June 25, 2025 – Study Session Minutes Page 1
JUNE 25, 2025 – CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION MEETING
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Freedman called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: M/Freedman, MPT/Cajulis, C/Law, C/Tragarz, C/Wu ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
Also present: City Manager Weiner; Community Development Director Vasquez, Public Works Director Barcelo, Finance Director Merkel; Finance Manager Meza; Community Relations Officer Tep; Senior Management Analyst Munoz; Senior Management Analyst Markel; City Clerk De Dios, and Administrative Services Specialist Cortez.
DISCUSSION ITEM:
1. Smoking Ordinance Discussion – Discussion(s) related to indoor/outdoor smoking regulations in the City of Walnut and provide direction to staff on possible Ordinance revisions to bring forward on a future agenda.
CDD/Vasquez provided a brief staff report on the item.
CDD/Vasquez stated that the State of California adopted regulations that are also applicable to the City of Walnut. CDD/Vasquez further stated that the LA County Public Health Code was adopted by reference and therefore the City is subject to the same codes. He further provided details on indoor workspaces, indoor spaces, and other spaces where smoking is prohibited in the City of Walnut. CDD/Vasquez stated that the code definition also includes vaping and electronic devices.
Discussion took place amongst Council and staff regarding examples of other cities’ “no smoking” regulations and enforcement of regulations.
C/Wu and MPT/Cajulis stated their support for “no smoking” regulations.
In response to an inquiry from C/Law regarding enforcement, ACA/Mann confirmed that businesses can prohibit smoking on their own premises, including outdoor patios.
C/Tragarz stated her support for stronger “no smoking” regulations.
In response to an inquiry from M/Freedman regarding the air quality grading, CDD/Vasquez stated that he wasn’t sure where the “D” rating was referenced from, however the 2023 State of Tobacco Control California Local Grades gave the City a “C” based on City’s adopted ordinances, which may not have included other ordinances adopted by reference.
June 25, 2025 – Study Session Minutes Page 2
M/Freedman stated her concerns with levels of regulations and enforcement.
C/Wu restated his support for passing stricter regulations.
In response to an inquiry from MPT/Cajulis regarding complaints, CDD/Vasquez stated that no complaints have been received.
Discussion ensued regarding increased regulation, including sidewalks by schools during school hours.
In response to an inquiry from C/Law regarding transportation, CDD/Vasquez stated that smoking is already prohibited from public transport, however more stringent regulations may also be adopted at the direction of Council.
Discussion ensued regarding more stringent regulations.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
Evelyn Paz, Brenda Rueda, Belinda Campos and the Breathe Clean Walnut Coalition, Rosa Soto, Heather Hayes, stated their support for strong comprehensive tobacco policies.
In response to an inquiry from C/Law regarding electronic devices, CDD/Vasquez confirmed that the County codes that the City adheres to also include electronic devices in their prohibition of smoking.
Further discussion ensued regarding the County and City smoking prohibitions.
There being no further person wishing to speak, the City Council closed oral communications.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:58 p.m.
PASSED AND APPROVED on the 9th day of July 2025.
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Linda Freedman, Mayor
ATTEST:
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Teresa De Dios, City Clerk
PREPARED BY:
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Jackie Cortez, Admin Services Specialist