In the News / Archives / San Diego / Summer 2003

alcohol, tobacco and other drugs

In the News / Archives / San Diego / Summer 2003

Substance Abuse

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"How to combat underage drinking" (San Diego Union Tribune, Sept 29, 2003) -- Recently I have noticed that some community leaders, including the Union-Tribune editorial staff, asking legislators, specifically members of Congress, to create and pass legislation they feel would curb underage use of alcohol as well as access to it. I hate to say it, but looking to government to solve social problems is ineffective.

"Cops try to dry Pacific Beach" (San Diego Union Tribune, Sept 27, 2003) -- Liquor licenses that once flowed freely in Pacific Beach have dried up, and new restaurant owners say the prohibition is hurting their business. While many residents applaud the denial of new liquor licenses, restaurant owners say the practice is unfair. Some say they may go out of business because they are losing patrons who want beer or wine with their meals.

"Campaign targets Poway Rodeo sponsor" (North County Times, Sept 25, 2003) -- A supporter of the local rodeo for at least 15 years, the tobacco company has reserved a tented booth at the event, which runs through Sunday. If past years are any indication, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco will hand out free samples of its main product, chewing tobacco, and other promotional material to adults who pass through the company's tent. ID# 7289

"Council erred in vote for 'medical' marijuana" (San Diego Union Tribune, Sept 25, 2003) -- Your Sept. 16 editorial "Medical marijuana" is on target about unworkable city guidelines. Legitimate doctors are not recommending marijuana to their patients because there are better, safer alternatives. Only 10 doctors in California have written 80 percent of the recommendations for marijuana, according to a pro-marijuana group, Americans for Safe Access.

"Stop alcohol ads that target youth" (San Diego Union Tribune, Sept 22, 2003) -- Regarding the Sept. 15 editorial "Alcohol ads/Let's add a voice of moderation to the mix" As an adult ally for the San Diego Youth Council, a group dedicated to reducing the alcohol advertisements saturating our youth's environment, I hope that Congress will adopt the recommendations outlined in the recent National Academy of Sciences report. We need to stop allowing the alcohol industry to send our youth so many mixed messages about alcohol. While they make money off our youth, we pay the price with a price tag of $6.5 billion in California alone to offset the cost of underage drinking. ID# 7277

"A tragic consequence" (San Diego Union Tribune, Sept 22, 2003) -- The death of Julieta Toledo wasn't an accident. It was a tragedy that could have been prevented, if only our society embraced prevention. While she and her husband waited at a bus stop in Imperial Beach on their way to work last week, a car plowed into her and killed her. The driver, Justin Lovejoy, 20, has been arraigned on charges of manslaughter and drunken driving. This tragedy embodies an epidemic problem in our nation – underage drinking and risky behavior, in this case getting behind the wheel. ID# 7278

"Early odds don't favor Barona resort liquor license" (San Diego Union Tribune, Sept 22, 2003) -- A full year after the Barona Indian band filed for a license to sell alcohol at its East County gambling resort, a state official says the liquor-control agency is finally about to make a preliminary decision – and it probably won't go the tribe's way. "We just need to make a decision one way or the other on this thing," said Steven Ernst, San Diego district director for the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. "We are leaning in support of the Sheriff's Department protestants, and the (opposing) residents." ID# 7276

"Firsthand evidence of alcohol ads' power" (San Diego Union Tribune, Sept 19, 2003) -- Thank you for your Sept. 15 editorial "Alcohol ads." Not too long ago my family and I were discussing the naming of Petco Park. My 15-year-old son expressed distaste for the name. I said, "At least it's not Budweiser Park." My son innocently replied, "What's wrong with that? Alcohol and sports go together. ID# 7275

"Lemon Grove passes Social Host Law, joins growing trend" (San Diego County Herald, Sept 11, 2003) -- It's about to become illegal in Lemon Grove for adults to provide alcohol to minors on private property, a misdemeanor that carries up to a $1,000 fine and sixmonths in jail. The city council unanimously approved the socalled "party house" ordinance (on Sept. 2), completing the growing trend in the East County, joining El Cajon, La Mesa, Santee and unincorporated areas of the County with similar laws. Lemon Grove Mayor Mary Sessom said many residents called her to voice their support of the ordinance, so she was pleased to bring it before the City Council. ID# 7265

"Lemon Grove approves `social hosting' ordinance; children's health cited as one reason" (East County Californian, Sept 12, 2003) -- LEMON GROVE It's about to become illegal in Lemon Grove for adults to provide alcohol to minors on private property, a misdemeanor that carries up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail. The city council unanimously approved its own version of the "party house" ordinance on Sept. 2, completing the growing trend in the East County, joining El Cajon, La Mesa, Santee and unincorporated areas of the County with similar laws. ID# 7266

"Leucadia store OK'd to sell beer, wine" (San Diego Union Tribune, Sept 19, 2003) -- ENCINITAS – Despite being turned down twice before, a Leucadia market will be allowed to sell beer and wine. After a public hearing Wednesday, the City Council voted 3-2 to allow Hassan Khan to sell beer and wine at El Torito Market, on North Coast Highway near Jasper Street. Previous councils turned down Kahn's request in 1999 and 2001. Citing recommendations from the state Department of Alcohol Beverage Control and law enforcement, Councilwomen Maggie Houlihan and Christy Guerin voted against granting Khan two required permits. ID# 7267

Editorial — "Pot issue illustrates North County divide" (San Diego Union Tribune, Sept 18, 2003) -- It's one of my missions in life to measure the political distance between North County and San Diego, the seventh-largest city in the country. True, the city's tendrils of tract homes extend above Miramar – Rancho Bernardo, for example, or Carmel Valley – but the vast bulk of North County tends to see the world from a different point of view. Despite its conservative heritage, San Diego is evolving into a diversely urban Democratic city. Unions are starting to flex political muscle. North County, on the other hand, remains a patchwork of conservative suburban cities and unincorporated communities. ID# 7262

"Survey Many high while driving" (San Diego Union Tribune, Sept 17, 2003) -- WASHINGTON – An estimated 11 million Americans, including nearly one in five 21-year-olds, drove while under the influence of illegal drugs last year, the government says. The numbers announced yesterday were especially high for college students. Eighteen percent of students surveyed said they drove while on drugs last year, compared with 14 percent of their peers who weren't in college. ID# 7256

"ID cards for medical use of pot approved" (San Diego Union Tribune, Sept 17, 2003) -- Sick and dying people who use marijuana to ease their symptoms with a doctor's approval will be able to get an identification card to protect them from arrest by San Diego police under an ordinance the City Council approved yesterday. The measure, adopted 6-3, formally establishes the ID-card program and puts into law guidelines the council adopted in February governing the medical use of marijuana. The guidelines and the ID-card program will be tried for two years before the council re-evaluates them. ID# 7257

"City Council spells out rules for medical marijuana" (San Diego Union Tribune, Sept 16, 2003) -- SAN DIEGO – On a 6-3 vote, the San Diego City Council passed an an ordinance today that spells out rules under which sick and dying patients can grow and smoke marijuana. The ordinance allows a patient to possess a pound of processed marijuana and up to 24 unharvested plants. A caregiver would be allowed to keep up to 48 unharvested plants and could have as much as two pounds of the processed drug in his or her possession. Only indoor cultivation of the drug would be permitted; public growing and usage would be barred. ID# 7258

"More arrests made in party crackdown" (San Diego Union Tribune, Sept 17, 2003) -- COLLEGE AREA – The second half of a two-weekend crackdown on partyers near San Diego State University netted 18 more motorists suspected of drunken driving and 50 more minors suspected of possessing alcohol, police said yesterday. The arrests were made from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday, police said. The crackdown followed complaints from residents about loud parties, excessive alcohol consumption and fighting. ID# 7259

Editorial — "Alcohol Ads" (San Diego Union Tribune, Sept 15, 2003) -- Turn on the TV, particularly during sporting events, and you're bombarded with beer commercials – and so are your children. In fact, recent studies show that kids see almost as many beer commercials as adults do. But what about ads to prevent alcohol abuse? Kids see only one such commercial, usually the alcohol industry's own "responsibility" ads, for every 60 alcohol commercials they watch. Research suggests what most parents already know This barrage of alcohol advertising is a threat to their children. ID# 7248

Editorial — "Two places to try alcohol ban" (San Diego Union Tribune, Sept 9, 2003) -- As a 26-year veteran of the alcohol wars on Mission Beach, I appreciated your timely editorial on Aug. 17, "Too few patrols / An alcohol-free beach is worth trying." The initiation of a 24-hour test ban on booze at one or two trouble spots merits serious consideration. Once the agreed-upon test period ran its course, comparisons could be made between the pre-ban and post-ban environments. ID# 7249

"Street races, underage drinking targeted" (San Diego Union Tribune, Sept 13, 2003) -- SOLANA BEACH – Following the lead of numerous cities in the county, the City Council on Tuesday is set to crack down on underage drinkers and spectators at illegal street races. City Manager Barry Johnson said the proposals are meant to bring city ordinances in line with other communities, not because of any recent problems in Solana Beach. Johnson said the Sheriff's Department, which patrols Solana Beach, asked that the ordinances be put on the books. ID# 7250

"Parks commission advises alcohol ban in 2 more parks" (The San Diego Union Tribune, Sept 12, 2003) -- OCEANSIDE – The city's Parks and Recreation Commission has unanimously recommended that alcohol be banned in two more city parks – Cesar Chavez and John Landes. The City Council will make the final decision. Parks Commission Chairman Maureen Gamiel asked why alcohol is not banned in all city parks. Police Lt. Tom Jones said officers are not experiencing problems at other parks. Gamiel asked if drinkers will take their alcohol to other parks, thereby just moving the problem elsewhere. ID# 7242—

"Vendors to sell beer in Soldier Field stands" (The Chicago Union Tribune, Sept 11, 2003) -- Fans seated in the grandstands at Chicago Bears games will no longer have to miss on-the-field action to grab a cold beer because 70 to 80 vendors will roam the stands in the new Soldier Field. The board of the Chicago Park District on Wednesday approved a few items to prepare the stadium for the first NFL game there on Sept. 29, including arrangements for alcohol sales, parking fees and traffic control services. ID# 7239

"City to ponder ban on alcohol at parks" (The San Diego Union Tribune, Sep 10, 2003) -- OCEANSIDE – The city Parks and Recreation Commission tomorrow will consider banning alcohol at John Landes and Cesar Chavez parks. The commission was set to act on the recommendation last month, but there was some confusion over the wording of the proposed ordinance. John Landes is a 10-acre park on Cedar Road. Cesar Chavez is a half-block park on Division Street. Some in the community want to ban alcohol in all city parks. Its consumption is forbidden without a special permit on beaches and in the harbor area as well as selected parks. ID# 7234

"Study urges society to battle underage drinking, raise alcohol taxes" (Randolph E. Schmid, The San Diego Union Tribune, Sep 9, 2003) -- WASHINGTON – Alcohol and youth make a dangerous combination, a $53 billion problem that can lead to increased crime and traffic deaths and one the government, parents and industry need to solve, the Institute of Medicine said Tuesday. The institute, a health policy advisory center affiliated with the National Academies, urged higher federal and state taxes on alcoholic beverages, tougher state drinking laws, better state identification cards and improved policies for detecting and stopping underage drinking parties.— ID# 7235

"EU to put off smokers with rotting lung pictures" (The San Diego Union Tribune, Sep 9, 2003) -- BRUSSELS – The European Commission has started the hunt for images of diseased lungs and dying cancer patients to be printed on cigarette packets across the European Union, a spokesman said Monday. Next month cigarettes sold in the EU must show even larger health warnings than now, and from mid-2004 member states will have the option of adding pictures to the packs showing the hazards of smoking, the EU's executive body said. The European Commission announced a tender Monday for organizations to come up with images and test their impact on different European audiences.— ID# 7231

"22 million in U.S. found to abuse drugs, alcohol; few get treatment" (Darlene Superville, The San Diego Union Tribune, Sep 6, 2003) -- WASHINGTON – About 22 million people in the United States abused or were dependent on alcohol, drugs or both last year, but only a fraction received treatment, the government said yesterday. The 2002 National Survey on Drug Use and Health also said nearly 20 million people were current users of illegal drugs, with such use highest among young adults. More than one in five 18-to 25-year-olds, or 20.2 percent of young adults, were current users, with marijuana being the substance of choice, the survey said. Current users are those who said they had used an illegal drug in the past month.— ID# 7228

"Countywide underage drinking ordinance targets adult hosts" (Marilyn Frost, The Alpine Gazette, Aug 19, 2003) -- "The party is over for those who want to host underage drinking. Period!" With that remark, San Diego County Supervisor Dianne Jacob opened the media event at the Alpine Community Center on Wednesday, Aug. 6. Jacob and San Diego County Sheriff Bill Kolender were among those who spoke about the new county law that went into effect on August 7. The new law makes it illegal for adults to host underage drinking in a private setting in the unincorporated areas of San Diego County. In East County, El Cajon, La Mesa, and Santee have either adopted the new ordinance or have enacted their own, similar laws. Lemon Grove is said to be moving forward toward also adopting the law.— ID# 7215

"Teens and Alcohol" (Christine Woolway, The Coronadao Eagle and Journal, Aug 29, 2003) -- Parents have the most significant ability to influence their children. Yet time and time again, parents of high school students provide the alcohol for parties in their own homes, explaining that "I'd rather you do it here, where I can keep an eye on you all" (Kris Frieswick, "Why Alcohol and Kids Mix"). Parents negate their own ability to aid in the prevention of underage alcohol consumption, and initiate their children into the dangerous and mature world of drinking. Although there may be logic in the idea that supervised drinking is better then unsupervised drinking, it is illogical for parents to use their power for instigation rather than prevention. — ID# 7216

"Underage Booze Parties Put Teens at Risk" (Julian News, Aug 12, 2003) -- Giving booze to minors is illegal, and thanks to a new County Ordinance which goes into effect this month, throwing an underage booze party in a private home is illegal too. Think it's okay to throw a drinking party for a group of teens because, as one parent recently put it, "It's better to know where kids are?" Think again. Young people who drink alcohol dramatically increase their risk of injuries; getting into serious fights and trouble with the law; and worse yet, dying in an alcohol related car crash. That should make adults think twice before serving drinks to minors. — ID# 7217

"NC council limits WalMart alcohol sales" (Kelley Dupuis, Star News, Aug 8, 2003) -- National City's new WalMart store, scheduled to open Aug. 20 at 1200 Highland Ave., will be allowed to sell beer and wine, but only with some conditions that do not apply to National City's other beer, wine and liquor outlets. Among the conditions Wal-Mart will not be allowed to sell beer or wine cold, but only at room temperature. Also, the hours during which WalMart will be able to sell beer and wine are being restricted, and there will be no accessibility to beer and wine, even at WalMart's warehouse, without supervision.— ID# 7218

"DUI arrests up in county over holiday" (Mark Arner, The San Diego Union Tribune, Sept 3, 2003) -- Drunken-driving arrests in the county jumped 30 percent over the Labor Day weekend compared with last year, the second holiday weekend this year that such arrests were up by nearly one-third, the California Highway Patrol said. Cindy Roark, president of the San Diego Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, called the latest numbers "alarming." "It tells us that there are people out there drinking and driving and not thinking about the danger to themselves and others," she said. A CHP spokesman wasn't so sure. He attributed the higher arrest numbers over the Labor Day weekend, in part, to more focused patrols. "We have more proactive DUI patrols in addition to those from normal shift officers," said Officer Mark Gregg. "And this past weekend, we had DUI checkpoints at the border.— ID# 7219

"North County Drug Court patches lives" (North County Times, Aug 25, 2003) -- VISTA ---- Two drug treatment programs had done little to change James McCoy's life.When he entered North County's Drug Court program, McCoy's wife had left, his kids wouldn't speak to him, he had no job and no car, and he faced a new drug possession charge. More than 15 months later, the 42-year-old Oceanside man said he is reunited with his wife, takes his kids to their dentist and doctor appointments, has a high school diploma, and he has a steady job. He is also poised for Tuesday night when he will become part of the Drug Court's 20th graduating class in six years.— ID# 7204

"Academy official to dress down cadets after drinking incident" (Robert Weller, The San Diego Union Tribune, Aug 26, 2003) -- AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – The entire cadet corps will get a dressing down because of a weekend underage drinking incident that gave the Air Force Academy a new black eye as it struggles to overcome a sexual assault scandal, the new superintendent said Tuesday. All 4,000 students at the elite school outside Colorado Springs will be lectured Thursday about the consequences to their military careers and to the institution, Lt. Gen. John W. Rosa told The Associated Press. "We're going to try to turn this around Thursday to a positive, say, 'Look, if we knock this behavior off we're going to move forward,'" Rosa said. "'Every time we have this kind of behavior, we backstep. We backstep in the eyes of ourselves, of our peers. We backstep in the eyes of Colorado Springs, of Colorado, of this nation. We cannot afford to do that.'".— ID# 7205

"Visits to Emergency Rooms in SAN DIEGO Area Due to Drug Abuse Decreased in 2002" (Yahoo News, Aug 26, 2003) -- WASHINGTON, Aug. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- In SAN DIEGO, visits to hospital emergency departments related to drug abuse declined by five percent from 2001 to 2002, even as nationwide emergency department visits were unchanged. San Diego emergency room visits related to drug abuse decreased from 6,962 to 6,597 between 2001 and 2002, according to new estimates from the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN), released today by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). When population size is taken into account, the San Diego area, with 258 emergency room visits associated with drug abuse per 100,000 population, was one of two metropolitan areas out of 21 surveyed that had decreases.— ID# 7208

"Greece acts to end tourist sex and booze binges" (Karolos Grohmann, The San Diego Union Tribune, Aug 21, 2003) -- ATHENS, Greece – After turning a blind eye for two decades to one of Europe's biggest sex and alcohol binges, Greece is getting tough on wild behavior by "degenerate" young British tourists. Alarmed by the drink related deaths of two Britons and outraged by a video showing an oral sex contest on the beach, the authorities launched a clamp down this week on indecent behavior by foreigners in some of its top resorts. "The buck stops here, we won't go any further," Greek National Tourism Organization chief Yannis Patellis said on Thursday. "(These incidents) show the degeneration of some British tourists."— ID# 7191

"City to examine drinking at all of the city's parks" (Rob O'Dell, The North County Times, Aug 20, 2003) -- Deputy City Attorney Cynthia Morgan said the item was withdrawn because it was wrong.As it read, the item would have allowed drinking at both Cesar Chavez Park on Division Street near Oceanside High School, and at John Landes Park off Cedar Road near Vista. But Morgan said the item should have asked commissioners to ban drinking at both of the parks. The item was then deleted from the agenda at both commission meetings. Morgan called the item a mistake, but couldn't pinpoint exactly how it happened. Parks and Recreation Director Ana Alvarez said her department will examine a broader policy for alcohol at all of the city's parks.— ID# 7186

"Adult accountability for teen drinking is essential" (James Marcelino, The San Diego Union Tribune, Aug 21, 2003) -- We all share a responsibility in the lives of youth. Whether it is your son or daughter or simply someone you know, it is essential that adults are aware and responsible for keeping youth free from the risks of alcohol use and abuse. The recognition that underage drinking is a problem that needs to be addressed has led to the passage by several cities in San Diego County of ordinances similar to the recently passed county ordinance that holds adults accountable for underage drinking in their homes. — ID# 7188

"City may ease alcohol sales restrictions" (Teri Figueroa, The North County Times, Aug 19, 2003) -- TEMECULA ---- It might get easier to get the city's OK to sell alcohol in Temecula.City officials are considering changes to local laws on alcohol sales, including a plan that would do away with the requirement to obtain a city permit to sell alcohol in grocery stores. The updated rules would also eliminate the requirement that restaurants and bars selling distilled spirits be at least 500 feet from churches, schools and parks. However, dropping that requirement does not necessarily open the door for a bar to set up shop near those types of places.— ID# 7179

"Bored, anxious teens likeliest drug abusers" (The San Diego Union Tribune, Aug 20, 2003) -- WASHINGTON – A survey of U.S. children and parents released yesterday found that for many kids, a mix of three ingredients in abundance can lead to substance abuse boredom, stress and money. The annual study by Columbia University's National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse also found that students attending smaller schools or religious schools are less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol. Joseph Califano Jr., the center's chairman and president, said 13.8 million teens are at moderate or high risk of substance abuse. The study found that children ages 12 to 17 who are frequently bored are 50 percent more likely to smoke, drink, get drunk or use illegal drugs.— ID# 7180—

"Ending 'ladies nights' a service to all" (Teresa Johnson, The San Diego Union Tribune, Aug 20, 2003) -- The "common business practice" of serving women alcoholic beverages at reduced prices may not qualify as an important civil rights issue, but it is important in another respect. The author of a letter published Aug. 10, "Ladies Night not on par with Jim Crow," is way off base if he thinks that such drink specials are benign. Some states already have bans against gender-based drink specials and for good reason. Alcohol is the No. 1 one date-rape drug in America, and at least half of the sexual assaults in this country are alcohol related. What is most troubling about this issue is that so many people are unaware of how serious it is, that it is regarded as "so benign as to go unnoticed." — ID# 7181

"Study ranks University of Colorado No. 1 for partying" (Ben Kieckhefer, The San Diego Union Tribune, Aug 18, 2003) -- BOULDER, Colo. – The University of Colorado, where a six-year effort to curb binge drinking ended this spring without making a dent, is the nation's No. 1 party school. According to the latest Princeton Review survey, the typical CU student smokes a lot of marijuana and drinks a lot of booze, but doesn't study very often. Alexandra Kass, a 21-year-old CU student, said finding a party is as easy as driving around with the windows open and listening for music blaring from a house. Still, she said her study habits haven't suffered at a university that also rated three out of four stars for academics in the survey. — ID# 7177

"Too few patrols" (The San Diego Union Tribune, Aug 17, 2003) -- Citing underage drinkers who are sunning on San Diego beaches on Sunday isn't the most hazardous duty for investigators of the state Department of Alcohol Beverage Control. And because their primary responsibility is to respond to complaints about liquor stores and bars, beach patrols for the eight or so investigators in the ABC's Southern San Diego County office aren't a regular duty. But such plainclothes patrols are useful, and the more of them the better. — ID# 7173

"The traitor" (Edwin Decker, City Beat, July 30, 2003) -- I've been invited on a civilian ridealong with the San Diego Police Department. More specifically, I'll be joining Detective Larry Darwent and his crew during their next staging of the Minor Decoy operation. The Minor Decoy Program (MDP) is an undercover police operation that enforces the drinking age by enlisting underagers to purchase alcohol from bars and stores. On the night of the operation, Detective Darwent and a few carefully selected minors will visit randomly chosen liquor licensees in the area, send the minors inside to purchase alcohol and arrest any offending servers. — ID# 7172

"Party down" (Sandra Aquino, City Beat, July 30, 2003) -- Re "Party pooper" by Edwin Decker ["Sordid Tales," July 2]. In the writer's opinion, the right to party seems to supercede the right to public safety. Since 1988, the minimum drinking age has been 21, which has served to greatly reduce the number of fatalities involving young drivers. The social host ordinance would not only prevent DUIs, but also save young lives from alcohol poisoning, sexual assaults and a host of other problems linked to underage drinking. Outofcontrol parties and underage drinking are more than just nuisances; they're real problems.— ID# 7171

"Editorial Re Community Plan Update steering locations of potential alcohol outlets committees report" (Dan Tomsky, San Diego Downtown News, August 7, 2003) -- Thank you for another update about progress being made in the Downtown town plan needs to clearly provide a Community Plan Update process ("Community Plan Update steering locations of potential alcohol outlets committees report," Downtown News July 3, 2003, page 5). It is encouraging to sense the quality level of input various subcommittees are generating for the overall CCDC Steering Committee. As an observer of the process, I am seeing all five subcommittees identifying important issues and crafting creative recommendations providing an invaluable complement to recently released development alternatives.— ID# 7170

"Alcohol ban at all parks considered in Oceanside" (Lola Sherman, The San Diego Union Tribune, August 13, 2003) -- OCEANSIDE – City officials are considering a possible ban on alcohol at all city parks. It is forbidden now without a special permit at nine parks. But it is legal at about two dozen other parks and recreation facilities within the city. The issue of alcohol at city parks has grown out of a confusing item pulled from last night's Youth Commission and tomorrow night's Parks and Recreation Commission agendas. Commissioners were asked to permit alcohol at Cesar Chavez and John Landes parks, even though it already is allowed there. However, police support banning it at both parks.— ID# 7163

"Retailers continue to sell tobacco to minors" (Yvette Urrea, The North County Times, August 8, 2003) -- "It's disturbing that approximately one in five merchants sold cigarettes to juveniles," said Mata. "In many cases, merchants were repeat offenders. "Merchants who violate the law are fined $200 for the first violation, $500 for a second offense and $1,000 for each subsequent violation, he said. Stores also were inspected for required signs stating that cigarettes would not be sold to anyone under 18, according to state law, police spokeswoman Karen McDonough said. Most businesses were in compliance with this regulation, she said. The enforcement program was paid for with a $40,000 grant from the San Diego County Health and Human Services Department.— ID# 7155

"Teens are behind the wheel, but who is in control?" (Jane Clifford, The San Diego Union Tribune, August 9, 2003) -- If I survive, the last teenager in my house will learn to drive. Lauren successfully passed her written test in June, is on her way through the behind-the-wheel classes and is bugging me big time to drive, drive, drive... Teen drivers average 44 percent more hours behind the wheel each week during the summer (23.6 hours) than during the school year (16.4 hours). Many of them – 23 percent – are more likely to drive with three or more teens in the car in the summer, compared with 6 percent of teen drivers who are more likely to do so during the school year. Roughly 72 percent of all teens report they stay out later during the summer than the school year. And 47 percent of teen drivers are more likely to drive late at night during the summer, compared with 6 percent of teen drivers who are more likely to drive late at night during the school year.— ID# 7156

"Celebrities are offered free cigarettes for life" (Andrew Bridges, The San Diego Union Tribune, August 8, 2003) -- LOS ANGELES – A tobacco company is offering a free lifetime supply of cigarettes to celebrity smokers as part of a marketing campaign to raise the public profile of its recently launched brand. Freedom Tobacco International Inc. said it was seeking to "seed" its cigarettes with adult celebrities. The appeal was made Tuesday to publicists through a Web-based network subscribed to by hundreds of public relations agencies. "To be honest, celebrities make or break your brands. If you look at who drinks what or that sort of thing, celebrity endorsements have always meant a lot," said Patrick Carroll, founder and chief executive of the New York-based company. But the marketing ploy quickly drew criticism from anti-smoking activists.— ID# 7148

"Underage Drinking: Rite of Passage? Dangerous Ritual?" (Karen Gervais, The San Diego Family Magazine, August, 2003) -- It should have been a fun night. On New Year’s Eve 2001, 16-year-old Erica went to a party at an apartment complex in San Diego. But it wasn’t a typical party – it was hosted by a 38-year-old man who collected a $4 cover charge and served beer to anyone who asked. Erica was not one of those who asked. She didn’t drink at the party, but she rode home with a teen-ager who did. You know where this is going There was an accident and Erica was severely injured. She spent two months in a coma and another two months in the hospital with severe brain injuries. She has had three brain surgeries, leaving her with little short-term memory. She is 18 years old. The driver of the car, who was 18 at the time of the crash, went to prison. The adult who provided the alcohol to the teens was never punished.— ID# 7149

"Emergency room tax could show up on 2004 ballot" (Erin Walsh, The San Diego Union Tribune, August 7, 2003) -- "Half the injuries we see in a trauma unit are alcohol-related," said Hansen, a registered nurse whose coalition consists of the California Healthcare Association, the California Medical Association, the Emergency Nurses Association of California and the American College of Emergency Physicians of California. "It makes sense that people who buy more alcohol should help us with that burden," she added. Emergency rooms throughout the state are losing money, and supporters of a new tax say hospitals need more money to keep emergency rooms open.— ID# 7150

"Booze displayed responsibly, students say" (Angela Lau, The San Diego Union Tribune, August 8, 2003) -- For once, liquor stores received good vibes from citizen watchdogs. An informal survey was conducted by 15 middle-school students on 30 liquor, grocery and convenience stores and gas stations in Linda Vista, Clairemont and North Park. Most of the stores displayed alcohol responsibly, the students found. The merchants put it in the back, where youngsters are less likely to go, said Karen Pfeiffer, a survey coordinator. The study also found most stores locked up their cigarettes.— ID# 7152

"County law targets adults if minors drink" (Anne Krueger, The San Diego Union Tribune, August 8, 2003) -- County officials have a message for adults who allow youngsters to drink alcohol in the home or other private settings The party's over. A new county ordinance went into effect yesterday that allows law enforcement officers to charge adults with a misdemeanor if they host parties in which minors are provided alcohol. Conviction on the charge could mean a $1,000 fine and six months in jail. The adult could also be ordered to repay costs incurred by law enforcement and face civil liability. "If you are dumb enough to give your kids alcohol, you can have very serious consequences," said Sheriff Bill Kolender.— ID# 7153

"Irrationality and the Needle Exchange" (Joel A. Harrison, The San Diego Union Tribune, August 7, 2003) -- My family has lived in North Park since 1936, in the same home for over 60 years. Several times a week, I take long walks through the neighborhood. I am a vegetarian who does not drink, smoke, or use drugs, so I have a strong vested interest in this being a safe neighborhood. Upon first reading that the city was contemplating placing a mobile needle-exchange program on the same street as my house, I panicked. As a trained epidemiologist with a strong dislike of drugs – both illegal and legal (overuse and misuse) – I decided to research the scientific evidence for these programs. The evidence was overwhelming that these programs reduce the risk of infection to the participants and the public, do not encourage drug use, do not increase crime, and, to some extent, lead injection drug users into rehabilitation programs.— ID# 7141

"Wal-Mart granted alcohol permit" (Jennifer Vigil, The San Diego Union Tribune, August 7, 2003) -- NATIONAL CITY – The City Council approved an alcohol permit for a Wal-Mart set to open this month, over the objections of two local school district officials. The new store, on Highland Avenue south of Plaza Boulevard, will open Aug. 20, and sell wine and wine-based drinks, but not hard liquor or beer. The city approved the permit 3-0 Tuesday, with Councilman Louie Natividad abstaining and Mayor Nick Inzunza absent. Opponents of the proposal asked why a nearby Wal-Mart in Chula Vista does not sell alcohol, and why National City, with a large number of businesses already offering liquor, would allow another to do so.— ID# 7142

"Law targets adults if minors drink" (Anne Krueger, The San Diego Union Tribune, August 7, 2003) -- County officials have a message for adults who allow youngsters to drink alcohol in the home or other private settings The party's over. A new county ordinance goes into effect today that allows law enforcement officers to charge adults with a misdemeanor if they host parties in which minors are provided alcohol. Conviction on the charge could mean a $1,000 fine and six months in jail. The adult could also be ordered to repay costs incurred by law enforcement and face civil liability.— ID# 7143

"Time to ban alcohol at Mission Bay Park" (De Vee Lange, The San Diego Union Tribune, August 7, 2003) -- Where is a drinker to go now that El Cajon has joined the majority of forward-thinking municipalities to ban alcohol at its parks ("El Cajon bans alcohol at parks," News, July 12)? Try Mission Bay Park, where drunk-in-public arrests are so common that on July 10 alone, the San Diego Police E-Neighborhood Watch for the Mission Bay Beach area lists five arrests for public drunkenness.— ID# 7144

"Kiss ladies night goodbye" (Alex Roth, The San Diego Union Tribune, August 3, 2003) -- It might seem like a harmless marketing stunt, although some lawyers will tell you it's an insidious form of anti-male discrimination. Either way, it's now history in the Gaslamp Quarter. Several local bars and clubs have been forced to drop their so-called ladies night discount-for-women promotions in response to a series of lawsuits claiming the practice discriminates against men. Lawyers quietly settled all the suits last month. Seven nightspots in the Gaslamp and elsewhere in San Diego County agreed to pay a total of $125,000 to two men who accused them of violating a decades-old California civil-rights law. Gone are the Thursday promotions at Olé Madrid on Fifth Avenue, whereby women – and only women – were allowed free entry before 11 p.m.— ID# 7139

"New law fails to fund program for drug-endangered children" (Scott Marshall, The North County Times, August 4, 2003) -- VISTA ---- After she was found in a motel room during a drug bust, the witness described in detail to Oceanside police the process she had seen others use on a regular basis to smoke black-tar heroin.The witness ---- a 5-year-old girl. The users ---- her parents. "This little girl hadn't even started kindergarten yet," Deputy District Attorney Tom Manning said, recounting one of the hundreds of North County cases where police have found children at scenes where illegal drug manufacturing, sales and use are taking place. Last week, Gov. Gray Davis signed into law a bill that seeks to better care for those young victims of drug crimes. Specifically, the law encourages counties to develop a program that began in San Diego County and a handful of other counties more than five years ago.— ID# 7136

"Crime and punishments" (Charlotte Holmes, The San Diego Union Tribune, August 2, 2003) -- After losing a friend to a drunk driver five years ago, I was both hurt and astonished when I recently received my new telephone book. As I was flipping through, I found a full-color ad for a local attorney who specializes in DUI cases. The ad provides a list of blood alcohol levels and the sentence the person received. For example, someone with a .15 percent blood-alcohol level (which is almost double the legal limit in the state of California) was found not guilty, and a person who had a blood alcohol level of .13 percent had the charge of vehicular manslaughter reduced to felony DUI.— ID# 7138

"Rescue Mission will impact neighborhood" (Mike Grover, The San Diego Union Tribune, August 6, 2003) -- Your Sunday editorial "A civic scandal" appears to have been written by attorneys for the city and the San Diego Rescue Mission. I'll leave the legal arguments on environmental impact reports and such to the lawyers. However, you say fears of nearby property owners that the SDRM would threaten property values are "entirely unfounded" with "absolutely no evidence to support them." Let's see, if you open a residential care facility for 416 drug-addicted, alcohol-dependent and/or mentally ill persons, many of whom are ex-cons, and you open your doors before 6 a.m. every day to feed 250 homeless people, then push them back into the neighborhood after breakfast, do you think that could impact property values next door or down the street?— ID# 7137

"In ABC sweep, a day at the beach can turn into a bummer for some" (Angela Lau, The San Diego Union Tribune, August 4, 2003) -- If you are of ripe drinking age and Luis Madriz asks to see your driver's license at the beach, you'll probably feel flattered. But, if you are as young as Joxune Agote, 19, your day is ruined. Agote was cited yesterday for underage drinking in a surprise alcohol sweep at Mission and Pacific beaches. Alcohol is allowed on the sand at Mission Beach and Pacific Beach from noon to 8 p.m. but is prohibited on the boardwalk. Drinkers must be at least 21 years old. Agote will have to appear in court and, if she's found guilty, will have to pay a $250 fine and perform community service. That sounds bearable. But Madriz, an investigator for the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, said the real blow could come if Agote's driver's license is suspended for one year.— ID# 7122

"More coffee, less booze, urge British lawmakers" (The San Diego Union Tribune, August 1, 2003) -- LONDON – Britons should be encouraged to read books and sip tea or coffee on a night out, rather than always booze, a parliamentary committee recommended Friday. More activities attracting a wider cross-section of the public are needed to revitalize city centers after working hours, it said in a report. "British towns and cities focus their evening activities on young people," said chairwoman Christine Russell. "But a successful renaissance depends on striking a balance between a good night out for some and a good night's sleep for others." The Urban Affairs subcommittee said increasing the number of cafes, libraries, and shops open at night would bring an older public out, reducing disorder and nuisance associated with youth and excessive alcohol consumption.— ID# 7123

"New TV ads slam pushing tobacco to poor" (Jessica Brice, The San Diego Union Tribune, July 30, 2003) -- SACRAMENTO – State officials unveiled two new television spots yesterday that slam the tobacco industry's attempts to push smoking on poor minority communities. The spots come on the heels of a federal court ruling allowing California to keep running its tough anti-smoking ads despite tobacco companies' complaints that they shouldn't be forced to pay for ads they disagree with. Also yesterday, five Western states announced a deal with oil company BP West Coast Products to crack down on cigarette sales to minors at its ARCO gas stations.— ID# 7105

"New device means faster drunken driving tests" (John Hall, The North County Times, July 26, 2003) -- MURRIETA ---- Delays between the time a police officer stops a suspected drunken driver and a test of that driver's blood-alcohol level can sometimes mean the difference between a conviction and an acquittal in court. The longer the delay, the more the driver's blood-alcohol level can change ---- meaning the test result may be quite different than the level when the driver was behind the wheel and pulled over. In an effort to get those test results faster, law enforcement officers across the county are being trained to use a new device called an Evidential Portable Alcohol System.— ID# 7099

"Alcohol ads may be unusally alluring to teenagers who drink heavily" (The San Diego Union Tribune, July 28, 2003) -- Teenagers who have drinking problems have stronger brain responses to images from alcohol advertisements than other teenagers do, a new study reports. The findings, published in The Archives of General Psychiatry, suggest that young people with alcohol abuse or dependence problems may be particularly susceptible to the advertising, researchers said. The exact mechanism is unclear. The research could not determine whether people with drinking problems were predisposed to be more responsive to advertising or whether advertising encouraged problem drinking.— ID# 7092

"Santee joining big push to curb youth drinking" (Jose Luis Jimenez, The San Diego Union Tribune, July 26, 2003) -- SANTEE – The City Council has jumped onto the countywide bandwagon for curbing underage drinking. This week, council members voted unanimously to make it a crime to provide alcohol to a minor in a private setting. The ordinance was passed by a 3-0 vote on first reading. Mayor Randy Voepel and Councilman Hal Ryan were absent. The law is designed to discourage an adult host from serving alcohol to minors at a party in their home. If caught, the adult could be arrested and charged with a misdemeanor. The maximum punishment is a $1,000 fine and/or six months in the county jail. The ordinance allows minors to drink alcohol under the supervision of a parent or guardian. An example is for a religious activity or ritual. — ID# 7093

"ABC set to probe two Vista businesses" (Jennifer Kabbany, The North County Times, July 25, 2003) -- "Three accidents in seven months resulting from drivers at over or close to twice the legal limit of alcohol in their bloodstreams is absolutely unacceptable," Vance wrote of Oggi's. Two of the cases involved automobile accidents that shook the7community and prompted the letter, which asks the agency to probe whether the businesses are following the proper procedures for serving alcohol. In one case, two young men lost their lives. In another, two young men each lost part of a lower leg.— ID# 7086

"Treating risk factors produces health gains, study says" (The San Diego Union Tribune, July 25, 2003) -- LONDON – Treating multiple risk factors that increase the odds of developing a variety of illnesses could nearly halve the number of premature deaths worldwide and increase life expectancy, researchers said Friday. They identified 20 major factors ranging from vitamin and mineral deficiencies to smoking, drinking and poor sanitation and malnutrition and showed how treating them could slash deaths from major diseases. "This study shows that the potential health gains from reducing major known but often over-looked risks are enormous," especially for those societies that currently endure the worst health conditions, said Dr Majid Ezzati, of the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, Massachusetts.— ID# 7087

"State high court says Prop. 36 not retroactive for drug offenders" (David Kravets, The San Diego Union Tribune, July 21, 2003) -- SAN FRANCISCO – The voter-approved measure granting drug treatment instead of jail time to minor drug offenders does not apply to narcotics cases on appeal when the measure was enacted, the California Supreme Court ruled Monday. The 6-1 decision means dozens of drug offenders don't qualify for leniency under Proposition 36. The case centered on offenders convicted before the measure was enacted, but whose convictions were not final because they were on appeal after July 1, 2001, when the measure became law. "The act was not intended to apply retroactively to this subset of cases," Justice Marvin R. Baxter wrote.— ID# 7073

"Head Shop Laws Change" (Michelle Gerst, Coast News, July 10, 2003) -- OCEANSIDE Two new ordinances were officially adopted that will affect the operations of stores that sell drug paraphernalia and tobacco products. Businesses that sell or display tobacco or products used for the consumption of drugs now fall under the title of regulated businesses. The new law mandates the stores must maintain a distance of 500 feet from schools, childcare facilities, parks and playgrounds. The businesses must also maintain a 50foot distance from beaches and churches. — ID# 7070

"Booze Ban Extended" (Ilana Mignon, Coast News, July 3, 2003) -- DEL MAR Don't even think of having a drink in public in Del Mar for the entire holiday weekend. This year's ban is in effect from 6 p.m. Thursday, July 3 until 6 a.m. Monday, July 7. Law enforcement, as well as plenty of signs, will be out to remind those who may not have heard about the ban. Sheriff department officials said they are serious about enforcing the law that went into effect last year. If someone is in possession of alcohol, they could be cited for a misdemeanor under the ordinance. Sheriff officials said someone who is blatantly intoxicated or causing a disturbance could be arrested and brought to jail. — ID# 7071

"Encinitas Tightens Party Law" (Kimberly Dvorak, Coast News, July 3, 2003) -- ENCINITAS A unanimous decision by the City Council paved the way for law enforcement officials to cite adults with a misdemeanor for buying or hosting a party where alcoholic beverages are available to minors. In an effort to stub the toe of summertime partygoing minors, the council adopted Urgency Ordinance No. 200314, adding to chapter 9.42 of Encinitas Municipal Code preventing minors from consuming alcohol. "I want to thank everybody for acting quickly on this issue (minors' alcohol consumption) that is near and dear to me," said Christy Guerin, council member. — ID# 7072

"CSU Reports Preliminary Success with Curbing Student Alcohol Abuse" (California State University, July 16, 2003) -- In the two years since the California State University Board of Trustees adopted the nation’s most comprehensive systemwide student alcohol policy, preliminary results indicate that significant changes have occurred. The policy has produced a number of concrete results that indicate that the CSU is making inroads into the national problem of alcohol abuse at the university level. CSU Trustees commented on a report presented at their July 16 board meeting by Fresno State President John Welty, chair of the CSU alcohol policies and prevention programs committee. “We have made tremendous progress,” said CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed. “Student alcohol abuse is the number one problem on university campuses, and the CSU will continue to work hard to come up with solutions that attack this problem with intensity and commitment.”— ID# 7059