Smokefree Outdoor Areas

IPS led a focused initiative to expand smokefree outdoor area (OA) protections in the neighboring cities of Montebello and Whittier, working to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke and vaping aerosols in places where residents gather, work, and spend time outdoors.

Through this project, IPS convened the Community Health Alliance for Healthy Outdoor Spaces (CAHOS) Coalition, bringing together residents, youth leaders, health advocates, and local partners to build community support for stronger outdoor area protections. IPS provided outreach and education, developed multilingual materials, and worked directly with city staff and elected officials to share evidence-based policy options that promote cleaner, safer public environments.

In 2025, the campaign achieved a significant milestone: the City of Montebello unanimously passed Ordinance No. 2485, expanding its smoking prohibition to include workplaces, public spaces, and outdoor areas citywide. IPS guided the effort from early engagement through council adoption, helping mobilize community voices and strengthening city leadership’s commitment to public health.

IPS is now applying this momentum in Whittier, where the OA team is attending City Council meetings, engaging stakeholders, and working toward securing a first reading for a smokefree outdoor area ordinance in early 2026.

This project underscores IPS’s dedication to creating healthier outdoor environments and supporting local cities in protecting residents from secondhand smoke exposure.