Rancho Buena Vista Public Policy Club students joined the North Coastal Prevention Coalition and others in a ‘Sticker Shock’ campaign to warn customers that providing alcohol to minors is against the law. Pictured above (L to R): James Kim, Lexany Terrones, Ana Garnett, Iesha Washington and Samantha Gonzalez at Rodeo’s Market in Vista.

[December 18, 2015] Youth advocates from Rancho Buena Vista, Oceanside and El Camino High Schools gathered after finals on Friday, December 18 to conduct a “Sticker Shock” campaign at 20 local retail outlets in Vista and Oceanside in partnership with the North Coastal Prevention Coalition.  The “Sticker Shock”campaign brings prevention advocates and store owners together to spread an important message tocustomers that providing alcohol to minors is illegal and dangerous.  The campaign involves placing brightly colored stickers on multi-pack alcohol products with the message – “If they can’t buy it, don’t supply it!

Providing alcohol to minors under 21 is against the law.”  Students placed nearly 2,000 stickers on alcohol products at participating stores.The campaign kicked off at Oceanside High School where 23 youth and a dozen adult supporters gathered prior to visiting retail outlets.  Nannette Stamm, Chief Health Promotion Officer for Vista CommunityClinic, welcomed everyone.  “I know that it takes everyone’s involvement to help prevent underage drinking,” stated Stamm.  She noted that all cities in San Diego County have adopted Social Host Ordinances, often called “house party laws.”  There have been over 400 social host citations in San Diego County between 2008 and 2014.  Nearly 85% of citations have been written to party hosts under the age of26.

“We hope everyone has fun, stays safe and protects our young people this holiday season and throughout theNew Year,” stated Stamm.  “We want to encourage people to call their local law enforcement agency if theysuspect underage drinking parties in their neighborhood.  They might think it’s none of their business, but they could end up saving someone’s life.”

Lisa Contreras, Director of Communications for Oceanside Unified School District, commended the youth advocates.  “Most teens do not drink alcohol,” stated Contreras.  “The students here today have made a commitment not only to make healthy decisions about avoiding alcohol and drugs for themselves, but to become advocates in their communities to create healthier environments for everyone.”

“Friends and family members have the power to prevent underage drinking by not making alcohol available to minors and being positive role models,” stated Iesha Washington, President of RBV’s Public Policy Club. Washington was also involved in recruiting retailers and thanked those that agreed to participate.Councilmember Esther Sanchez with the City of Oceanside wrapped up the kick-off by thanking all involved.  “I’m very pleased to be here this afternoon and support your efforts to prevent underage drinking,”remarked Sanchez.  “This is an issue that I’m very passionate about, and have worked hard within the City of Oceanside to create a healthy community.”The campaign was sponsored by the North Coastal Prevention Coalition whose mission is to reduce the harmof alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and other drugs in the cities of Carlsbad, Oceanside and Vista through community action, education, support and collaboration.  Despite declines in underage drinking, alcohol remains the drug of choice for American youth and kills more youth than all other illicit drugs combined.

More than 5,000 youth die each year from underage-drinking-related causes, including alcohol-related traffic fatalities, homicides, suicides, and other unintentional injuries.

Learn more at www.northcoastalpreventioncoalition.org

Participating stores included:

1. 7-Eleven at 1610 S. Melrose Dr., Vista
2.  7-Eleven at 1501 North Santa Fe, Vista
3.  Albertson’s at 1601 S. Melrose Dr., Vista
4.  CVS at 1631 S. Melrose Dr., Vista
5.  CVS at 1441 North Santa Fe, Vista
6.  La Mexicana, 440 North Santa Fe, Vista
7.  Northgate at 1150 E. Vista Way, Vista
8.  Primo Market, 1535 W. Vista Way, Vista
9.  Rodeo’s Market, 356 Vista Village, Vista
10.  Salsa Market, 1100 North Santa Fe, Vista
11.  Chevron at 3490 Marron Rd., Oceanside
12.  El Nopalito, 410 San Diego St., Oceanside
13.  El Super, 1527 Mission Ave., Oceanside
14.  Pappy’s Market, 601 N. Cleveland, Oceanside
15.  Primo Market, 606 Morse St., Oceanside
16. Red & White Superette, 700 N. Coast Hwy, Oceanside
17.  Red & White Superette, 510 Vista Way, Oceanside
18.  VIVA Market, 2031 Mission Ave., Oceanside
19.  Wisconsin Market, 202 Wisconsin Ave., Oceanside
20.  Z Market at 3200 Mission Ave., Oceanside