During a recent government meeting, Damon Youssefah, an administrative analyst with the Park and Recreation Department, provided an update on the city's Tobacco Grant Program, which is funded through the California Healthcare Research and Prevention Tobacco Tax Act of 2016, also known as Prop 56. This legislation, which increased the cigarette tax by $2 per pack, established a grant program aimed at reducing illegal tobacco use and sales, particularly among youth.

Youssefah reported alarming statistics from the 2023 Annual National Youth Tobacco Survey, indicating that approximately 2.8 million middle and high school students reported using tobacco products, with a notable 2.1% increase in multiple product use among middle schoolers. E-cigarettes, especially flavored varieties, remain the most popular choice among youth.

In response to these challenges, the City of Burbank submitted a proposal to the Department of Justice in April 2021, seeking funding for local tobacco enforcement and youth outreach initiatives. The proposal, a collaborative effort involving multiple city departments, resulted in a grant award of $448,312 over three years. This funding will support enforcement of state and local tobacco laws, community education, and compliance checks for retailers.

Youssefah detailed the allocation of grant funds, emphasizing that a significant portion is dedicated to staff time for enforcement operations. Animal control officers and building inspectors have been actively patrolling parks and facilities, conducting inspections, and engaging with local youth through anti-tobacco promotional campaigns. The city has reported nearly 4,000 patrol hours, over 85 tobacco-related incidents, and the distribution of $10,000 worth of anti-tobacco promotional items.

The meeting concluded with a presentation of a public service announcement video created by the city's youth board members, highlighting the ongoing efforts to combat tobacco use among young people.