Memorandum from Councilmember Ash Kalra

The City of San Jose is considering adding e cigarettes to its smoke free ordinance, effectively banning e cigarette use wherever smoking is prohibited (including many outdoor venues). The Rules and Open Government Committee members will be hearing from staff regarding the ordinance TODAY, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2014 at 2 00 P.M. (City Hall Wing Room 118/119, 200 E. Santa Clara Street, San Jose, CA 95113). Parking can be found below City Hall, and you should ask to receive validation at the Committee Meeting. (When you arrive at the meeting, please fill out a yellow speaking card to be recognized to speak.)

Councilmember Rose Herrera sent an email yesterday to members of her district asking that residents show up in support of the ordinance, noting that, “Going up against big tobacco and addiction is not an easy feat and I need your help.” She apparently doesn&#39 t realize that the battle she is waging isn&#39 t against “big tobacco,” but, rather, against thousands of individual vapers in San Jose who have improved their health and dramatically reduced their health risks by switching (either in whole or in part) to a product estimated to be 99% less hazardous than smoking. CASAA is asking residents of San Jose to show up, call, and email to let the City of San Jose know that you oppose any efforts to treat low risk, smoke free e cigarette use like smoking,

Please (1) email and call members of the Rules and Open Government Committee to explain why you oppose efforts to ban e cigarettes wherever smoking is prohibited, and (2) attend the meeting and offer testimony in opposition to an ordinance treating the use of low risk, smoke free e cigarettes the same as smoking.

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