SHASTA COUNTY, Calif. - West Valley High School was awarded $377,909 in state funding to tackle the illegal sale of cigarettes and tobacco products to minors as part of the California Department of Justice's Tobacco Grant Program.

The grants were awarded to support the enforcement of state and local laws related to the illegal sales and marketing of tobacco products to minors. California Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced on Oct. 1.

West Valley High School Principal Emmett Koerperich said he appreciates the California Department of Justice recognizing and supporting the need to provide schools with the necessary funding so they can provide a school resource officer.

"The tobacco grant program will provide a platform for our SRO to educate our students and community about the dangers of vaping, smoking and chewing tobacco," Koerperich said. "The presence of an SRO on campus serves as a deterrent to inappropriate actions and is critical to maintaining a safe school environment."