With an unusually high concentration of smoke shops in East San Jose, Councilmember Peter Ortiz cannot be accused of using hyperbole when he says that if you throw a rock there, you are likely to hit one of those stores.
But after years of attempting to rein in the problem, the San Jose City Council has approved a temporary moratorium on tobacco retailers and a ban on nitrous oxide sales in those establishments — efforts it says that put the well-being of youths and their families first.
“Both these items take an important step to protect the health and safety of our residents by closing a dangerous gap in our laws,” said Ortiz, who represents District 5. “Over the past several years, East San Jose and other working-class neighborhoods have seen a dramatic rise in smoke shops, often located just blocks away from schools, youth centers and family homes. In fact, I first thought of this policy when a smoke shop under the guise of a gift shop opened directly across the street from the James Lick (High School) and the Alum Rock village business district.”…