REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL **POST AGENDA**Meeting #:Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at 5:00 P.m. - 6:00 P.m.Location:Council Chambers, 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, CA View the Meeting Live in English & Spanish: chulavistaca.gov/councilmeetings Cox channel 24 in English only Welcome to your City Council Meeting PUBLIC COMMENTS: Public comments may be submitted to the City Council in the following ways: In-Person. The community is welcome to make public comments at this City Council meeting. Masks or face coverings are recommended in Council Chambers and all City conference and meeting rooms. Submit an eComment: Visit www.chulavistaca.gov/councilmeetings, locate the meeting and click the comment bubble icon. Select the item and click "Leave Comment." eComments can be submitted until the conclusion of public comments for the item and are viewable online upon submittal. If you have difficulty submitting eComments, email comments to: cityclerk@chulavistaca.gov. HOW TO WATCH: Live stream is available at www.chulavistaca.gov/councilmeetings. To switch the video to Spanish, please click on "ES" in the bottom right hand corner. Meetings are available anytime on the City's website (English and Spanish). ACCESSIBILITY: Individuals with disabilities or special needs are invited to request modifications or accommodations to access and/or participate in a City meeting by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at cityclerk@chulavistaca.gov or (619) 691-5041 (California Relay Service is available for the hearing impaired by dialing 711) at least forty-eight hours in advance of the meeting. SPEAKER TIME LIMITS: The time allotted for speakers may be adjusted by the Mayor. - Five minutes* for specific items listed on the agenda- Three minutes* for items NOT on the agenda (called to speak during Public Comments) - A group of individuals may select a spokesperson to speak on their behalf on an agenda item, waiving their option to speak individually on the same item. Generally, five minutes are allotted per person, up to a limit of 30 minutes, although the limits may be adjusted. Members of the group must be present. *Individuals who use a translator will be allotted twice the amount of time. GETTING TO KNOW YOUR AGENDA Agenda Sections: CONSENT CALENDAR items are routine items that are not expected to prompt discussion. All items are considered for approval at the same time with one vote. Councilmembers and staff may request items be removed and members of the public may submit a speaker slip if they wish to comment on an item. Items removed from the Consent Calendar are discussed after the vote on the remaining Consent Calendar items. PUBLIC COMMENT provides the public with an opportunity to address the Council on any matter not listed on the agenda that is within the jurisdiction of the Council. In compliance with the Brown Act, the Council cannot take action on matters not listed on the agenda.PUBLIC HEARINGS are held on matters specifically required by law. The Mayor opens the public hearing and asks for presentations from staff and from the proponent or applicant involved (if applicable) in the matter under discussion. Following questions from the Councilmembers, the Mayor opens the public hearing and asks for public comments. The hearing is closed, and the City Council may discuss and take action.ACTION ITEMS are items that are expected to cause discussion and/or action by the Council but do not legally require a Public Hearing. Staff may make a presentation and Councilmembers may ask questions of staff and the involved parties before the Mayor invites the public to provide input. CLOSED SESSION may only be attended by members of the Council, support staff, and/or legal counsel. The most common purpose of a Closed Session is to avoid revealing confidential information that may prejudice the legal or negotiating position of the City or compromise the privacy interests of employees. Closed sessions may be held only as specifically authorized by law. Council Actions: RESOLUTIONS are formal expressions of opinion or intention of the Council and are usually effective immediately. ORDINANCES are laws adopted by the Council. Ordinances usually amend, repeal or supplement the Municipal Code; provide zoning specifications; or appropriate money for specific purposes. Most ordinances require two hearings: an introductory hearing, generally followed by a second hearing at the next regular meeting. Most ordinances go into effect 30 days after the final approval. PROCLAMATIONS are issued by the City to honor significant achievements by community members, highlight an event, promote awareness of community issues, and recognize City employees. 1.CALL TO ORDER Public Comments: 2.ROLL CALL Public Comments: 3.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG AND MOMENT OF SILENCE Public Comments: 4.SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY Public Comments: 4.1Presentation by Claire Lion and Clovis Honore of GRID Alternatives Regarding a Solar Energy Program for Low-Income Residents Attachments | Public Comments1.DAC-SASH Program Flyer - City of Chula Vista 2022 Income.pdf2.Item 4.1 - GRID 2022 - Chula Vista City Council - 9_13_22.pdf5.CONSENT CALENDAR (Items 5.1 through 5.5) Public Comments: All items listed under the Consent Calendar are considered and acted upon by one motion. Anyone may request an item be removed for separate consideration.RECOMMENDED ACTION:To approve the recommended actions appearing below consent calendar Items 5.1 through 5.3 and Item 5.5 The headings were read, text waived. The motion carried by the following vote:5.1Waive Reading of Text of Resolutions and Ordinances Public Comments: RECOMMENDED ACTION:Approve a motion to read only the title and waive the reading of the text of all resolutions and ordinances at this meeting.5.2Consideration of Requests for Excused Absences Public Comments: RECOMMENDED ACTION:Consider requests for excused absences as appropriate.5.3Contract Award and Appropriation: Award a Contract for the “Installation of Lead Pedestrian Interval Signal Operations (TRF0418)” Project to Baker Electric & Renewables and Appropriate Funds for that Purpose Attachments | Public Comments1.Staff Report - TRF0418 Appropriation of Funds - 22-0232.pdf2.Resolution (TRF0418).pdf3.Attachment 1 - Disclosure Statement Baker Electric.pdf4.Attachment 2 - Project Location Map.pdfReport Number: 22-0232Location: No specific geographic locationDepartment: Engineering Environmental Notice: The Project qualifies for a Categorical Exemption pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines Section 15301 Class 1 (Existing Facilities) and Section 15303 class 3 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures).RECOMMENDED ACTION:Adopt a resolution accepting bids, awarding a contract for the “Installation of Lead Pedestrian Interval Traffic Signal Operations (TRF0418)” project to Baker Electric & Renewables, and appropriating $200,000 for that purpose. (4/5 Vote Required)5.5Purchase Agreement: Approve Agreement with So Cal Penske Dealer Group for Ford Interceptor Utility Hybrid Vehicles Attachments | Public Comments1.Staff Report - Police Vehicle Purchase Agreement - 22-0247.pdf2.Resolution - Police Interceptor.pdf3.Agreement_-_So_Cal_Penske_Dealer_Group.docx.pdfReport Number: 22-0247 Location: No specific geographic location Department: Police Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.RECOMMENDED ACTION:Adopt a resolution approving an agreement with So Cal Penske Dealer Group to purchase nineteen Ford Interceptor Utility Hybrid vehicles.ITEM REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR5.4Deed Restrictions: Approve Deed Restrictions on Park Properties as Required as Conditions of Grant Awards Attachments | Public Comments1.Staff Report - Grant Award Deed Restrictions - 22-0234.pdf2.Resolution A.pdf3.Resolution B.pdf4.Attachment 1 - Grant Contract.pdf5.Attachment 2 - Exhibit A - Legal Description of Property (Rohr Park).pdf6.Attachment 3 - Deed Restriction - Rohr Park.pdf7.Attachment 4 - Exhibit A - Legal Description of Property (Rancho Del Rey Park).pdf8.Attachment 5 - Deed Restriction - Rancho Del Rey.pdfReport Number: 22-0234Location: Rohr Park, 4548 Sweetwater Road, 91902, and Rancho Del Rey Park, 1311 Buena Vista Way, 91910Department: Community Services – Parks and Recreation Environmental Notice: The Project qualifies for a Categorical Exemption pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines Section 15301 Class 1 (Existing Facilities), Section 15303 class 3 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures), and Section 15304 Class 4 (Minor Alterations to Land). RECOMMENDED ACTION:Item was pulled from the agenda by request of staff.6.PUBLIC COMMENTS Attachments | Public Comments1.Acerro - Public Comment.pdf2.Public Comments - Raso.pdfThe public may address the Council on any matter within the jurisdiction of the Council but not on the agenda. 7.PUBLIC HEARINGS Public Comments: The following item(s) have been advertised as public hearing(s) as required by law.7.1General Plan Update: Approve Amendments to the Housing Element Update of the General Plan for the 2021-2029 Planning Period Attachments | Public Comments1.Staff Report Amendments to The Housing Element Update 22-0242.pdf2.Resolution.pdf3.Attachment 1 - Draft Housing Element.pdf4.Attachment 1A - Appendix A.pdf5.Attachment 1B - Appendix B.pdf6.Attachment 1C - Appendix C.pdf7.Attachment 1D - Appendix D.pdf8.Attachment 1E - Appendix E.pdf9.Attachment 1F - Appendix F.pdf10.Attachment 1G - Appendix G.pdf11.Attachment 1H - Appendix H.pdf12.Attachment 1H - Appendix H, Attachment 1.pdfReport Number: 22-0242 Location: No specific geographic location Department: Development Services Environmental Notice: The Project was adequately covered in previously adopted Negative Declaration, IS 20-0004 for the 2021 Housing Element Update of the General Plan for the 2021-2029 Planning Period.RECOMMENDED ACTION:To adopt Resolution No. 2022-208, heading read, text waived. The motion carried by the following vote:8.ACTION ITEMS Public Comments: The following item(s) will be considered individually and are expected to elicit discussion and deliberation. 8.1Affordable Housing Policy: Consider Amendments to the Guidelines to the Balanced Communities Policy to Remove Exemptions and Variances from the Policy Attachments | Public Comments1.Staff Report - Amendments to the Guidelines to the Balanced Communities Policy - 22-0210.pdf2.Attachment 1 - Amendments to the Guidelines to the Balanced Communities Policy.pdf3.Resolution(1).pdf4.Item 8.1 - Balanced Communities.pdfRobert Johnsonmake it harder for chula vista.. they should government everything.. goverment fixxes nothing.. at this point ur better off not touching this.Report Number: 22-0210 Location: No specific geographic location Department: Development Services Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.RECOMMENDED ACTION:To adopt Resolution No. 2022-209, heading read, text waived. The motion carried by the following vote:8.2Tobacco Sales: Consider Prohibiting Flavored Tobacco Sales within the City of Chula Vista Attachments | Public Comments1.Staff Report - Amendment to CVMC Chapter 5.56 to Prohibit Flavored Tobacco - 22-0189.pdf2.Ordinance.pdf3.Attachment 1 - February 25, 2020 Council Staff Report.pdf4.Attachment 2 - 2021 Chula Vista Youth Tobacco Use Survey Results.pdf5.Attachment 3 - Proposed Amendments to CVMC 5.56 (Tobacco Retailer).pdf6.Attachment 4 - Correspondence .pdf7.Written Communications - Walczak Vircks - Received 9_9_22.pdf8.Written Communications _ Khoury _ Received 9_12_22.pdf9.Written Communications _ Hodges _ Received 9_12_22.pdf10.Written Communications _ Mansour _ Received 9_12_22.pdf11.Written Communications_Kwiatkowski_Received 9_12_22.pdf12.Written Communications_Received 9_13_22.pdf13.Written Communications_Perez_Received 9_13_22.pdf14.Item 8.2 Galvez.pdf15.Item 8.2 - Flavored Tobacco 9.13.22.pdf16.Item 8.2 - PC Noriega_SAY San Diego.pdfBlanca RoldanBuenas tardes mi nombre es Blanca Roldán tengo 19 años en la ciudad de Chula Vista, soy líder voluntaria de SBCS, yo estoy apoyando la ley de quitar del mercado los cigarrillos de sabor, porque al tenerlos en venta para que los jóvenes y cualquier persona los consuman es estar participando en varias muertes lentas, están elaborados por varios químicos que dañas a los órganos y lamentablemente están al alcance de las escuelas, se a visto que más jóvenes de sexto grado en adelante ya los consumen, porque el mercado para poder vender más los hacen de diferente forma para llamar la atención y para que los padres no se den cuenta, por eso abogó por una ciudad más sana y con un mejor futuro, de antemano muchas gracias por este espacio y porque mi voz cuente, atentamente una servidora Blanca Roldán. Robert Johnsoni am a smoker of 15 years vaping has helpped me and so many others quit smoking cigarettes. limiting our choice is not going to stop anyone from getting these product that are legal and all this will do is close local businesses. with you all closing businesses for a flu .. we all know you will do anything and now more then ever we have to watch anything you all try and do.. for one it usually causes more harm then good. i dont not support limiting sales, yet you can buy cannibis and alchol in berry lemonaide .. this is goverment overreach at its worst, limiting our choice as consumers and profiting from the drug sold legally with only you as the dictator.. we are coming for your jobs.. WE THE PEOPLE. TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION ... THEIFT .. MAYBE RECORD COURT CASES IS WHAT U WANT. Manuel Andrade My name is Manuel Andrade and I work for Social Advocates for Youth on tobacco prevention. For the last 4 years, I have supported the American Lung Association and South Bay Community Services providing educational presentations to parents and students at different High Schools in Chula Vista. There is an acute e-cigarette youth epidemic at the Sweetwater Union High School District. The school board supported the SAAFE Act in San Diego for a reason. A recent UCSD study in Chula Vista showed that more than 40% of students have purchased an electronic device with flavored tobacco at local stores and smoke-shops. There is a reason why more than 200 cities and localities in California have implemented a strong Tobacco Retail License and ended the sale of flavored tobacco products, including the County of San Diego, the City of San Diego, Imperia Beach among other 5 cities in the county. The tobacco industry will not stop targeting and marketing flavored tobacco to our kids. This includes the Hookah industry, which it is in denial that youth do not use Hookah. End all flavored tobacco products without exception. Please ensure that the city of Chula Vista is at the same standard as the County and the city of San Diego in order to protect youth from the tobacco industry. Do not wait for SB793 as we do not know what is going to happen. The tobacco industry is investing millions of dollars to stop this bill and we need to get rid of them now! Thank you! Manuel Andradesalvador GarciaDebemos apoyar esta propuesta por bien de nustros hijos jovenes.GraciasChristopher HudginsThe National Hookah Community Association (NHCA) brings together, and serves as the voice of, hookah producers, distributors, sellers, lounge owners, consumers, and community members who support the preservation of hookah’s cultural traditions. We are writing to thank you for exempting shisha (hookah) from the proposed flavored tobacco ban and recognizing the cultural significance of hookah to minority and immigrant populations as well as the lack of youth access to, and use of, the product. Hookah is an important cultural practice that has existed for centuries, originating in the Middle East and India. Today, a broad cross-section of immigrants in the U.S. from around the world enjoy hookah as a centerpiece for cultural, business, and social gatherings. Hookah lounges across the country have come to serve as safe gathering places for many diverse ethnic and religious communities. Hookah is unlikely to be used or consumed by youth for many reasons. Hookah water pipes are several feet tall, not easily concealed, and the setup for use is a lengthy process. Lounges that offer hookah are restricted to of-age customers, preventing teens from accessing the product. Recent research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that just 0.8% of middle and high school students used hookah in the past 30 days, ten times less than the number of teens or youth who vape. Thank you for protecting minority and immigrant owned businesses and exempting hookah.Marlon MansourOn behalf of the Neighborhood Market Association (NMA) Executive Board and our members, we would like to submit our written testimony in opposition to the Flavored Tobacco Ban currently under your consideration. The NMA is a non-profit trade organization that represents over 700 family-owned businesses, including many operating in Chula Vista. In recent years, use of e-cigarettes and vaping products has risen, largely as a less harmful alternative to traditional tobacco products.1 Youth access to these products has become a concern for legislators. In recent years, the California state government as well as the Federal government, through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have taken powerful steps to prevent youth access and advertising of these products.2, 3, 4 Issues of youth access is also paramount to our retailers. That is why they take every measure to assure these products never reach the hands of underage youth. I also want to stress that the retailer community, a key stakeholder greatly affected by the ultimate action of the City Council on this proposed ordinance, was not reached out for thoughts or guidance on this proposed ordinance. The Chula Vista business community is not aware that this ban is being proposed in 24 hours. Delay this Vote till the proper stakeholder outreach is done! Passing this ordinance without proper outreach to this key stakeholder group is tantamount to silencing their voices. Phillip Gardiner, Dr. P.H.The African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council (AATCLC) strongly encourages the Chula Vista City Council to end the sale of menthol Cigarettes and all flavored tobacco products, with no exemptions. We are glad to see that the Council is considering this issue. Frankly, this couldn’t come at a better time. We already know that 80% of youth, 12-17 start smoking using flavored cigarettes (Ambrose et al., 2015). Indeed, in the midst of the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic, nothing could be more important than getting these products out of our community. We already know that smokers are more susceptible to COVID infection (CDC, 2020). If the Council truly wants a healthier Chula Vista, and we believe that you do, then it is imperative that menthol-flavored cigarettes and other flavored tobacco products be prohibited. This will end the predatory marketing of these products that disproportionately impact poorer communities, marginalized groups, youths, and communities of color. New research shows that between 1980-2018 menthol cigarettes were responsible for: 1.5 million new African American smokers; 157,000 smoking-related premature deaths among African Americans; and 1.5 million life-years lost among African Americans (Mendez & Le, 2021) (the full article and an accompanying editorial are also attached.) Time is of the essence. We can't wait on the State or the FDA. Chula Vista must act now! Thank you for your leadership. Report Number: 22-0189Location: No specific geographic locationDepartment: Development Services Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.RECOMMENDED ACTION:Place an ordinance on first reading amending Chula Vista Municipal Code chapter 5.56, Tobacco Retailer, to prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco products within the City of Chula Vista. (First Reading)9.CITY MANAGER’S REPORTS Attachments | Public Comments1.Item 9 - City Manager Comments 09132022.pdf10.MAYOR’S REPORTS Public Comments: 11.COUNCILMEMBERS’ COMMENTS Public Comments: 12.CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORTS Public Comments: 13.CLOSED SESSION Public Comments: Announcements of actions taken in Closed Sessions shall be made available by noon on the next business day following the Council meeting at the City Attorney's office in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act (Government Code 54957.7)13.1Conference with Legal Counsel Regarding Initiation of Litigation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(c): Public Comments: One Case RECOMMENDED ACTION:14.ADJOURNMENT Attachments | Public Comments1.Item 14 - Adjournment Simon Silva In Memoriam.pdfto the regular City Council meeting on September 20, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Materials provided to the City Council related to an open session item on this agenda are available for public review, please contact the Office of the City Clerk at cityclerk@chulavistaca.gov or (619) 691-5041. Sign up at www.chulavistaca.gov to receive email notifications when City Council agendas are published online.No Item Selected Attachments (0) | Public Comments (0)This item has no attachments1.DAC-SASH Program Flyer - City of Chula Vista 2022 Income.pdf2.Item 4.1 - GRID 2022 - Chula Vista City Council - 9_13_22.pdf1.Staff Report Amendments to The Housing Element Update 22-0242.pdf2.Resolution.pdf3.Attachment 1 - Draft Housing Element.pdf4.Attachment 1A - Appendix A.pdf5.Attachment 1B - Appendix B.pdf6.Attachment 1C - Appendix C.pdf7.Attachment 1D - Appendix D.pdf8.Attachment 1E - Appendix E.pdf9.Attachment 1F - Appendix F.pdf10.Attachment 1G - Appendix G.pdf11.Attachment 1H - Appendix H.pdf12.Attachment 1H - Appendix H, Attachment 1.pdf1.Staff Report - Grant Award Deed Restrictions - 22-0234.pdf2.Resolution A.pdf3.Resolution B.pdf4.Attachment 1 - Grant Contract.pdf5.Attachment 2 - Exhibit A - Legal Description of Property (Rohr Park).pdf6.Attachment 3 - Deed Restriction - Rohr Park.pdf7.Attachment 4 - Exhibit A - Legal Description of Property (Rancho Del Rey Park).pdf8.Attachment 5 - Deed Restriction - Rancho Del Rey.pdf1.Staff Report - Police Vehicle Purchase Agreement - 22-0247.pdf2.Resolution - Police Interceptor.pdf3.Agreement_-_So_Cal_Penske_Dealer_Group.docx.pdf1.Staff Report - TRF0418 Appropriation of Funds - 22-0232.pdf2.Resolution (TRF0418).pdf3.Attachment 1 - Disclosure Statement Baker Electric.pdf4.Attachment 2 - Project Location Map.pdf1.Staff Report - Amendment to CVMC Chapter 5.56 to Prohibit Flavored Tobacco - 22-0189.pdf2.Ordinance.pdf3.Attachment 1 - February 25, 2020 Council Staff Report.pdf4.Attachment 2 - 2021 Chula Vista Youth Tobacco Use Survey Results.pdf5.Attachment 3 - Proposed Amendments to CVMC 5.56 (Tobacco Retailer).pdf6.Attachment 4 - Correspondence .pdf7.Written Communications - Walczak Vircks - Received 9_9_22.pdf8.Written Communications _ Khoury _ Received 9_12_22.pdf9.Written Communications _ Hodges _ Received 9_12_22.pdf10.Written Communications _ Mansour _ Received 9_12_22.pdf11.Written Communications_Kwiatkowski_Received 9_12_22.pdf12.Written Communications_Received 9_13_22.pdf13.Written Communications_Perez_Received 9_13_22.pdf14.Item 8.2 Galvez.pdf15.Item 8.2 - Flavored Tobacco 9.13.22.pdf16.Item 8.2 - PC Noriega_SAY San Diego.pdf1.Staff Report - Amendments to the Guidelines to the Balanced Communities Policy - 22-0210.pdf2.Attachment 1 - Amendments to the Guidelines to the Balanced Communities Policy.pdf3.Resolution(1).pdf4.Item 8.1 - Balanced Communities.pdf1.Acerro - Public Comment.pdf2.Public Comments - Raso.pdf1.Item 9 - City Manager Comments 09132022.pdf1.Item 14 - Adjournment Simon Silva In Memoriam.pdfThis item has no public commentBlanca Roldan (Support)Buenas tardes mi nombre es Blanca Roldán tengo 19 años en la ciudad de Chula Vista, soy líder voluntaria de SBCS, yo estoy apoyando la ley de quitar del mercado los cigarrillos de sabor, porque al tenerlos en venta para que los jóvenes y cualquier persona los consuman es estar participando en varias muertes lentas, están elaborados por varios químicos que dañas a los órganos y lamentablemente están al alcance de las escuelas, se a visto que más jóvenes de sexto grado en adelante ya los consumen, porque el mercado para poder vender más los hacen de diferente forma para llamar la atención y para que los padres no se den cuenta, por eso abogó por una ciudad más sana y con un mejor futuro, de antemano muchas gracias por este espacio y porque mi voz cuente, atentamente una servidora Blanca Roldán. Robert Johnson (Oppose)i am a smoker of 15 years vaping has helpped me and so many others quit smoking cigarettes. limiting our choice is not going to stop anyone from getting these product that are legal and all this will do is close local businesses. with you all closing businesses for a flu .. we all know you will do anything and now more then ever we have to watch anything you all try and do.. for one it usually causes more harm then good. i dont not support limiting sales, yet you can buy cannibis and alchol in berry lemonaide .. this is goverment overreach at its worst, limiting our choice as consumers and profiting from the drug sold legally with only you as the dictator.. we are coming for your jobs.. WE THE PEOPLE. TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION ... THEIFT .. MAYBE RECORD COURT CASES IS WHAT U WANT. Manuel Andrade (Support)My name is Manuel Andrade and I work for Social Advocates for Youth on tobacco prevention. For the last 4 years, I have supported the American Lung Association and South Bay Community Services providing educational presentations to parents and students at different High Schools in Chula Vista. There is an acute e-cigarette youth epidemic at the Sweetwater Union High School District. The school board supported the SAAFE Act in San Diego for a reason. A recent UCSD study in Chula Vista showed that more than 40% of students have purchased an electronic device with flavored tobacco at local stores and smoke-shops. There is a reason why more than 200 cities and localities in California have implemented a strong Tobacco Retail License and ended the sale of flavored tobacco products, including the County of San Diego, the City of San Diego, Imperia Beach among other 5 cities in the county. The tobacco industry will not stop targeting and marketing flavored tobacco to our kids. This includes the Hookah industry, which it is in denial that youth do not use Hookah. End all flavored tobacco products without exception. Please ensure that the city of Chula Vista is at the same standard as the County and the city of San Diego in order to protect youth from the tobacco industry. Do not wait for SB793 as we do not know what is going to happen. The tobacco industry is investing millions of dollars to stop this bill and we need to get rid of them now! Thank you! Manuel Andradesalvador Garcia (Support)Debemos apoyar esta propuesta por bien de nustros hijos jovenes.GraciasKerry Bigelow (Neutral)TestingChristopher Hudgins (Neutral)The National Hookah Community Association (NHCA) brings together, and serves as the voice of, hookah producers, distributors, sellers, lounge owners, consumers, and community members who support the preservation of hookah’s cultural traditions. We are writing to thank you for exempting shisha (hookah) from the proposed flavored tobacco ban and recognizing the cultural significance of hookah to minority and immigrant populations as well as the lack of youth access to, and use of, the product. Hookah is an important cultural practice that has existed for centuries, originating in the Middle East and India. Today, a broad cross-section of immigrants in the U.S. from around the world enjoy hookah as a centerpiece for cultural, business, and social gatherings. Hookah lounges across the country have come to serve as safe gathering places for many diverse ethnic and religious communities. Hookah is unlikely to be used or consumed by youth for many reasons. Hookah water pipes are several feet tall, not easily concealed, and the setup for use is a lengthy process. Lounges that offer hookah are restricted to of-age customers, preventing teens from accessing the product. Recent research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that just 0.8% of middle and high school students used hookah in the past 30 days, ten times less than the number of teens or youth who vape. Thank you for protecting minority and immigrant owned businesses and exempting hookah.Marlon Mansour (Oppose)On behalf of the Neighborhood Market Association (NMA) Executive Board and our members, we would like to submit our written testimony in opposition to the Flavored Tobacco Ban currently under your consideration. The NMA is a non-profit trade organization that represents over 700 family-owned businesses, including many operating in Chula Vista. In recent years, use of e-cigarettes and vaping products has risen, largely as a less harmful alternative to traditional tobacco products.1 Youth access to these products has become a concern for legislators. In recent years, the California state government as well as the Federal government, through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have taken powerful steps to prevent youth access and advertising of these products.2, 3, 4 Issues of youth access is also paramount to our retailers. That is why they take every measure to assure these products never reach the hands of underage youth. I also want to stress that the retailer community, a key stakeholder greatly affected by the ultimate action of the City Council on this proposed ordinance, was not reached out for thoughts or guidance on this proposed ordinance. The Chula Vista business community is not aware that this ban is being proposed in 24 hours. Delay this Vote till the proper stakeholder outreach is done! Passing this ordinance without proper outreach to this key stakeholder group is tantamount to silencing their voices. Phillip Gardiner, Dr. P.H. (Support)The African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council (AATCLC) strongly encourages the Chula Vista City Council to end the sale of menthol Cigarettes and all flavored tobacco products, with no exemptions. We are glad to see that the Council is considering this issue. Frankly, this couldn’t come at a better time. We already know that 80% of youth, 12-17 start smoking using flavored cigarettes (Ambrose et al., 2015). Indeed, in the midst of the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic, nothing could be more important than getting these products out of our community. We already know that smokers are more susceptible to COVID infection (CDC, 2020). If the Council truly wants a healthier Chula Vista, and we believe that you do, then it is imperative that menthol-flavored cigarettes and other flavored tobacco products be prohibited. This will end the predatory marketing of these products that disproportionately impact poorer communities, marginalized groups, youths, and communities of color. New research shows that between 1980-2018 menthol cigarettes were responsible for: 1.5 million new African American smokers; 157,000 smoking-related premature deaths among African Americans; and 1.5 million life-years lost among African Americans (Mendez & Le, 2021) (the full article and an accompanying editorial are also attached.) Time is of the essence. We can't wait on the State or the FDA. Chula Vista must act now! Thank you for your leadership. Tamisha Woods (Neutral)testKerry Bigelow (Neutral)TestingRobert Johnson (Oppose)make it harder for chula vista.. they should government everything.. goverment fixxes nothing.. at this point ur better off not touching this.