Colfax approves ordinance for needle exchange prohibition

The Colfax City Council approved an ordinance that will prohibit needle exchange or distribution programs within city limits during its consent agenda on Oct. 11. The ordinance was introduced during the council's Sept. 27 meeting, along with the approval of an urgency ordinance to prohibit the programs. Other Placer jurisdictions who have approved prohibition ordinances include the cities of Auburn, Lincoln, Rocklin and the town of Loomis. The action was in response to an application submitted to the California Department of Public Health in June by Safer Alternatives through Networking & Education (SANE) for a needle exchange and distribution program in Placer County. SANE proposed 200,000 needles annually as well as discrete same- or next-day home delivery and pick-up from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday for cities in the southwest portion of Placer between Lincoln and Auburn. The Placer County Sheriff's Office confirmed Sept. 28 SANE withdrew its application with the state. According to the staff report, the ordinance will take effect 30 days following its adoption, and the urgency ordinance serves as the immediate prohibition until the ordinance is effective. In other news Additionally, the Colfax City Council approved a funding request for this year's Winterfest celebration. According to the staff report, the Colfax Area Chamber of Commerce requested a donation of $7,000 from the city to cover the costs of producing the event's fireworks show. Last year, the city donated $6,500. Lauriana Cecchi, executive director of the Colfax Area Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber begins fundraising for Winterfest right after the event ends and sought the city's support due to increases in prices. The council unanimously approved providing the funding but noted needing to look at potential budget amendments for its mid-year budget discussion slated in January.