HomeMy WebLinkAboutKen Avedisian re Smoking OrdinanceFrom:Roxanne Rodriguez
To:Ken Avedisian
Cc:City Clerk; Lindsey-Paige McCloy
Subject:RE: Smoking Ban
Date:Monday, December 16, 2024 3:26:16 PM
Attachments:image001.png
Good afternoon,
Thank you for your email. Your comment will be shared with the City Council and retained as
part of the official record.
Thank you,
Roxanne Rodriguez | Executive Administrative Assistant | Office of the City Clerk
Roxanne.Rodriguez@PalmSpringsCA.gov
(760) 323-8204
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-----Original Message-----
From: Ken Avedisian <ken@cordonselections.com>
Sent: Monday, December 16, 2024 3:11 PM
To: City Clerk <CityClerk@palmspringsca.gov>
Subject: Smoking Ban
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Letter to the city of Palm Springs from me:
cityclerk@palmspringsca.gov
Dear Members of the Sustainability Commission,
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the inclusion of bars and their outdoor patios in
the proposed expansion of the smoking ordinance. Including these establishments in the
ordinance would have detrimental effects on our city’s economy, tourism, and the LGBTQ+
community.
Palm Springs is renowned for its vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife, with bars serving as essential social
hubs. Implementing a smoking ban in these establishments, including their outdoor patios, could
lead to a decline in patronage, adversely affecting local businesses and the city’s economy.
Moreover, such a measure could be perceived as a direct attack on the LGBTQ+ community,
raising concerns about inclusivity and respect for diversity.
I urge the Commission to:
• Remove the Term “Drink”: Exclude bars and their outdoor patios from the proposed smoking
restrictions to prevent economic harm and negative perceptions.
• Engage with the Community: Involve LGBTQ+ community members and business owners in
discussions to understand the cultural significance of these spaces and the potential impact of the
proposed ordinance.
• Preserve Outdoor Patios: Ensure that the proposed regulations do not affect the outdoor patios
of bars, allowing patrons to enjoy these spaces without additional restrictions.
By taking these steps, the Commission can ensure that any policy changes are inclusive,
culturally sensitive, and supportive of the diverse communities that make Palm Springs unique.
Thank you for considering my perspective on this critical issue.
Sincerely,
Ken Avedisian- a Palm Springs year round resident
Sent from my iPhone