The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians feels obliged to clarify the story about the 7 Leaf Trading Post selling Native American cigarettes on reservation land in Cathedral City. The article implies, whether intended or not, that this business is in partnership with the Agua Caliente Tribe or that it condones 7 Leaf’s position that all sales of such products are exempt from applicable taxes. Neither is correct. Although the shop operate ... Jump to full article >>

California — The Food and Drug Administration will start enforcing a ban on flavored cigarettes next month. But a California based importer of clove-flavored cigarettes has found a way around the new law. Kretek International is the nation’s largest importer of clove cigarettes. To circumvent the ban on flavored cigarettes, the company plans to sell small clove-scented cigars. Cigars are not included in the new FDA ban. Debra Kelley is w ... Jump to full article >>

August 18, 2009 – SACRAMENTO — Democrats in control of California’s Legislature are looking to raise the state cigarette tax by $1.50 per pack to help raise revenue, according to a report by Legal Newsline. But the plan could collapse if Democrats are unable to muster at least some Republican support, since California requires a two-thirds vote for tax increases, according to the report. Grant Gillham, a veteran political consu ... Jump to full article >>

SACRAMENTO — Health care advocates are imploring Republican lawmakers and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to rethink their opposition to taxes, especially in light of recent poll findings that show Republican voters overwhelmingly in support of increasing tobacco taxes to help solve the state’s $26.3 billion deficit. Support for a tobacco tax increase of $1.50 per pack cuts across party lines, according to a survey done by a bipartisan pollin ... Jump to full article >>