Santa Cruz County Public Health Department warns against vaping

If you step into Arden Russo’s Capitola shop, Raindbowzend, you’ll se one-of-a-kind art, jewelry, and clothing. What you won’t see are vape products. Russo said she decided to get rid of them after years of making a profit. “I just don’t want to be a proponent of selling something to people that I feel might be bad for their health,” said Russo.

Russo took vape products off of her shelves at the beginning of the summer. Reports that nearly 450 have be hospitalized due to e-cigarette use grabbed her attention. “My sales went down over 50%. I didn’t know if I could survive without it and I thought I was going to put it back in. Then I started hearing the reports,” said Russo.

This week, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported California’s first known vaping-related death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating 5 deaths across the country.

“All my friends vape. I definitely know that people get addicted to it, even if they say they’re not,” said Capitola shooper, Nick Mayo.

The Santa Cruz County Department of Public Heath issued a warning to vapers. While they said there are no known cases in the county, experts advise people to put down the pens.

Russo said she has been recommending that customers try her homemade CBD. According to her, it is an all-natural alternative. “I won’t have to worry about selling something that’s not healthy. I can help people and be able to make money,” said Russo.