The City of Newark held a regular council meeting on April 24, 2025, marked by a somber moment as the council adjourned in memory of Laura Lewis, a former police dispatcher who recently passed away after a battle with cancer. Mayor Hennen highlighted Lewis's dedication to public safety and her significant contributions to the Newark Police Department, where she served from 2001 until her retirement in 2016. The council extended condolences to her family and recognized her as a cherished member of the community.

Following the memorial, the meeting transitioned to a presentation of the Alameda County Tobacco Control Coalition award, acknowledging the city’s efforts in implementing a strong tobacco retail licensing ordinance aimed at protecting youth from tobacco products. Renata Faraji, representing the Newark Middle School PTSA, expressed gratitude to the council for their commitment to tobacco regulation, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the health of young residents.

Fario, another community member, commended the council for their proactive approach to addressing tobacco-related issues, noting the significance of their actions in fostering a safer environment for Newark's youth. Mayor Hennen reiterated the council's dedication to listening to community concerns and taking action to improve public health.

Amaya Whitting, co-chair of the Alameda County Tobacco Control Coalition, presented the award to the council, praising their leadership in adopting the tobacco retail licensing ordinance. This ordinance prohibits the sale of flavored tobacco products and establishes regulations to limit youth access to tobacco. Whitting highlighted the collaborative efforts that led to the ordinance's success and the positive impact it will have on public health in the region.

Additionally, Oscar Carrillo, Newark's Community Preservation Manager, received a separate award for his instrumental role in developing and implementing the tobacco retail licensing ordinance. His leadership in guiding the policy through its adoption and ensuring compliance among retailers was recognized as vital to the initiative's success.

The meeting concluded with a reminder of the importance of community engagement in local governance, as Mayor Hennen encouraged residents to continue voicing their concerns and suggestions for improving Newark. The council's commitment to addressing public health issues and fostering a safe environment for all residents was a key takeaway from the evening's discussions.