Agenda Item # 11.2 - Vanessa Marvin | Received 02/06/2023
1775 Story Road, Suite 120
San Jose, CA 95122
Gilroy City Council
City Hall
73151 Rosanna Street
Gilroy, CA 95020
February 6, 2023
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
The Tobacco-Free CoaliGon of Santa Clara County, which consists of organizaGons and individuals
interested in promoGng the health of our ciGzens, is excited to hear that you are discussing secondhand
smoke issues at your February 6 meeGng (Agenda Item #11.2).
As you know, secondhand smoke exposure is harmful and potenGally 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 ciGzens — are also the most vulnerable to secondhand smoke.
We appreciate the fact that Gilroy has already taken the step to protect residents from secondhand smoke
in parks.
There are other strong policy options that would further protect residents of Gilroy from secondhand
smoke. Many of these have passed in other cities across Santa Clara County already. These include:
•Public Events
•Multi-Unit Housing Common Areas
•Multi-Unit Housing Units
The home is a prominent source of secondhand smoke exposure for both young and old mulG-unit
housing residents. Across Santa Clara County more than 1 in 2 residents living in mulG-unit housing are
exposed to secondhand smoke in their home. Higher exposure rates are also correlated with different
racial groups, lower income levels and educaGonal a[ainment.
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 pass these policies at your meeting on February 6 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
vmarvin@me.com carol@carolandcharliebaker.com