I've witnessed firsthand the negative effects of drug proliferation within our local community, reaching into our elementary, middle, and high schools. Our children, the future leaders of this world, are being negatively affected by the accessibility of these substances, primarily from smoke shops that are overpopulating our city. Increasing violence connected to this issue continues to threaten our community's safety.

We urge you to support the new city ordinance that aims to limit the number of smoke shops in Fresno. Studies have demonstrated a significant correlation between the concentration of smoke shops and the rise in drug use among adolescents (Senior Journal of American Medicine, 2015).

But it's not just an issue for our youngsters. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports an increase in violent acts in areas with a higher concentration of these shops. Safety for our community and our children should be our principal concern.

Backing this ordinance provides a tangible solution to combat this issue by controlling the availability of substances that harm our community. Let's take steps together toward a safer and healthier Fresno. Please sign this petition to show your support for the ordinance limiting the number of smoke shops in our city.