Are you concerned about new tobacco products like electronic cigarettes?
Worried about tobacco companies targeting our children with their deadly, addictive products?
The Santa Cruz County Tobacco Education Coalition (TEC) is a community group that advocates for a tobacco-free lifestyle and environment. The Coalition was formed in 1985 and is staffed by the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency. The Coalition is open to all community members and currently includes parents, youth advocates, environmentalists, health professionals, and others who want to live in a tobacco and smoke-free community. Together, we are working to:
Meet other people who are concerned about tobacco issues. Share information and resources. Make a difference in our community. Join the Coalition!
Click here to view the TEC Member Handbook.
Due to COVID-19, the Coalition meets virtually, every other month, on the third Wednesday from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Call 454-4648 for more information.
Capitola City Council Passes a Tobacco Product Waste Resolution!
At their October 12, 2023 meeting, the Council passed a Resolution Recognizing Tobacco Product Waste as a Public Health and Environmental Threat, becoming the fourth jurisdiction in Santa Cruz County to do so. We are excited by this growing regional collaboration!
County Board of Supervisors Passes a Tobacco Product Waste Resolution!
At their May 16, 2023 meeting, the Supervisors passed a Resolution Recognizing Tobacco Product Waste as a Public Health and Environmental Threat. The supervisors resolved to bring forth policy approaches to address this waste by January of 2025.
State-wide Flavored Tobacco Sales Ban Passes!
On November 8, 2022, California Voters upheld Sentate Bill 793, prohibiting retailers from selling most flavored tobacco products. For more information, visit the California Department of Public Health website.
Scotts Valley Passes Flavored Tobacco Sales Ban
On June 15, 2022 the Scotts Valley city council banned the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol. Now all five jurisdictions in Santa Cruz County have equal protections against the sale of these products. Scotts Valley also banned smoking in outdoor dining establishments. Thank you to the city council for their leadership!
Santa Cruz and Watsonville Pass Tobacco Waste Resolutions!
In 2021, both the Santa Cruz and Watsonville city councils passed Resolutions recognizing Tobacco Waste as a Public Health and Environmental Threat. The Councils resolved to "advance policy approaches to reduce or eliminate this toxic waste in our community."
The Santa Cruz County Tobacco Education Coalition (TEC) is committed to promoting and advocating a tobacco-free lifestyle and environment at the local, state, and national levels. We empower our communities to effect individual and social change through education, advocacy, collaboration, and coordination of resources. The Coalition recognizes individual rights and cultural traditions, while encouraging community responsibility and involvement.
Report Smoking Violations (831) 454-4319
If you want to make a complaint about a smoking violation inside a building, call (831) 454-4319 or fill out this electronic form.
Breathe California also maintains a secondhand smoke helpline for Santa Cruz County residents. Call (408) 999-0500.
Tobacco Retail Licenses (TRL) Looking for information about how to obtain a Tobacco Retailer’s License? Click here.
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