Youth and county health staff urge Santa Maria to expand smoke‑free outdoor rules

Members of Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley’s Youth Action Coalition told the City Council on Tuesday that the city should expand its smoke‑free outdoor protections to reduce secondhand smoke exposure, improve public health and set a stronger example for youth.

Adeline Espinosa, a recent graduate of Pioneer Valley High School, described frequently smelling secondhand smoke while walking and said expanded outdoor protections would reduce litter and improve air quality. “If we make public spaces smoke free, we’re showing kids, teens, and adults that our city values clean air, healthy choices, and safe spaces for everyone,” Espinosa said.

Santa Maria High School student Analia Vega Vasquez, who identified herself as having asthma, told council members secondhand smoke affects her daily life and urged action on dining areas, sidewalks, public events, service areas and worksites. “Thinking about how badly I may be affected just because of someone’s bad decision makes me anxious,” she said.

Juan Martinez and other youth speakers urged the council to consider adopting an updated outdoor policy and recommended the Santa Barbara County Health Department provide a presentation on tobacco-control options.

Santiago Segovia, tobacco prevention and cannabis education program coordinator at the Santa Barbara County Health Department, told the council the county would offer technical assistance if the city chooses to review and update its ordinance. Segovia noted the city’s current ordinance does not yet include smoke‑free protections in service areas, sidewalks, public events, worksites and dining, and he referenced the American Lung Association’s 2024 tobacco scorecard when discussing gaps.

Council members did not take immediate action on a new ordinance during the meeting; Segovia offered to coordinate with the Public Health Law Center to draft model language if the council requests it.