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Home My WebLink AboutCM Homeless Program Goals & Objectives 2016C/TYOF Agenda Item No: 5.b n4 Meeting Date: April 18, 2016 SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Department: CITY MANAGER Prepared by: Andrew Hening, City Manager Approval: Director of Homeless Planning & Outreach TOPIC: Homeless Program Goals and Objectives SUBJECT: CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF 2016 HOMELESS PROGRAM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES. RECOMMENDATION: Accept report on the 2016 Homeless Program Goals and Objectives, as prepared by the Homeless Subcommittee. BACKGROUND: On October 15, 2012, staff presented recommendations regarding homelessness and the quality of life in Downtown San Rafael. The staff recommendations were developed from the work of the City Council Homeless Subcommittee and the community stakeholders group. A multipronged approach was initiated, with short-term and long-term strategies, including approaches to issues surrounding mental health, serial inebriates, crime, affordable housing, and public education. These initiatives are summarized in the City's Homeless Action Plan, which was adopted on June 3, 2013. The Homeless Action Plan as well as the updates on the Plan that staff provided to the City Council can be found on the City's website at: httiD://www.citvofsanrafael.orci/homeless. Since its creation, the Homeless Action Plan has guided the City's strategies and tactics for eliminating homelessness in San Rafael. Based on direction from the Homeless Action Plan, in 2015 the City had a number of accomplishments with respect to reducing impacts from homelessness, which included: • Increasing safety personnel including two additional police officers, extension of Fourth Street walking beat program, made permanent the Mental Health Outreach Worker position, significant increase of private security contracts for key areas • Expanding Downtown Streets Team (DST) to include Mahon Creek and Davidson Middle School areas • Prohibiting RVs from neighborhood around Davidson Middle School • The City Council approving the first-ever Director of Homeless Planning and Outreach position • Re -opening an improved Boyd Park after City investment FOR CITY CLERK ONLY File No.: 9-2-67 Council Meeting: 04/18/2016 Disposition: Accepted report SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2 ANALYSIS: The 2016 Homeless Program Goals & Objectives (Attachment 1) were created by the City Council's Homeless Subcommittee, which is comprised of Mayor Gary Phillips and Vice Mayor Kate Colin, with input from City Manager Jim Schutz and Director of Homeless Planning & Outreach Andrew Hening. In addition to looking at past accomplishments and direction, this group also received feedback from interactions with the community members, County of Marin staff and elected officials, the Homeless Policy Steering Committee (the governing body of Marin County's Continuum of Care), the 10 Year Plan Implementation Committee, and many other individuals, groups, and organizations involved with addressing homelessness in San Rafael. Building from the 2016 Homeless Program & Objectives, this working group was then able to create the 2016 Homeless Subcommittee Work Plan (Attachment 2). This document provides actionable focus areas that support the 2016 Homeless Goals & Objectives. High priority action items of the work plan include the following: • Assist Ritter Center with relocation • Develop RV program • Continue enhanced Downtown safety program • Implement chronic inebriate program (FOCI) • Implement Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) program • Develop multi -service center concept • Develop messaging strategy • Collaborate with Chamber of Commerce on East San Rafael • Collaborate with Downtown Business Improvement District on Downtown safety initiatives • Collaborate with other committees and organizations (faith -based, neighborhoods, etc) COMMUNITY OUTREACH: The Director of Homeless Planning & Outreach notified the City's homelessness list -serve, which now has almost 1,100 subscribers, of this meeting for the 2016 Homeless Program Goals and Objectives. This information was also distributed through the City Manager's "Snapshot" newsletter. FISCAL IMPACT: There is no direct fiscal impact. OPTIONS: The City Council has the following options to consider on this matter: 1. Accept report on Homeless Goals & Objectives as presented. 2. Direct staff to return with more information. 3. Take no action. Staff does not recommend this action, because without an approved set of Goals & Objectives, Staff will have a very difficult time moving forward with a strategic and responsive plan to the challenges from homelessness in San Rafael. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Accept report on the 2016 Homeless Program Goals & Objectives. ATTACHMENTS: 1. 2016 Homeless Subcommittee Goals & Objectives 2. 2016 Homeless Subcommittee Work Plan 2016 Homeless Subcommittee Goals & Objectives Goal: San Rafael City Council's overall goal is to eliminate homelessness in San Rafael. Obiectives: 1. Support homeless -related housing and service programs, primarily for those individuals and families who live in or are from Marin County, particularly San Rafael. 2. Eliminate negative impact of the `street population' particularly in Downtown, at the library, in local parks/open space and in areas adjacent to local schools through a combination of coordinated services among the City, County and service providers (using the HOT model), as well as law enforcement and other City initiatives. 3. Work with the County to provide input on impacts of homelessness in San Rafael that need to be considered prior to the County funding programs and initiatives that will support San Rafael's 2016 Homeless Goal and Objectives. 4. Implement joint allocation of County homeless -related contracts with San Rafael, so the County -funded programs and initiatives better support San Rafael's Goal and Objectives. 5. Provide public communication on homeless matters and initiatives in order to be more responsive to the community's concerns and contributions, as well as to obtain community understanding and support of the City's Goals, Objectives and Endeavors. 6. Build expertise on homeless issues to share with other Marin towns and cities. San Rafael City Council Homeless Subcommittee Work Plan for 2016 San Rafael's Homeless Action Plan includes strategies that fall into three categories: • City Focused — actions that are largely within direct City control • Partner Focused — actions that require significant partnerships (e.g. County, service providers, neighborhoods) to achieve success • Community Engagement— actions to engage community for understanding and assistance City Focused 2015 Accomplishments: • Increased safety personnel including two additional police officers, extension of Fourth Street walking beat program, made permanent the Mental Health Outreach Worker position, significant increase of private security contracts for key areas • Expanded Downtown Streets Team (DST) to include Mahon Creek and Davidson Middle School areas • Banned RVs from neighborhood around Davidson Middle School • City Council approved first-ever Director of Homeless Planning and Outreach position • Re -opened an improved Boyd Park after City investment 2016 Priorities: • High priority Assist Ritter Center in their relocation through site assistance or prohibiting use downtown • High priority During RV pilot program, develop recommendation to City Council for expansion citywide • High priority Continue enhanced downtown safety program through HOME Team • Medium Consider policies/ordinances pertaining to quality of life issues such as panhandling, public intoxication, smoking, acceptable park use, use of sidewalks, etc. • Medium Coordinate key statistics and data collection to track progress and impact of efforts • Medium Continue DST and seek enhancements to program such as specific focus projects • Medium Begin a pilot Ambassador program along Fourth Street • Medium Engage local businesses (e.g. Safeway, 7 -Eleven, others) to assist with negative impacts by restricting alcohol/tobacco sales, adding security, prohibiting loitering, etc. • Medium Continued partial use of special funds for vegetation management and encampment removal • Medium Review and update City's Homeless Action Plan bi-annually for presentation to City Council • Low Collaborate with Marin Humane Society to track unlicensed and other problem animals • Low Monitor and develop City responses to State legislation impacting homelessness Partner Focused 2015 Accomplishments: • Began monthly collaboration meetings between City and County staff to focus efforts • Assisted County with search for new location of Helen Vine Detox Center • Coordinated all Marin cities and towns to create first-ever Community Homeless Fund • Joined Major Crimes Task Force to reduce drug sales and usage 2016 Priorities: • High priority Implement Focus on Chronic Inebriates (FOCI) program with Probation, Public Defender, District Attorney, Sheriff, Superior Court, Health and Human Services, others • High priority Implement the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) program with focus on severely mentally ill, chronic inebriates, and those using greatest resources repeatedly — address top 10-40 • High priority Develop Multi -Service Center concept including services, costs, location, etc. • Medium Take leadership role in working meetings including Homeless Policy Steering Committee, Ten • High priority Year Plan Implementation, Coordinated Entry Workgroup, County/City staff, etc. • Medium Support County with planned procedural improvements such as General Assistance, • High priority Psych/Emergency Services, and use of outreach teams • Medium Seek special designation from the County of Marin to initiate 5150 holds by City's Mental • High priority Health Outreach Worker • Medium Promote affordable housing opportunities e.g. consider possibility of Mill Street expansion • Low Monitor impacts of Marin County Chronic Alcohol with Justice Involvement Pilot Program • Low Oversee multi -jurisdictional Community Homeless Fund administered by MCF • Low Monitor best practices and promote services Countywide Community Engagement 2015 Accomplishments: • Held Town Hall meeting at B Street Community Center • Conducted numerous neighborhood and business meetings to exchange ideas and identify solutions 2016 Priorities: • High priority • High priority Refine all public communication - develop and implement new messaging strategy including During RV pilot program, develop recommendation to City Council for expansion citywide new homeless blog, media releases, responses to public inquiries, etc. • High priority Collaborate with Chamber of Commerce on East San Rafael focus • High priority Collaborate with Business Improvement District to meet their downtown safety goals • High priority Collaborate with other committees and organizations (e.g. faith community, Citizens Implement the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) program with focus on severely mentally ill, Advisory Committee, HOAs, neighborhood associations, etc.) and consider new such as a chronic inebriates, and those using greatest resources repeatedly — address top 10-40 blue ribbon committee • Medium Facilitate (or co -host with Marin County) a series of "Town Hall" or other neighborhood meetings at location in San Rafael and in the County jurisdiction • Medium Work with service providers and their Boards (St. Vincent's, Ritter, Homeward Bound, Center Point, Buckalew, etc.) to improve assistance to those in need and decrease negative impacts (e.g. expand Journey Home program, consider hours of operation changes, to -go policies) • Medium Work with Volunteer Coordinator on new or existing volunteer activities (e.g. clean up days) Summary of 2016 High Priorities: • High priority Assist Ritter Center in their relocation through site assistance or prohibiting use downtown • High priority During RV pilot program, develop recommendation to City Council for expansion citywide • High priority Continue enhanced downtown safety program through HOME Team • High priority Implement Focus on Chronic Inebriates (FOCI) program with Probation, Public Defender, District Attorney, Sheriff, Superior Court, Health and Human Services, others • High priority Implement the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) program with focus on severely mentally ill, chronic inebriates, and those using greatest resources repeatedly — address top 10-40 • High priority Develop Multi -Service Center concept including services, costs, location, etc. • High priority Refine all public communication - develop and implement new messaging strategy including new homeless blog, media releases, responses to public inquiries, etc. • High priority Collaborate with Chamber of Commerce on East San Rafael focus • High priority Collaborate with Business Improvement District to meet their downtown safety goals • High priority Collaborate with other committees and organizations (e.g. faith community, Citizens Advisory Committee, HOAs, neighborhood associations, etc.) and consider new such as a blue ribbon committee Esther Beirne From: Andrew Hening Sent: Monday, April 18, 2016 6:13 PM To: Esther Beirne; Rob Epstein Subject: FW: Copy of Council Contact - All City Councilmembers - 9382477 From: Andrew Hening Sent: Monday, April 18, 2016 6:12 PM To: 'deandigi@comcast.net' Subject: RE: Copy of Council Contact - All City Councilmembers - 9382477 Hi Dean, Thanks so much for your message. The City believes Ritter is doing valuable work for our community; however, the current configuration of services is creating a multitude of negative impacts in our downtown. There are examples throughout the Bay Area of communities that simultaneously provide vital services for those in need while at the same time not negatively impacting economically vibrant areas (e.g. San Jose, Palo Alto, Petaluma, etc.). That is our goal. Through a Council Subcommittee, we are also exploring if there are ways to increase specialization and avoid duplication across all agencies in our community. When there are multiple agencies providing the same services (e.g. case management, food, etc.), we're not using our limited resources as well as we could. This is a very difficult challenge, and I am glad you are reaching out with your thoughts. The next hearing on the Ritter Center is on Monday May 16th — I hope you can join. Thanks again! Andrew Andrew Hening Director of Homeless Planning & Outreach City of San Rafael 14005 Ih Avenue, 3rd Floor San Rafael, CA 94901 (415) 485-3055 From: Lauren Crandell On Behalf Of City Manager Sent: Monday, April 18, 2016 9:15 AM To: Andrew Hening Subject: FW: Copy of Council Contact - All City Councilmembers - 9382477 From: form enaineCcOfs18.formsite.com fmailto:form engineCnbfsl8.formsite.com] Sent: Monday, April 18, 2016 8:46 AM To: City Manager Subject: Copy of Council Contact - All City Councilmembers - 9382477 The following email was received through the City Council Contact Email Form on the City web site. A copy is being forwarded to each member of the City Council. ICouncil Contact Form City of San Rafael Cj�v Council Ccn tact Form Thank you for visiting the City of San Rafael \vehsite. This form is available to I-ociIitate contacting our Mavor and CouneiImembers Concernine topics ol-interest to the Community. Please contact the Cily rvlanaocr's ollice at 415-485-3070 for any additional atisistance. Nutt That the City of San Rafael considers email to Cuuncilmcnihers as an informal and non -confidential method of communication. Please send a si'.MCd letter il' You would like to male your comment/question a matter ul' public record. Nlail formal letters to San Rafael City Council. PO Box 1 S 1560. San Rafael. CA. 94915. .„ First Name DiGiovanni v Last Name Dean Address t 173 San Marino Drive Address 2 City Sari rafael State Ca Zip Code 94901 Phone Number 4154853855 :; Email Address deandi_iQCnnleast.net * Send email to (select one) All City Councilmembers Please enter your questions/comments below April 18. 2016 City Council Avenda Item 5. h. Homeless Program Goals and Objectives For San Rafael City Council Homeless SUbCOmmittee Work Plan for 2016: 2 Citv Focused Assist Ritter Center in their relocation throuOh site assistance or prohihiLin2 use downtown Please remove "or prohibiting use downtown" in this City focused Goal and Ohjectiee. The City should not prohibit the use of agencies providing essential human Services and that are dcfacto 'welicies fur the County to provide these basic human services provided by Ritter House. Until a new location is found by the City and Ritter actually relocates and is functioning, then the Council could proceed with re/oning in the downto\%n. Ritter Center is not the cause of honk ICSsl1CSS in San Rafael and is helping primarily our citiiens in the must need. Please do not accept the report as written and male the above modification to the report. April 18, 2016 City of San Rafael City Council PO Box 151560 San Rafael, CA 94915 (Hand Delivered) Ladies and Gentlemen: RE: April 18, 2016 City Council Agenda Item S. b. Homeless Program Goals and Objectives For San Rafael City Council Homeless Subcommittee Work Plan for 2016: City Focused Assist Ritter Centel- in their relocation through site assistance or prohibiting use downtown Please remove "or prohibiting use downtown" in this City focused Goal and Objective. The City should not prohibit the use of agencies providing essential human services and that are de -facto agencies for the City and County to provide these basic human services provided by Ritter House. Until a new location is found by the City and Ritter actually relocates and is functioning, then the Council could proceed with rezoning in the downtown. Ritter Center is not the cause of homelessness in San Rafael and is helping primarily our citizens in the most need. Please do not accept the report as written and make the above modification to the report. Sincerely, Dean DiGiovanni San Rafael, CA 94901 ROUTING SLIP / APPROVAL FORM INSTRUCTIONS: Use this cover sheet with each submittal of a staff report before approval by the City Council. Save staff report (including this cover sheet) along with all related attachments in the Team Drive (T:) --> CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEMS 4 AGENDA ITEM APPROVAL PROCESS 4 [DEPT - AGENDA TOPIC] Agenda Item # Date of Meeting: 4/18/2016 From: Andrew Hening Department: City Manager Date: 4/8/2016 Topic: Homeless Program Goals and Objectives Subject: CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF 2016 HOMELESS PROGRAM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES. Type: ❑ Resolution ❑ Ordinance ❑ Professional Services Agreement ® Other: APPROVALS ® Finance Director Remarks: n/a ® City Attorney Remarks: LG -Approved 4/11/16 with minor changes ® Author, review and accept City Attorney / Finance changes Remarks: ® City Manager Remarks: April 18, 2016 City of San Rafael City Council PO Box 151560 San Rafael, CA 94915 (Hand Delivered) Ladies and Gentlemen: RE: April 18, 2016 City Council Agenda Item 5. b. Homeless Program Goals and Objectives For San Rafael City Council Homeless Subcommittee Work Plan for 2016: City Focused Assist Ritter Center in their relocation through site assistance or prohibiting use downtown Please remove "or prohibiting use downtown" in this City focused Goal and Objective. The City should not prohibit the use of agencies providing essential human services and that are de -facto agencies for the City and County to provide these basic human services provided by Ritter House. Until a new location is found by the City and Ritter actually relocates and is functioning, then the Council could proceed with rezoning in the downtown. Ritter Center is not the cause of homelessness in San Rafael and is helping primarily our citizens in the most need. Please do not accept the report as written and make the above modification to the report. Sincerely, Dean DiGiovanni 173 San Marino Dr. San Rafael, CA 94901 I wanted to give you some feedback from earlier tonight. I was leaving Rite Aid in San Rafael and was approached by 3 homeless people separately in the space of 5 minutes. Normally I would not engage with them but with all of the news about Ritter lately, I decided to have a conversation with them. 1st couple, man and woman with backpacks on asking me for spare change. I asked them where they are from. "Washington". I asked them how did they end up in San Rafael. They said "San Rafael is on the west coast (homeless) circuit. Great place to be. Great weather and tons of free services within walking distance of downtown. We love it here" 3rd person, man in his 40's. Again I asked where are you from. "Texas". How did you end up in San Rafael? "I was in southern CA and heard through the (homeless) community that San Rafael is a great place. Everything you need downtown within walking distance. Plus great weather" San Rafael is a beacon on the west coast. Time to move the services out of downtown and preferably out of San Rafael completely. High Risk Sex Offender becomes transient The 3 links below will leave you with this question: Where is he headed next? Police Departments are keeping an eye out. http://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/DespitepoliceobjectionsPetalumagets7222303.php http://www.pressd em ocrat. com/n ews/5449943181/high risksexoffend ertobe?ref=menu http://abc7news.com/news/petalumapolicewarncommunityaboutreleaseofhighrisksexoffender/ 1271673/ Letter to the Marin U editor Enforcement is the key to cleaning up downtown I'm responding to the March 24 article, "Homeless problem on B Street targeted." Beefing up security in the parks should have been done years ago. The city is acting like this is a new problem, but residents and business owners in the area have been complaining for years. The mayor's statement says it all: "We know there's a fair amount of homeless misbehavior in the parks now." Misbehavior? No, there is crime in the parks: public drunkenness, theft, vandalism, assaults, shootings, stabbings and on and on. This is not just misbehaving. Seems they're not going to get serious unless a child gets hurt walking to school or playing in the park. The mayor and the police chief want Safeway and 7 -Eleven to stop selling certain alcohol and adjust their hours to solve the problem. What right do they have to tell the store owners what to sell and what hours to keep? And, if 7 -Eleven were to reduce its hours, how many people would lose their jobs? Wake up city of San Rafael. The only way to solve this problem is enforcement. Do pro -active policing like you should. Enforce the laws: drinking in public, littering, open container in public, in the parks after sunset. Start making arrests. Stop blaming the store owners. And don't hire a private security firm to do police work. I know the police want to do their job, but someone is tying their hands behind their backs. Until the mayor and chief address this problem seriously, it will never be fixed and only get worse. Criminal behavior cannot be tolerated, no matter who's committing the crimes. — Glen Alberigi, Novato A Saturday morning bike ride (email) On another note, I took my Saturday morning sunrise bike ride today - through San Rafael and around China Camp. Just when I thought it couldn't get worse, it's a lot worse. An army of bums camped out on the trail between Anderson Drive and the Corporate Center. Bums elsewhere, everywhere. All of them seem to have nice bikes. Coming down the multi -use pathway parallel to the 101 freeway (the hill going south into downtown, there was a huge pile of stuff, sleeping bags, bike parts, miscellaneous junk piled up to the side - it looked like they left their belongings and went into town to chow down. It's really kind of scary. I saw a SR cop and reported all this - her reaction was to tell me that they are aware of it. Proposal for funding homeless services http://www.huffin2tonr)ost.com/entry/pot-tax-could-fund-housing-for-homeless-in- la us 56fd376fe4bOdaf53aeee577?section=us weird -news Panhandling Have you noticed that in afternoons it seems like so many street corners have a "resident" panhandler. Here is a link to the Springfield Register Guard (Oregon) that explains what they did. A good idea for the City of San Rafael. htto://reaisterauard.com/ra/news/categories/?subcats=19528649, Another thought on this subject is to have a citizen group that upon seeing a panhandler on a street corner they would display a large appropriately worded "do not give" sign. Then stand if front of the panhandler. Maybe they would carry a sign in their vehicle at all times and wield the sign as needed. Marin County players in the world of homelessness (email received) There are more big players at the County level and yes, we need to really hound/pester the BOS to take action and relocate Ritter/StVinnie's . People should email almost daily but also include Dr Grant Colfax (Director of Health and Human Services) at gcolfax(@marincountv.orp, and Susan Tavano (Director of Mental Health) at stavano(@marincountv.org and of course the supervisors. Katie Rice should be a special target since she is Chair of the Homeless Committee. Update on sex offender httr)://www.ktvu.com/news/I 17475003 -story Dining on Fourth Street ( email received) One night a couple months back I went to the Taqueria on Lincoln near Fourth Street . In walked a homeless man . He was not from here as he told me he was new in town . I can't recall where he came from. He asked me flat out if I could share some of my meal with him . I said, " NO ", was only a quesadilla .. He disbursed. Only 2 weeks later another came and asked if could I buy him a meal. I again said, "Sir I am a single parent in this County and I am disabled and I really am not in that position". He began to have a chat with me for awhile and then the men clients in the table next to me began to give him looks and he got it and left. Last summer with my daughter I walked out of Extreme Pizza with the pizza and paper plates . A man just asks me, "Can you give me a slice"? Again, "NO"! He was young and appeared to be healthy and not impaired. It seems to me that this has become the norm. The Extreme Pizza beggar had been in the restaurant and had been soliciting the patrons and asked to leave . So, he just took up a spot right out of the front door and solicited those of us taking out. This is the new dining experience on Fourth Street! Emergency Shelter Closes Take a look at this Ukiah Daily article about their emergency shelter closing. htto://www.ukiandailviournal.com/article/NP/20160324/NEWS/160329921. Yes, many emergency shelters can be seasonal, like our REST Program. Mill Street emergency shelter in San Rafael is open year around. By definition, emergency shelters provide housing for up to 30 days. Emergency housing is not intended to be permanent housing. N �' CLEARING • THE ki r IIIIIIIIII II IIIIIIIII11111111111111IIIIII11111111111111II IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII111111111IIIIIIII IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII What you need to know about the vaping industry CLEARING THE AIR What you need to know about the vaping industry Yu first noticed it last year. Maybe you were at a bar or a parry. 7ltere was all this "smoke" in the air, but you didnt seem to mind. You started seeing friends carrying around these metal pens and talking about "atomizers" and "e -juice:' Little did you know you were in the middle of the year of the vape. In fact, Oxford Dictionaries chose "vape" as its 2014 Word of the Year. Today, you are 30 times more likely to encounter the word "vapc" (which can be a verb or a noun, by the way) than you were just two years ago. No doubt that's due to the fact that thousands of people have started "vaping" — using electronic cigarettes, vape pens and other devices to inhale a vaporized liquid. Why is vaping catching on? If you ask some vespers, many of whom have been addicted to smoking for years, they will tell you it has given them an alternative to harmful traditional cigarettes. For the first time, they arc able to control their nicotine consumption and still enjoy an experience that mimics traditional smoking. But as with anything exciting and ncw, vaping has its detractors. Campaigns like Still Blowing Smoke --- developed by the California Department of Public Health — aim to deter anyone from using vaping products. There also has been PHOTO AND COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHARLES GUNN A special advertising supplement a lot of misinformation spread about vaping being more harmful than cigarettes. But the facts about vaping, as told by the industry itself, aren't as easy to come by. Julic Wocsscncr is the executive director of Consumer Advocates for Smoke- free Alternatives Association (CASAA), a nonprofit that raises awareness and protects people's access to vaping products. Wocsscncr smoked cigarettes for six years before switching to vaping. Now, she's one of the industry's biggest advocates. One misconception about the vaping industry, according to Woessener, is that it is linked to tobacco corporations or "Big Tobacco." Woessener says that couldnt be further from the truth. "It's common for people to talk about the vaping industry as a homogeneous group, but that's not true;" Wocsscncr says. "Tobacco companies entered into the [vapor] market later, but the industry is mostly driven by small- and medium- sized businesses who have the ability to customize their products for consumers:' The diverse marketplace is one of the things that Wocsscncr says really attracts consumers to vaping — they can purchase a variety of flavored liquids and vaporizers. Vapers on average tend to be age 30 and older, although surveys are finding younger adults are also making the switch to vapes. Wocsscncr stresses that the industry does not market to minors. "By and large, the vast majority of people who are vaping are people who have replaced smoking or reduced smoking habits;" Woessener says. "They are doing it because it works. This is a product that is customizable and works for a veteran smoker who has tried everything." While Wocsscncr docs not discount the possibility that continued research could identify health problems associated with vaping, the early studies are promising. "What we're finding is the science tells us it's a much better alternative;' Woessener says. "Of course, the best alternative is to quit smoking altogether, but quitting is not easy. As a consumer organization, we arc allowed to tell the truth. The truth is, these are less hazardous than smoking cigarettes:' Because vaping is not an FDA - approved nicotine replacement therapy, Wocsscncr laments that the industry is nor allowed to market itself based on health claims. Currently, the vaping industry is not regulated by the federal government, but Wocsscncr says the industry is mature enough to regulate itself. "We recognize that there are things that can be done that will benefit consumers, but federal regulation can destroy the industry by making it tougher for small-business owners to navigate the regulation," she says. "Consumers arc better served by a diverse marketplace:' This publication is brought to you by the Vaping Education Council, a group of small-business owners who want to share information about vaping products with the general public, fortify advocacy throughout the industry, and share stories directly from consumers. The vaping industry is made of small-business owners — not Big Tobacco. These include e -liquid producers and vaping device manufacturers, as well as vape shop owners. Vape shops are specialty stores focused on alternatives to smoking that offer quality products and expert advice. Vape shops educate their customers on how to properly use vaping products as an alternative to traditional cigarettes. Many people who vape are veteran smokers who have sought alternatives because of the detrimental effects cigarettes have had on their health. These are the facts. Keep reading to find out more about the vaping industry and how vaping is giving smokers a choice. i agaraymal Leavn Behind Mother of three quits smoking by using vaping products arena Locken began smoking cigarettes when she was 16 years old. At first, she only smoked off and on. By the time she turned 19, she was smoking more than a pack of cigarettes a day. Although she was able to quit smoking when she was pregnant, she always started up again. Locken says she also had health problems that were being exacerbated by her smoking. "I had a heart murmur that was really bad," Locken says. "1 was having a hard time breathing. 1 coughed all the time. It was really bad" Following a colonoscopy in 2010, Locken was diagnosed with transverse colon cancer. For 10 years, she had been complaining to doctors that something was wrong with her stomach. She had been losing weight and throwing up. Doctors discovered a stage four tumor in her upper stomach and advised her they needed to remove it immediately. She had surgery in June 2010. "[My doctors] all told me to quit smoking because after the surgery, my body wriest healing fast enough," Lockcn says. "My oxygen levels were down. Smoking was making everything worse." Lockett's doctors discovered another tumor on her kidney and another on her lymph node near her spine and a main artery. She had surgery to remove the tumor on her kidney, but doctors were unable to remove all of the second tumor because of where it was located. During chemotherapy, Locken continued to smoke. "My husband and 1 were smoking over two packs of cigarettes a day;" Locken says. "We were basically killing ourselves and spending all of our money to do it." In 2014, Lockens husband happened to drive by Nor Cal Vape — a vaping store located in Redding — and bought a starter kit for both himself and Locken. Locken says she was skeptical of vaping at first — she fig My husband and 1 were smoking over two packs of cigarettes a day. We were basically killing ourselves and spending all of our money to do it. 99 LORENA LOCKEN 4 Lama. Loelue smoked mon j than a packsf cigarettes a I dap since she was to run — only quitting when md e was pregaut. Thule to ping products, she was able ' h completely quit smoking g' clganths for good. f PHOTO BY BRAD GARRISON 4 thought it was "just another thing to try." But as soon as she started vaping, she immediately found it to be a better alternative to smoking cigarettes. "1 don't know exactly what it is about vaping, but 1 was able to quit smoking cigarettes altogether," Locken says. "I haven't had a craving in a long time. After 1 did some research on vapor products, 1 felt even better about it.' Locken says she and her husband now have more energy to do things with their three children, like go to parks or ride bikes around the neighborhood. The couple go for a walk every morning. "It's been a big difference for both of us;' Locken says. "We ve actually had 30 people we know quit smoking cigarettes after we introduced them to vaping. When my husband secs someone smoking, he goes up to them to tell them about vaping. We want everyone to quit smoking cigarettes." Testimonials are based an individual experiences, which vary. Testimonials are not intended to make claims that vaping products can treat, mitigate or prevent any disease. Vaping is not on FDA -approved nicotine replacement therapy. here are many reasons why people choose to vape. Here are some of the most common reasons consumers choose vaping as a harm -reducing alternative to smoking: • You don't smell like cigarette smoke. • You can socialize without the vapor bothering your friends. • Your teeth do not turn yellow. • Vaping products are more customizable. • Vaping devices are portable and convenient. • Vaping e -liquids come in a variety of flavors. • Vaping allows you to cut back on your nicotine intake. • It's less costly. A special advertising supplement VAPING EDUCATION COUNCIL 3 WHY- �, VA P thought it was "just another thing to try." But as soon as she started vaping, she immediately found it to be a better alternative to smoking cigarettes. "1 don't know exactly what it is about vaping, but 1 was able to quit smoking cigarettes altogether," Locken says. "I haven't had a craving in a long time. After 1 did some research on vapor products, 1 felt even better about it.' Locken says she and her husband now have more energy to do things with their three children, like go to parks or ride bikes around the neighborhood. The couple go for a walk every morning. "It's been a big difference for both of us;' Locken says. "We ve actually had 30 people we know quit smoking cigarettes after we introduced them to vaping. When my husband secs someone smoking, he goes up to them to tell them about vaping. We want everyone to quit smoking cigarettes." Testimonials are based an individual experiences, which vary. Testimonials are not intended to make claims that vaping products can treat, mitigate or prevent any disease. Vaping is not on FDA -approved nicotine replacement therapy. here are many reasons why people choose to vape. Here are some of the most common reasons consumers choose vaping as a harm -reducing alternative to smoking: • You don't smell like cigarette smoke. • You can socialize without the vapor bothering your friends. • Your teeth do not turn yellow. • Vaping products are more customizable. • Vaping devices are portable and convenient. • Vaping e -liquids come in a variety of flavors. • Vaping allows you to cut back on your nicotine intake. • It's less costly. A special advertising supplement VAPING EDUCATION COUNCIL 3 HowD es Using an electronic vaporizer Nile the vapor from a vaping device may look similar to the smoke of a cigarette, the two clouds are very different. When you vape, there is no fire, no burning and no smoke. Considering smoke is both the most toxic element of traditional cigarettes and the most irritating to remove from clothing, couches and carpets, this has been a welcome relief for vapers everywhere. INHALATION When using a vape pen, you activate the device by pressing on a small button or sucking on the mouthpiece. This triggers the small coil inside the vapcs cartridge to heat up and vaporize the surrounding c -liquid. When you inhale, you breathe in a vapor cloud of nicatine and flavoring. E -LIQUID Depending on the e -liquid you buy, your vapor can taste like traditional tobacco, a mixture of Fruity flavors, or earthier blends nl'dillerent herbs. Many of the best c -liquids fail to fir into one specific category, instead combining flavors from across the spectrum, perfected by small producers. NICOTINE You am adjust the amount of nicotine in your e -liquid. Many c -liquids contain no nicotine at all, and the highest most vape shops carry is 24 mg of nicotine per mL. Most people tend to buy c4iquids with between 3-6 mg. Many people also begin with higher amounts of nicotine, then lower the dosage as they get used to vaping or begin to crave nicotine less. EXHALE When you exhale the vapor, you will notice that, unlike traditional tobacco smoke, the white cloud quickly disappears into the surrounding air after a few seconds. People close by might notice a Faint, sweet smell in the air while you are vaping, but the smell is usually pleasant and won't seep into surrounding furniture or onto your clothes. HowVu& Are You Smokint;,A�' What are you in)hako"? E -LIQUIDS: • Nicotine: An addictive stimulant found in plants, such as tobacco, and to a lesser extent, eggplant and potatoes. Different e -liquid brands have up to 24 mg of nicotine, while others contain none at all. • flavoring: Artificial and natural flavors, like mint or cherry, are added to give each e -liquid variety a unique flavor. • Vegetable glycerin (VG): A compound, usually derived from plant oils, like coconut or palm, that is also used in makeup, toothpaste and baked goods. VG is used as a base to carry the nicotine and added flavors. In e -liquids it is known for creating a lot of thick, heavy vapor. • Propylene glycol (PG): An organic compound used in medicines, asthma inhalers and food products. PG also is used as a base for the nicotine and added flavors. TRADITIONAL CIGARETTES: 600 cigarettes/month (one pack a day) COST. $180/month (at $6 per pack) CLEARING THE AIR - A special advertising supplement CIGARETTES: 7,000 chemicals (there's not enough room to list them all here), including: • Benzene: Also found in gasoline. • Arsenic: Used in pesticides. • Tar: Some material used to make roads. • Lead: Also found in old point, ammunition and batteries. • Styrene: Also found in car tires, asphalt, and liquid printer and photocopier ink. • Hydrogen cyanide: Also found in insecticide, rat poison and chemical weapons. • Ammonia: Used in household cleaners. • Carbon monoxide: Also found in car exhaust. • Beryllium: Also found in X-ray machines and nuclear weapons. Source: U.S. Department oLHealth and Human Services, Environmental Protection Agency, American Lung Association E -LIQUID CONSUMPTION: 4 15ml. bottles/month COST. $48/month (e -liquid only) A breakdown on vaping devices How much wEfl it cost? VAPE PEN Starts at around $45 REGULATED BOX MOD Ranges from $45-$300 E -LIQUIDS Range from $9 to $30, depending on brand and size of bottle For advanced vapers ••• A.though many vapers start with a pen -style device (like the vape pen shown at right), they often graduate to regulated box mods (seen here). features of these devices include: • Regulating wattage and voltage • Safety features to control temperature of coils • Longer battery life • Rebui!dable and customizable. Hobbyist vapers enjoy being able to rebuild their coils and customize their devices. Many local vope shops offer classes in rebuilding coils, or you can pay to get them changed. 0 This is called a DRIP TIP and is easily customizable with a wide variety of styles, materials and colors. The refillable TANK holds your choice of e -liquid (whether it's guava or mint, 12 mg of nicotine or none at all). You can adjust the size of the inhalation. Another option is a DRIPPING ATOMIZER, which holds smaller amounts of e -liquid and needs to be refilled every few inhalations, but produces larger vapor clouds than a tank. The ATOMIZER is where the coils heat up and vaporize the e -liquid. Pushing this BUTTON activates the coils that heat the e -liquid. This BATTERY can be charged by USB, although some devices require external batteries and chargers. Some models also have dials or buttons that control how much battery powers your coils, impacting the temperature and longevity of your coils. One of the many benef'ts of going to a specialty vape shop is the expertise and attention you receive. When you purchase a device, a knowledgeable vape shop representative will take the time to educate you on how to properly care for and use your specific device. A special advertising supplement VAPING EDUCATION COUNCIL 5 i What questions do you have for the vaping industry? "I want to know what's going "My questions about n My 7 -year-old saw someone It seems like a negative and into your body and how . vaping are: What is more QC . vaping and it smelled really Q , positive trend because it can harmful the chemicals are that you advantageous about vaping than good. He said, 'Mommy, can I have stop you from smoking cigarettes, but are [vaping]." smoking cigarettes? And what are one?' Of course, I said no. But is the it doesn't really deal with the main -Molly To nashlro the costs involved with vaping versus vaping industry trying to market to problem, which is an addiction to smoking cigarettes?" kids?" nicotine." -Bark Kunulus -Kehey Lawson -Jae Ruggiero A• The primary ingredients that you inhale . wi[h vaporized c -liquid are propylene glycol (17G), vegetable glycerin (VG), natural or artificial flavoring and optional nicotine. Once vaporized, only a tiny Fraction of the nicotine remains in exhaled vapor. Current studies suggest vaping is up to 96 percent less harmful than smoking and of no apparent risk to bystanders. q • What's more advantageous about vaping is that it gives you choice— a choice in how much nicotine you consume, a choice in flavorings for e -liquid and a choice between vaping and harmful cigarettes. Regarding cost, let's say a smoker consumes 20 cigarettes (one pack) each day. That translates to 7,300 cigarettes a year — 365 packs. At $6 a pack, this is an annual cost of 52,190 a year. Compare that to the price of buying a starter pack of a vape pen at $45, complete with your first c -liquid. While some heavy users can go through c -liquid faster, a local expert estimated most users go through about one 15 mL bottle a week, averaging S 12 a bottle, which would total $624 a year. So assuming you arc on top of your vaping and change your $2 coils once a week, your total annual cost of vaping would be $728 a year. Thais close to S 1,500 you could save each year. CLEARING THE AIR A special advertising supplement A• The vaping industry doesn't Want . children to use its products. What the vaping industry DOES want is the parents (or grandparents) of those children, who have smoked for years and struggled to eliminate cigarettes and their addiction to nicotine. Vaping products can help them do both. 'The vaping industry overwhelmingly supports 18 -and -over purchasing policies. Another attack used to convince people that vaping products are aimed at children is the use of flavorings. Flavor is just one of the many exciting choices vapers have when using these products. Many have had their tastcbuds deadened from years ofsmoking and enjoy being able to mix things up a bit with flavors such as honeydew, guava and chocolate. It's not just kids who like these flavors. Adults nt candy, ran, and everyone knows it. Vodka makers are infusing their alcohol with favors from whipped cream to watermelon, but they are clearly adult -only products. Interestingly enough, nicotine replacement gums come in fruit and cinnamon flavors. Having flavored e -liquid is not about appealing to kids, it's about appealing to adults who like variety and choice. A• Vaping has emerged as an alternative . to tobacco smoking a way to deliver nicotine without the harmful chemicals combustible cigarettes contain. While it's true that vaping products allow users to continue to consume nicotine, the nicotine itself isdt the most harmful ingredient in combustible cigarettes. In fact, nicotine has medical uses and is commonly used in FDA -approved smoking cessation products such as patches and gums. These products have not been shown to increase the risk of death or rause cancer. Nicotine is most harmful if it causes you to have a dependence on something that can hurt you— like traditional cigarettes. Vapor products help users control nicotine usage Vapers are able to titmre, or continually adjust, the nicotine concentration in their c -liquid. Although not an FDA -approved nicotine replacement therapy, many vapers arc able to reduce their nicotine use down to zero, while continuing to enjoy the act of vaping. "H'FACTS No other cause of death is so pireventa[0e "Norld Health Org-i—r— According to one study of smokers who received professional advice from vape shops, ...0000.......oa.o..o.. 49% quit smoking within 12 months. In addition, 25% reduced their cigarette consumption. www.mdpi-com116604601/1214134281htm A study by State Budget Solutions estimated that a-cig adoption, and the resulting tobacco smoking cessation and harm reduction, could have saved $48 billion in Medicaid costs in 2012. www.statebudgetsolulions org/doclib/20150331_ SBSMedi ci adEC.'garettes 033115. pdf What cientific research currently says about vaping re electronic cigarettes a better alternative to smoking or the same set of health concerns in different packaging? With vaping on the rise, many scientists have been researching electronic cigarettes — and the studies suggest vaping isn't as bad as some might think. Right now the overwhelming majority of people seeking nicotine are getting it from the deadliest and most toxic delivery system, and that's the conventional cigarette. MITCH ZELLER, director of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Center for Tobac(a Products www.nvif.org/en/cullur (health/2013/I1/regulating_ tobacco.himl Cigarettes contain more than 7,000 known toxins, while e -liquids contain substantially fewer. A 2013 study by Drexel University examined more than 9,000 clouds of vapor and found: ... There was no evidence of potential exposures of e -cigarette users to contaminants that are associated with risk to health ... http //publicheallh drexel. edu/-/ med,a/fi1es/publichea1lh/ms08 pdf Electronic cigarettes are by for a less harmful alternative to smoking and significant health benefits are expected in smokers who switch from tobacco to electronic cigarettes. 2014 University of Catania study www.ncbi.nlm.nih gav/pmc/articles/ PMC411087I/ Vaping is a consumer -created solution to the tobacco problem. Big Tobacco only got into the vaping industry when it started to eat away at its profits. A recent survey of Welsh teens gages 13-18) asked respondents who had used both e -cigarettes and tobacco products which they had tried first. C):. % had tried tobacco products FIRST. http://`shwales org.uk/en/information-resources/topics/electronic. cigareaes Vapor Smoke, however, 1.3 billion Million tobacco smokers smoking related in the world deaths every year* No other cause of death is so pireventa[0e "Norld Health Org-i—r— According to one study of smokers who received professional advice from vape shops, ...0000.......oa.o..o.. 49% quit smoking within 12 months. In addition, 25% reduced their cigarette consumption. www.mdpi-com116604601/1214134281htm A study by State Budget Solutions estimated that a-cig adoption, and the resulting tobacco smoking cessation and harm reduction, could have saved $48 billion in Medicaid costs in 2012. www.statebudgetsolulions org/doclib/20150331_ SBSMedi ci adEC.'garettes 033115. pdf What cientific research currently says about vaping re electronic cigarettes a better alternative to smoking or the same set of health concerns in different packaging? With vaping on the rise, many scientists have been researching electronic cigarettes — and the studies suggest vaping isn't as bad as some might think. Right now the overwhelming majority of people seeking nicotine are getting it from the deadliest and most toxic delivery system, and that's the conventional cigarette. MITCH ZELLER, director of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Center for Tobac(a Products www.nvif.org/en/cullur (health/2013/I1/regulating_ tobacco.himl Cigarettes contain more than 7,000 known toxins, while e -liquids contain substantially fewer. A 2013 study by Drexel University examined more than 9,000 clouds of vapor and found: ... There was no evidence of potential exposures of e -cigarette users to contaminants that are associated with risk to health ... http //publicheallh drexel. edu/-/ med,a/fi1es/publichea1lh/ms08 pdf Electronic cigarettes are by for a less harmful alternative to smoking and significant health benefits are expected in smokers who switch from tobacco to electronic cigarettes. 2014 University of Catania study www.ncbi.nlm.nih gav/pmc/articles/ PMC411087I/ Vaping is a consumer -created solution to the tobacco problem. Big Tobacco only got into the vaping industry when it started to eat away at its profits. A recent survey of Welsh teens gages 13-18) asked respondents who had used both e -cigarettes and tobacco products which they had tried first. C):. % had tried tobacco products FIRST. http://`shwales org.uk/en/information-resources/topics/electronic. cigareaes Vapor Smoke, however, dissipates in lingers for 11 �� - Visit www.notblowingsinoke org for more SECONDS. __ on the industry's response to misleading MINUTES. = statements about vaping. A special advertising supplement VAPING EDUCATION COUNCIL Pro-Tecting Your R7ight to Vape As a smoker, you have Ca choice. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking tobacco products harms nearly every organ in the body. One in five deaths in the United States are smoking-related. Vapor products have allowed many to reduce or completely quit smoking conventional cigarettes. Learn more about how these organizations are protecting people's access to vapor products: SMOKE-FREE ALTERNATIVES TRADE ASSOCIATION The Smoke-free Alternatives .. ?`r Trade Association (SFATA) is „ �t g �f1SFATAt� the largest trade association it ------- I in the vapor and electronic C► / cigarette industry. Members include distributors, manufacturers, retailers and consumers of vapor products. The organization is committed to protecting the industry's right to provide an alternative to combustible tobacco products for adult smokers. For more information about SFATA. visit www.sfata org nervapes CONSUMER ADVOCATES FOR SMOKE-FREE ALTERNATIVES ASSOCIATION The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association (CASAA) is a nonprofit advocacy group CA AA that raises awareness and protects people's access to vaping products. The organization is currently collecting testimonials from smokers who used smoke free alternatives to quit or reduce their smoking to display on its website. BANG EDUCAPOR COUFICI VC For more information about CASAA visit www cosao org VAFIM 0VAPaR UM QLANET Smokele ` v TTnavAmiru VApES ..COkIBOtCO P., n.r luna. tort :-olVt i, i �/�.^__� ;&LDn", """_ I �.1L 11 ACfi BROW 'i, lls Testimonials from seasoned vapors "I was introduced to vaping by my son. He wanted me to quit smoking because he was concerned about the "a chemicals that they put into - cigarettes. They are dangerous — and kind of nasty. I liked the different flavors that you could get and that the chemicals seem to be less harmful. I also liked the cost. It's much cheaper than smoking and cigarettes are only going to go up. A pack of cigarettes will eventually cost $10 a pack. That's a rich man's sportl" KARLA DELAOSSA, 67,relired "I started dipping snuff over 18 1 years ago. I had fried to quit several times, never making it more than a week or so. I tried gums, pills, classes and cold turkey. About a year ago, a buddy talked me into getting a vape pen. I have no urge to d p snuff and have leveled down to 1 to 3 mg nicotine juices. plan to go to 0 mg eventually, and never look backl" MICHAEL OWENS, 33,mililary "I smoked since I was 14 years old and switched to vaping about a year ago when my asthma was actingAIFN 40 up. Since then, I have been able to reduce the level of nicotine in my e -cigarettes to almost nothing. People are more willing to be around me�1 now. I think it's ridiculous that the state is trying to lump vapor users with tobacco smokers, because vapor is not the some as smoke. The whole reason I quit smoking is so I wouldn't have to be around it, or smell like it." KATARINA RIGGS-CURTWRIGHT, 21,presrhoolfood coordinator Testimonials are based on indi ' fences, which vary. Testimonials an not iraLrrded to make claims that lucts can tram miBgote or pnws,it L_ swoor.6 replacement thwapy.