Modesto leaders must enact a stronger, comprehensive tobacco ordinance | Opinion
Comprehensive ordinance needed
“Update: Here’s what Modesto council did about tobacco shops suspected of illegal sales,” (modbee.com, Oct. 9, 2024)
Modesto has a critical opportunity to stop greedy tobacco retailers from undermining the law and illegally selling tobacco products to our kids.
Currently, the city council is considering an ordinance to regulate only some smoke shops. But that’s not enough. There are over 220 tobacco retailers (including convenience stores, hookah lounges and cigar shops) that would be left unchecked, without any local regulation or proactive enforcement.
In late 2023, the Stanislaus Health Services Agency found that over one-third of stores were still illegally selling flavored tobacco products. This is unacceptable.
Modesto needs a comprehensive tobacco retail licensing program that will help hold all tobacco retailers — not just some smoke shops — accountable for following the law, including the statewide law ending the sale of flavored tobacco products, which are used to lure kids. It will also prevent new tobacco retailers from opening near schools. The inspections and enforcement will be funded through fees paid by retailers, not taxpayer dollars.
Rossy Arguello
Modesto
No River Walk
“Riverbank residents will vote on housing expansion in 2026. Here’s what’s planned to west,” (modbee.com, Sept. 12, 2024)
For over 35 years, our elected officials have talked about planning for agriculture. Yet, recently, Riverbank City officials have begun considering plans for the elimination of the best farmland and water recharge area in Stanislaus County.
We cannot move forward on the River Walk Project. It will lead to more congestion, higher water and sewer rates and higher costs of police and fire services. The same promoters that brought us Diablo Grande assure us that somehow we are all better off replacing our best growing area with more asphalt and concrete from the city center to the country club. But sprawl hurts us all.
Dennis V. Jackman
Modesto
No coincidence
“Fear of Trump ends Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” (sacbee.com, July 18)
CBS’ billionaire owners paid President Donald Trump $16 million to settle a bogus lawsuit while trying to sell the network to Skydance.
Stephen Colbert, an extraordinary talent and the most popular late night host, slams the deal. Days later, he’s fired. Do I think this is a coincidence? No.
Paul Bacon
Hallandale Beach, Fla.
This story was originally published July 27, 2025 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Modesto leaders must enact a stronger, comprehensive tobacco ordinance | Opinion."