Breathe California of The Bay Area

On April 18th, Breathe California proudly recognized 10 local businesses, organizations and individuals with its 2008 Clean Air Awards. Presented at its annual spring luncheon, the awards honor those undertaking innovative approaches to fight air pollution and protect public health. This year’s awards specifically recognized those who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to address climate change. Learn more about the 18th annual Clean Air Awards and please join us in recognizing these true environmental champions!

OBreathe California has proudly signed-on as the sponsor of AB 2344 (Beall, D-San Jose) to protect funding for vital tobacco control programs. To help the state curb evasion of the tobacco tax, tobacco retailers currently pay a one-time licensing fee of $100, which unlike other CA licensing programs includes no annual renewal. As a result, the program faces a funding shortfall, forcing the state to divert more than $7 million from Prop. 99, Prop. 10, the Breast Cancer research fund, and the state’s General Fund. AB 2344 would establish a $185 annual renewal of the retailers’ license fee, raising enough money to fully fund the licensing program and sending the $7 million shortfall back to the underfunded tobacco prevention and cessation programs. Learn more about our latest advocacy effort, including how you can support this common-sense bill.