COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Donna G. Schwartz, Chief Deputy City Clerk
DATE: April 15, 2025
SUBJECT: Proclamation – “Alcohol Awareness Month” – April 2025
The City Council will recognize the month of April 2025 as “Alcohol Awareness Month” in the City of Santa Maria and encourage all Santa Maria residents to join in the effort to prevent alcohol misuse and promote healthy choices for a stronger community.
BACKGROUND:
April is declared Alcohol Awareness Month to raise awareness about the impact of alcohol use and misuse in the community. Alcohol -related problems, including impaired driving and excessive drinking, cause significant harm, with over 178,000 alcohol-related deaths each year in the U.S. Excessive drinking is especially harmful to youth, with more than 3,900 deaths annually among people under 21 years of age. Early drinking increases the risk of alcohol dependence, and impaired driving remains a major safety concern.
In Santa Maria, alcohol-related incidents continue to affect the community, with 489 DUI arrests and 95 alcohol-related victims injured or killed in 2022. Local youth data shows a need for continued education and prevention efforts, as many students report alcohol use and some underestimate its harm. The Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley Coalition plays a key role in promoting prevention and responsible choices. Alcohol Awareness Month encourages all residents to join in the effort t o prevent alcohol misuse and promote healthier choices for a stronger community.
Proclamation Requested by: Audrey Guizar – Coalition Coordinator, Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley
Attachment(s): Proclamation