Youth leaders from Ventura County joined more than 400 teens from across California at the State Capitol for Youth Quest 2026, a statewide advocacy event focused on tobacco prevention and youth leadership.
Representing Ventura County were six youth from Fillmore, Santa Paula, and Piru, accompanied by adult leaders Larissa Nelson from Conejo Health and Pedro Chavez and Maria Robles from One Step A La Vez. Notably, they were the only youth delegation representing Ventura County at this year’s event.
Youth Quest 2026, organized by the California Youth Advocacy Network (CYAN), brought together youth from across the state for a full day of youth-led trainings, a march to the Capitol, a rally, and meetings with policymakers. This year’s theme, “No Friends in the Industry,” highlighted concerns about tobacco and nicotine industry marketing tactics targeting young people.
Ventura County youth played an active role throughout the day, joining hundreds of teens in a march and rally at the Capitol to raise awareness about the dangers of nicotine use. One local teen, Juan Robles, helped lead the rally, energizing the crowd with the chant, “No friends in the industry, we will be tobacco free.”
The youth met with State Senator Monique Limón and Assemblymember Steve Bennett to share perspectives from youth in Ventura County. Participants highlighted local concerns, including the high concentration of tobacco retailers near schools. According to data from the California Tobacco Health Assessment Tool (CTHAT.org), 77 percent of tobacco retailers in Santa Paula, 24 out of 31, are located within 1,000 feet of a school, raising concerns about youth exposure and access.
Youth also shared ideas for prevention, including increasing signage in local parks to communicate that tobacco use is not acceptable and to keep cigarette trash away from children and to promote healthier community norms.
Fourteen-year-old Natalie Ochoa, a participant from the Santa Clara River Valley, spoke during the event about the importance of supportive approaches to youth tobacco use. She highlighted how her school has shifted away from suspension for smoking and vaping and instead provides a resource center. “It helps get to the bottom of what is going on instead of ignoring students’ problems and can make a longer lasting difference than just sending kids for a day off with suspension,” she shared.
Conejo Health’s Youth Program and One Step A La Vez collaborated to bring the Ventura County delegation to Sacramento. Conejo Health’s Youth Program creates opportunities for young people in Ventura County to lead, learn, and thrive through leadership development, service, advocacy, and civic engagement. One Step A La Vez serves the communities of Fillmore, Piru and Santa Paula, focusing on youth development and community empowerment in the Santa Clara River Valley.
Both organizations are committed to breaking cycles of addiction and empowering youth through advocacy, service, and access to healthy, positive environments, including outdoor engagement.
Youth Quest continues to serve as a powerful platform for young people to elevate their voices, influence policy, and advocate for healthier communities across California.