of $300,000. This grant is funded 100% through the State of California Department of Justice.
Background Information:
Tehama County's population and number of tobacco retailers is much less than surrounding areas. Despite this, tobacco use in general, and especially by those under 21 years of age, has some of the highest percentages in the state. The 2023 California Youth Tobacco Survey showed Tehama County having 16.4% tobacco use by youth with 13.3% of that being the use of vapes, compared to the statewide average of 7.3%. Also, according to the 2025 California Tobacco Facts and Figures report, overall, tobacco use in Tehama County is 19.1% (highest in the state) compared to a statewide average of 9%. To compound this, in the past the focus of local law enforcement and educational entities has been youth vaping within schools and most recently retailer education, but not enforcement.
While retailer education is an important component, that alone has not been effective in preventing the sale of illegal tobacco products and tobacco products to minors. This opinion comes from speaking with members of the community, both adults and those under 21, as well as personal observations that the sale of tobacco to those under 21 years of age and the sale of flavored tobacco products is ongoing within Tehama County. The 2025 Synar Tobacco Purchase Survey, showed the High Country/North Valley region having a 5.3% retailer violation rate. We at the Tehama County District Attorney's Office, however, feel this may be higher as very little retail enforcement has occurred within the County.
Based on this, the District Attorney'...
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