Young people from the Amador County Youth Coalition joined thousands of kids across the country for Kick Butts Day (KBD), a nationwide initiative that makes kids leaders in the effort to stop youth tobacco use.  As part of the local Kick Butts Day event, Youth Coalition members created a dynamic display illustrating the 1200 deaths that occur every day in the United States to tobacco related diseases. Tobacco statistics indicate that, here in Amador County, at least 1 person loses their life each week due to smoking.

The dynamic display made a striking impression on passing motorists, and one witness said it reminded him of modernist “physical art”. Throughout the year, these young advocates take part in a variety of activities to promote healthy living in our community, including working to develop policies that reduce youth tobacco use, exposure to secondhand smoke and educating their peers about tobacco companies’ deceptive marketing practices.

New Jackson Ford Mercury generously donated a portion of their fence line yesterday along Highway 49 in Martell for the 17 member Youth Coalition to construct a display.  Youth Coalition members from Ione Junior High, Jackson Junior High, Amador High School and Argonaut High School have worked with many local agencies and businesses to collect the 1200 pairs of shoes. After school, on the afternoon of April 2nd, Youth Coalition representatives will be along the fence line beside their display showcasing their message with youth-created banners and signs.  Each empty pair of shoes represents a life lost every day. For more information about the KBD display along Highway 49 in Martell, contact Diana Evensen at 223-6638 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..