Garden Grove City Council is considering a ban on smoking and vaping in public parks. The council voted 5-0-1 last week to draft an ordinance that would prohibit the use of tobacco and marijuana products, including vape pens, in city parks and adjacent parking lots. Councilman Joe DoVinh abstained, and Councilman George Brietigam was absent from the vote.
Councilwoman Yesenia Muneton proposed the ban, aiming to provide residents with clean air in public spaces. She emphasized the importance of public education to encourage voluntary compliance with the ordinance. The proposal comes as the city also explores hiring unarmed security guards to patrol parks to prevent vandalism and other minor crimes.
Garden Grove currently holds an F rating on the American Lung Association’s annual report card, which evaluates policies on smoking in public spaces. Councilwoman Ariana Arestegui highlighted the need for improvement in the city’s air quality and smoking policies…