Officials noted the city's smoke-free parks ordinance had previously been approved but never fully implemented with park signage. Deesigned by Magnific

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – Gridley is moving forward with a renewed effort to increase awareness of its existing smoke-free parks ordinance after community partners secured funding to install bilingual signs throughout the city's parks.

The American Lung Association, at the Gridley City Council’s July 20 meeting, outlined plans to install English and Spanish signs in city parks and continue tobacco prevention outreach.

Audrey Howes, coordinator for the American Lung Association's North Valley Tobacco Project, said the organization partnered with SÍ Se Puede to fund the signs after an earlier effort was delayed by funding limitations and staffing changes. The proposed designs have already been shared with city officials and public works for review.

"Installing these signs will increase awareness of the existing Smoke Free Parks ordinance," Howes said. "Even after the signs are installed, we remain committed to supporting the city through ongoing tobacco prevention efforts, including community events."

The American Lung Association works throughout the North Valley on tobacco prevention initiatives, including smoke-free outdoor spaces and multi-unit housing. In Gridley, the organization has sponsored community events, provided tobacco cessation resources and smoke-free event signage, and plans to participate in National Night Out.

Howes said a 2024 community assessment found strong local support for smoke-free policies. The survey reported that 98% of Gridley residents supported smoke-free policies, three out of four residents had moved from a residence because of secondhand smoke exposure, and 13% were unaware that secondhand vape aerosol can be harmful to their health.

As part of this year's World No Tobacco Day activities, the American Lung Association and SÍ Se Puede organized a cleanup at Manuel Vierra Park. During the two-hour event, volunteers collected four small bags of cigarette butts and other tobacco product waste, along with four large bags of additional trash.

Howes said several families joined the cleanup after seeing the effort, including one family considering relocating to Gridley that said the visible community involvement reinforced their desire to find a city where residents care about health, the environment and quality of life.

Councilmember Angel Calderon asked about illegal tobacco sales to minors and whether the city should consider limiting the number and location of tobacco retailers. Howes said recent enforcement operations documented sales to underage youth and that the California Department of Public Health handles enforcement. She said Gridley has an estimated 12 to 14 tobacco retailers and suggested the city could consider a tobacco retailer licensing program that caps the number of stores and encourages them to locate more than 1,000 feet from schools.

During council discussion, officials noted the city's smoke-free parks ordinance had previously been approved but never fully implemented with park signage. Howes said funding is now available for up to 40 signs, allowing multiple signs to be installed at each city park once the designs receive final approval.