Paradise moves to ban needle distribution

Paradise Town Council voted 5-0to remove exemption, ban needle distribution programs with the town limits.

PARADISE » The Paradise Town Council voted 5- 0 on Tuesday night to ban needle distribution programs within its town limits.

The town removed an exemption that was recommended by the planning commission that would’ve allowed such distribution programs to be done in conjunction with the healthcare provider.

However, Councilor Jody Jones immediately questioned that the exemption would open a back door for a group like North Valley Harm Reduction Coalition to set up shop. The public hearing which lasted about five minutes had one comment and one public speaker, council candidate Steve “Woody” Culleton, that were both in favor of theban.

Councilor Mike Zuccolillo immediately made a motion to ban it outright which Jones eagerly seconded. Just prior to the council voting to remove the exemption and outright ban needle distribution programs in Paradise, Councilor Melissa Schuster wanted to make sure the people understood what the beginnings of needle exchange programs were intended to address.

“They originally came into play to help address the spread of diseases that pass through dirty needles,” Schuster said. “What we have with the opioid crisis is people dying from opioids, not dirty needles.”

She added that what needle distribution does is give people access to opioids that are killing them, which she doesn’t want to see. The ordinance will return to the council in November and if approved then, the ordinance will become effective in December.