Stockton Community Town Hall to Address Smoke Shop Concerns, Tobacco Retail Enforcement and the Future of Tobacco Sales
Councilmember Mario Enríquez and community public health partners invite residents to share their experiences and perspectives, learn about recent enforcement efforts, and discuss the Commercial Tobacco Endgame
Stockton residents are invited to a Community Town Hall on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Oak Park Senior Center in Stockton. Free dinner and refreshments will be provided for attendees beginning at 5:30PM.
The Town Hall is hosted by Stockton City Councilmember Mario Enríquez and cohosted by Saving Our Legacy, African Americans for Smoke-Free Safe Places – The SOL Project, A Coalition for a Tobacco-Free San Joaquin, The African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council, AMPLIFY, The LOOP, and American Lung Association.
This community conversation comes as residents and City leaders continue to address concerns involving tobacco retailers and smoke shops, including retailers operating out of compliance with local requirements and reports of nuisance and criminal activity associated with some locations.
The Town Hall will provide residents with an opportunity to learn more about recent City enforcement efforts involving tobacco retailers and smoke shops, ask questions, and share what they are seeing and experiencing in their neighborhoods.
“Community members are closest to what is happening in their neighborhoods, and their experiences need to be part of the conversation,” said Twlia Laster, Project Director of The SOL Project. “This Town Hall creates space for residents to express their concerns, learn what is being done, and share what they believe a healthier and safer Stockton should look like.”
The evening will also introduce residents to the Commercial Tobacco Endgame, a public health approach that looks beyond managing individual tobacco products and considers strategies to ultimately end the sale and distribution of commercial tobacco products.
“Smoke shops and tobacco retailers have a direct impact on the health, safety, and quality of life of our neighborhoods, and Stockton residents deserve a meaningful voice in how we address those impacts,” said Councilmember Mario Enríquez. “We’ve seen the importance of strong enforcement when businesses are operating outside the rules, but enforcement is only one part of the conversation. This Town Hall is an opportunity to hear directly from residents about what they are experiencing, what they want to see change, and how we can build healthier, safer neighborhoods for the long term.”
Rather than telling residents what Stockton’s future should be, organizers want to hear directly from the community. Participants will have an opportunity to discuss questions including: How are smoke shops and tobacco retailers affecting Stockton neighborhoods? Are current enforcement efforts addressing community concerns? What additional changes would residents like to see? And what does the community think about eventually ending the sale and distribution of commercial tobacco products in Stockton?
Whether you already know a lot about tobacco issues or this is your first time hearing about them, you are welcome. No public health or policy experience is needed. Bring your questions, your experiences, and your ideas for Stockton’s future.
SAVE THE DATE
Stockton Community Town Hall
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Dinner: 5:30 p.m.
Town Hall: 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Oak Park Senior Center
730 E. Fulton Street
Stockton, CA 95204
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Dinner: 5:30 p.m.
Town Hall: 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Oak Park Senior Center
730 E. Fulton Street
Stockton, CA 95204
FREE to attend, and dinner and refreshments are provided.
Stockton’s Future Should Include Stockton’s Voice
Decisions about community health are stronger when residents are part of the conversation.
Come tell us what you are seeing, what concerns you, and what you want the future of Stockton to look like.
Your neighborhood. Your experience. Your voice. Be part of the conversation!
