December 2025: Holiday News Updates
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Season's Greetings from The SOL Project 🔔
As we close out 2025, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the many local, regional, and national partners who have supported our mission throughout the year. Your collaboration has strengthened our work to protect the health of African Americans by advocating for smoke-free housing, promoting cessation services, and advancing efforts to end tobacco sales in Sacramento and San Joaquin counties.🚭💛
We also offer a special thank you to our incredible volunteers🙌🏾, whose dedication has powered community outreach, events, and education efforts, and to the many expert speakers who generously shared knowledge and resources that uplift our residents and align with The SOL Project’s commitment to healthier, smoke-free communities.
As our SOL Team continues to grow, we wish you and your families a joyful, restful, and healthy holiday season. ❄️💚
Here’s to a powerful and purpose-filled 2026! 🎉
| | (In photo from left to right: Twlia Laster, Valarie Scruggs, Kimberly Bankston-Lee, Anissa Adams, Pleshette Robertson) | | |
Looking for a little extra holiday magic this season? ✨🎄
Bundle up, grab some hot cocoa ☕❄️, and take your family and friends on a Holiday Light Tour throughout neighborhoods across the Sacramento Valley! From sparkling rooftops to glowing yards filled with snowmen ⛄, Santa 🎅🏾, and reindeer, these community displays are perfect for an evening walk or drive as you create unforgettable memories together.
With temperatures dropping into the 40s, remember to dress warm—and don’t forget your camera to capture the joy! 📸💫
👉 Click here for more info and exact street locations in your area.
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Stockton City Council Presents Proclamation Recognizing Tobacco Prevention Efforts
The Stockton City Council recently presented a proclamation recognizing San Joaquin County Public Health Services, Tobacco Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Unit (SJCPHS), and partners for their leadership and ongoing efforts to create a smoke free, healthier community for all Stockton residents. The proclamation aligns with the City’s recognition of the Great American Smokeout and highlights the importance of policies and partnerships that protect public health.
During the presentation, Brianna Rubio, Public Health Educator with San Joaquin County Public Health Services, thanked the Council for the proclamation which highlighted the Great American Smokeout (GASO) as part of a nearly fifty-year national movement that encourages residents to take meaningful steps toward quitting tobacco and connects individuals to free cessation resources.
GASO proclamations were also awarded to SJCPHS by the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors and City of Tracy, which underscored a shared commitment to building a healthier, smoke free San Joaquin County.
Twlia Laster, Project Director of Saving Our Legacy, also thanked the City Council for its leadership in implementing a moratorium on tobacco retail licensing, noting it as a critical tool for protecting youth and other vulnerable communities.
As the City of Stockton continues to update its Tobacco Retail Licensing program and refine enforcement strategies, SOL remains committed to working alongside the Coalition for Tobacco Free San Joaquin to provide education and resources that support the Council in developing a comprehensive program that is effective, equitable, and focused on creating a tobacco free Stockton.
If you are a resident of Stockton, and interested in creating a smoke free, healthier community, please contact Anissa Adams, Community Engagement Coordinator at anissa@thesolproject.com
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Community Voices Shined This December!
On Dec 4, community leaders and residents came together from around the Sacramento Region to share meaningful feedback with The SOL Project as we advance smoke-free housing, expand quit-smoking resources, and work to end the sale of harmful tobacco and nicotine products.
Thank you to everyone who participated and for your continued commitment to protecting community health—especially as we educate and uplift the next generation. Together, we’re building a stronger, smoke-free future!
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Stockton Community Listening Session
Photo Source: Concrete Development Inc, Stockton Community Listening Session Overview
On November 17th, SOL Project had the opportunity to participate in one of the most meaningful forms of community engagement: sitting with, listening to, and learning directly from community members themselves through a Community Listen & Learn Session hosted by Concrete Development, Inc., Live Free CA, & Faith In the Valley.
Participants represented a wide range of groups—the Latinx community, Black community and NAACP, LGBTQ+ community, disabled community, youth/students of color, and even Councilmember Mario Enriquez—ensuring a diverse and representative discussion.
A central theme that emerged was the community’s concern about insufficient investment in public health, prevention, and overall community well-being. Many expressed a strong desire for leaders who reflect Stockton’s diversity and will make an effort to prioritize community concerns.
As part of our goal to cultivate future advocates for tobacco endgame strategies, we introduced The SOL Project and shared our vision for healthier, smoke-free communities. Community members voiced concerns about limited visibility, protection, and representation in policy decisions—concerns that directly align with our efforts to ensure that those most impacted have a seat at the table. The discussion underscored a shared frustration with local government performance but also a clear desire for change rooted in community voice and empowerment.
The SOL Project is committed to elevating these voices, strengthening community visibility, and bringing greater attention to health, wellness, and equity. In 2026, SOL will work closely with Concrete Development, Inc. to host a Midwest Academy Strategy Session (MASC) with this group to develop a joint strategy that directly engages Stockton City Council members and community residents in advocating for the tobacco endgame.
A follow-up bootcamp will be held January 31st allowing participants to reconnect, review, and reflect on findings from the first two sessions. A pillar of community engagement is consistent connection and maintaining that connection. Here, Stockton residents will be able to share their perspective on building a narrative that accurately reflects community needs and priorities.
Together, we are building a foundation for informed, engaged, and empowered advocates who can drive tobacco endgame strategies forward.
If you are a resident of or your organization services the residents of Stockton and want to get involved, register here for the upcoming Bootcamp: https://bit.ly/LetsTalkLetsListenLetsStrategize
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San Joaquin County Black Health Network (BHN) Networking Event
SOL Project attended a San Joaquin County BHN Networking Event to connect and cultivate further relationships with Black health equity advocates and professionals in the field. We talked with prominent community members about the SOL’s goal towards the tobacco endgame such as Toni McNeil with Concrete Development and Rhonda Smith, Executive Director of CBHN.
We also heard an inspiring testimony from Aretha Brown–a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who plays an invaluable role in her community through continually supporting and uplifting others.
The CBHN aims to be a valuable resource for individuals to connect, collaborate, and communicate with peers and like-minded individuals in support of our work to ensure health equity for Black Californians. If you are not a part of the Network and are interested in a membership that helps with resources to achieve impact in improving the health of Black Californians, visit California Black Health Network-Get Involved for more information.
| | Join The SOL Project for a transformative online session on Wednesday, January 7, from 6:00–7:30 PM (Zoom) focused on creating a healthier, self-care–centered, smoke-free home that supports mental well-being. Led by Dr. Tiffany Mimms, licensed clinical psychologist and founder of The Rosetta Center for Counseling and Wellness, this webinar offers practical tools to manage stress, strengthen coping skills, and protect emotional health. | | |
SAVE THE DATE! 3rd Annual Faith In Health Collaborative Summit
Now in its 3rd year, The SOL Project’s Faith In Health Collaborative Summit, themed “Black Health in 2026: Strengthening Our Future Through Smoke-Free Living and Community Care,” brings together faith and community leaders committed to protecting Black communities from tobacco-related harm and expanding access to smoke-free housing and cessation resources. The 3rd Annual Summit takes place on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Sierra Health Foundation in Sacramento and will examine what Black health will look like in 2026 amid healthcare cuts, rising chronic disease rates, and ongoing disparities—while offering practical tools, actionable solutions, and mini-grant opportunities to help congregations and community organizations build healthier, smoke-free futures.
| | SAVE THE DATES! March 4-5, 2026 in Sacramento - CLICK HERE to get more info about the agenda for California Healthy Housing Coalition. | | |
The SOL Project proudly joined community and faith leaders on November 17, 2025 from across California and the nation to celebrate the 2nd Annual Breaking Free from Nicotine Day, hosted and founded by Dr. Karen Beard, Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist. This powerful 90-minute webinar uplifted inspiring testimonies from individuals who have quit smoking and those courageously on their quit journey—reminding us that liberation from nicotine is a collective, community-driven effort rooted in love and support.
🎥 Click here to watch the full webinar
For free quit-smoking support and resources, visit kickitca.org/quit-smoking or call 1-800-300-8086.
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🥗 Need Food Assistance? Local Resources Are Here to Help
Food insecurity affects many families across our region — but help is available. 🌱 A network of local food banks and pantries provides free groceries, fresh produce, and essential support with dignity and care.
👉🏽 Call 211 or visit our website for a full list of food resources in Sacramento, Stockton, and surrounding counties.
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Build a Healthier, Smoke & Tobacco Free Future with The SOL Team!
Does your organization, school, or group need support creating a smoke and tobacco free environment?
The SOL Team is here to help — for FREE!
We offer:
✅ Tobacco Policy Recommendations
✅ Education Materials
✅ Quit Smoking Resources
✅ Volunteer Opportunities
✅ Expert Trainings
| | During the holiday season, protect your loved ones from smoking, vaping, and secondhand smoke. Children are especially vulnerable — secondhand smoke can cause serious health problems. Visit KickItCA.org for free support to help you or someone you love #QuitSmoking or #QuitVaping. |
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Truth Initiative Shines a Spotlight on Tobacco’s Impact on Black Communities at the
2025 Celebration Bowl
| | Good News for Expectant Mothers: Maternal Care Benefits Under Medi-Cal Remain Strong and Unchanged | | |
Request for Application (RFA) 26-10022, Statewide Priority Population Coordinating Center. The purpose of this RFA is to fund one (1) Statewide Priority Population Coordinating Center (PPCC), to coordinate and foster interactive and integrative collaboration and communication among CDPH/CTPP-funded projects, as well as other state, regional, and local partners to address tobacco-related disparities.
Deadline to apply is February 5, 2026.
| | California State Policy Legislation Updates | | |
AB 455: Thirdhand Smoke Disclosure
AB 455 requires that if the seller of a single-family residential property knows that there is residue from smoking or vaping on the property and/or knows that there has been smoking or vaping on the property, the seller must disclose that knowledge in writing to the buyer of the property.
AB 573: Cigarette and tobacco products: licensing and enforcement
AB 573 requires a tobacco retailer to pay a $450 (from $265) fee to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) per retail location for the issuance or renewal of a state license to sell tobacco products beginning on or after July 1, 2026.
AB 1775: Cannabis: retail preparation, sale, and consumption of noncannabis food and beverage products
This bill would authorize a local jurisdiction, if specified conditions are met, to allow for the preparation or sale of non-cannabis food or beverage products, as specified, by a licensed retailer or microbusiness in the area where the consumption of cannabis is allowed, and to allow, and to sell tickets for, live musical or other performances on the premises of a licensed retailer or microbusiness in the area where the consumption of cannabis is allowed. The bill would additionally specify that these provisions do not authorize a licensed retailer or microbusiness to prepare or sell industrial hemp or products containing industrial hemp, as provided.
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SAVING OUR LEGACY: African Americans for Smoke-Free Safe Places
www.thesolproject.com | 888-774-7685, x300
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