The City of San Jose outlawed smoking in all of its parks in 2007. In attempts to compel compliance of the ordinance, however, the city launched an educational strategy in January of this year. The intent was to put a positive spin on the law in order to gain cooperation from residents and visitors.

Many forms of media were used to get the message out to the community – ex. posters, billboards, news articles, educational cards and public service announcements. San Jose is noted as one of the healthiest cities in the U.S., and the city wants to keep it that way. In order to do so, the city felt it necessary to get the word out.

The city even provided a link to a survey it hosted regarding details of the no smoking policy. All residents should be informed of the policy with the intent to ensure everyone can enjoy visits to the city’s parks.

One thing that many fail to consider is the damage to the environment and costs of cleaning up after smokers. The primary offender? Cigarette butts. The litter created is not only annoying, but it detracts from the beauty of the environment and increases clean up costs for the city.

Of course, not having your kid breathe in someone’s exhaled smoke is also a great advantage.

San Jose’s no smoking policy is not novel to this city. Several other cities in the state sponsor similar programs. In addition, the California State Senate approved two bills earlier this year that would further promote a smoking ban state-wide. One bill bans smoking in apartments and the other prohibits smoking in all of the state’s parks and beaches.

The latter bill was presented to the state’s legislature in 2006, but failed to pass. Will it now become law?