Alhambra City Hall (Photo – ColoradoBlvd.net)
At its latest meeting, the Alhambra City Council discussed potential regulations for smoke-free multi-unit housing, received public input, and recognized several members of the community for their service and achievements.
By News Desk
The Council directed staff to research California Senate Bill 332, which allows landlords to prohibit smoking on their properties, both indoors and outdoors.
City Management Analyst Esteban Alvarez reported that Alhambra’s municipal code already restricts smoking in shared areas of multi-unit residences.
“Alhambra’s municipal code already restricts tobacco in a variety of public and shared spaces, including the common areas of apartments and condos with five or more units. Staff reviewed smoke-free houses ordinances from nine neighboring cities,” Alvarez said.
Alvarez noted that several nearby cities—including Burbank, El Monte, Glendale, Pasadena, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, and Temple City—classify smoking as a public nuisance, enabling enforcement through fines, civil actions, and court orders.
During public comment, resident Esther Tam spoke in support of stronger smoke-free housing rules, citing public health concerns.
“In 2021, the council took essential steps by reducing secondhand smoke exposure in outdoor areas and strengthening tobacco retail licensing, which made a real difference,” Tam said. “I request building on that progress by adopting a smoke-free multi-unit housing ordinance. Adding secondhand smoke on top of that poses a serious health risk linked to asthma, heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and worsened respiratory conditions, and that affects everyone.”
During the public comment session, Urban Visionaries Executive Director Li’i Furumoto addressed the organization’s recent decision to decline a $60,000 grant.
“We live in challenging times where individuals, communities, and our country are fractured and polarized, violence, anger, and vitriol have real-life consequences and contribute to more fear, especially for the marginalized, like immigrants,” Furumoto said. “Our organization believed that the right thing was to decline the contract. We support complete transparency in the use of public funds. Genuinely want to contribute to bringing our community together and solving the critical problems. Food insecurity and the struggles and suffering of immigrant people in our community are real.”
Mayor Katherine Lee commended Urban Visionaries and wished them well in their continued work as a nonprofit organization.
Recognitions and Awards
The Council honored longtime city employee Lorraine Uwanawich with a Certificate of Appreciation for her dedicated service from 1989 to 2025. She retired on Monday, Sept. 22.
Councilmembers also recognized the East Alhambra Little League Minor Baseball All-Stars for their recent championship win in the District Tournament, the first Minor Division team in East Alhambra history to advance to Sectionals.
An award was also presented to the East Alhambra Major Softball All-Stars District 19 team, which finished in third place.
The next Alhambra City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 6.
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