Loomis adopts interim ban on syringe service program amid public-safety concerns

The Loomis Town Council on a unanimous roll call vote adopted an interim urgency ordinance that temporarily prohibits the establishment, operation or participation in a syringe service program in the town while county and state processes continue.

Town Manager Wes introduced the item as a response to an application filed by Safer Alternatives through Networking and Education (SANE) with the California Department of Public Health. Wes said the applicant estimates the program could distribute about “200,000 syringes annually” across southwest Placer County and that the town needs to consider local public-health, visual-resource and disposal impacts while the state reviews that application.

Lieutenant Tyndall, speaking for the Sheriff’s Office, told the council the sheriff co-authored a county opposition letter and urged the town to act. “By no means does the passing of such an ordinance speak to the empathy or show a lack of empathy for anybody with any type of substance abuse problem,” he said, adding the office’s concern centers on how such a program would affect Loomis on a practical level.

During deliberation, council members asked whether state law preempts local bans, whether the ordinance’s language could unintentionally bar other medical or treatment services tied to a syringe program, and how enforcement would work if a program provided non-syringe services. Town counsel said local land-use and health-and-safety authority provide a basis for local regulation but acknowledged the question may ultimately be tested in court; the draft ordinance contains a savings clause to defer to state or federal law if required. Councilmembers also noted that the adopted ordinance functions as a temporary, interim measure that can be amended or repealed after further legal review.

A council member moved to adopt the ordinance; the motion passed in roll call (Councilmembers Cortez, Youngblood, Knisely, Ring and Mayor Cartwright recorded Aye). Council and staff noted the ordinance is an interim action intended to remain in effect for the 45‑day statutory period, with at least one opportunity for extension while staff refines permanent language.

Supporters of the ordinance repeatedly cited community-management and litter risks reported in nearby jurisdictions, while opponents — including several residents during the public hearing — said syringe services programs can provide medical screenings, referrals and vaccinations and that pharmacies and hospitals already offer access to new syringes and disposal options.

The council’s action was procedural and limited: it pauses local authorization of an SSP while additional legal and policy work occurs and while the state determines whether the applicant meets public-health requirements. The council directed staff and counsel to prepare refined permanent language and to coordinate with county officials and the Sheriff’s Office on next steps.