Cities of Pomona, West Covina Adopt Smoke-Free Parks Policies

Pomona, CA. – On March 2, 2015 the Pomona City Council unanimously moved to restrict smoking of any kind at city parks and other city facilities. 

The smoking policy, which includes the use of electronic smoking devices, will take effect 30 days after approval by the city council. All parks in Pomona will officially be smoke-free as of April 2nd, 2015.

The policy was adopted as a result of numerous local complaints from residents regarding smoking at city hall, city facilities, and local parks. 

Members of a local smoke-free coalition – Clean Air Pomona (CAP) – were on hand to educate the community about the harmful effects of secondhand smoke and the many benefits of smoke-free public places. 

Consisting of local students, parents, and community partners, CAP collected data on local smoking rates and solicited resident input on the issue. The group's survey of over 200 residents found that 74% felt smoking at local parks was a big problem. 

Just a few weeks after Pomona adopted its policy the West Covina City Council followed suit. Championed by Mayor Pro Tem James Toma, a first reading of an ordinance to create smoke-free parks and other public facilities, was discussed and approved at the Council's regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday March 17. 

Like the City of Pomona, the West Covina policy also includes the use of electronic tobacco products. 

In adopting the policy, the cities of Pomona and West Covina have joined 39 others across Los Angeles County, and 328 jurisdictions across California, who have already created smoke-free parks. 

For additional information about smoke-free policies in the SGV and beyond, please contact Adriana Pinedo or Alisha Lopez of Day One.