Agenda Item # 3.3 - Vanessa Marvin and Carol Baker | Received 05/12/2022
1775 Story Road, Suite 120
San Jose, CA 95122
Gilroy City Council
City Hall
73151 Rosanna Street
Gilroy, CA 95020
May 11, 2022
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
The Tobacco-Free CoaliFon of Santa Clara County, which consists of organizaFons and individuals
interested in promoFng the health of our ciFzens, is excited to hear that you are discussing secondhand
smoke issues at your May 16 meeFng.
We want to congratulate the Gilroy City Council for recently taking the step to protect residents from
secondhand smoke in parks.
As you know, secondhand smoke exposure is harmful and potentially deadly. The U.S. Surgeon General has
stated that there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke. It can contribute to health
problems such as asthma, heart disease, lung cancer and stroke. Children, the elderly and the disabled —
our most vulnerable citizens — are also the most vulnerable to secondhand smoke.
There are many strong policy options that would protect residents of Gilroy from secondhand smoke.
Many of these have passed in other cities across Santa Clara County already. These include:
•Outdoor Dining Areas
•Entryways
•Service Areas
•Public Events
•Multi-Unit Housing
It brings us hope to hear that Gilroy is considering how to join other Santa Clara County jurisdictions in
expanding secondhand smoke protections.
Our coalition strongly encourages you to consider these policies at your meeting on May 16 to protect the
health of Gilroy residents. We look forward to working with you to support this effort.
Sincerely,
Vanessa Marvin, Co-Chair Carol Baker, Co-Chair