Across Southern California, tobacco-related concerns continue to affect residents’ daily lives. Increased exposure to secondhand and thirdhand smoke in homes and public spaces, along with rising youth use of e-cigarettes, vapes, and flavored tobacco products, has heightened public health risks. Children, seniors, and individuals with chronic health conditions are especially vulnerable, highlighting ongoing health disparities linked to the lack of comprehensive tobacco regulations.
Partners4Wellness and Tobacco Free OC
Based in Orange County, Partners4Wellness is tackling these challenges by focusing on youth substance use, tobacco prevention, and mental health through education, advocacy, and community collaboration. One of their key programs, Tobacco Free Orange County (TFOC), is dedicated to tobacco prevention and advancing tobacco-free policies. To date, TFOC has engaged over 3,600 youth and empowered more than 85 community members to advocate for smoke-free environments.
Since July 2025, TFOC has received funding from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to expand their work in San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Mission Viejo, and Dana Point. Over the past six months, TFOC has reached important milestones: partnering with the Wellness and Prevention Center, Unidos South OC, Save Our Students (SOS) at Dana Hills High School, and PAL youth at Carl Hankey Middle School in Mission Viejo. TFOC has delivered several educational presentations, hosted youth tobacco advocacy trainings, participated in community outreach events, and held a Great American Smoke out event, strengthening youth-led advocacy across the region.
TFOC’s goals for San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano
TFOC is working with city leaders to support a comprehensive smoke-free ordinance in San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano. The proposed policy would prohibit smoking in multi-unit housing with two or more units and restrict smoking within 25 feet of doors, windows, patios, and balconies, protecting residents from secondhand and thirdhand smoke while reducing tobacco-related litter and fire risks.
TFOC is also proposing a comprehensive outdoor smoking ban, covering all forms of smoking—including tobacco and plant-based products, in recreational and non-recreational public spaces. This includes parks, beaches, sidewalks, outdoor dining areas, building entryways, worksites, bike paths, alleys, and parking structures. The proposal eliminates designated smoking areas, ensuring consistent protection from smoke exposure, reducing environmental contamination, and promoting smoke-free public spaces.
Public health advocates say these measures are essential to protect vulnerable populations, reduce tobacco litter, prevent youth from using tobacco, and lower community health risks.
Success Stories in Local Cities
Neighboring cities provide examples of the benefits of smoke-free policies. Irvine’s smoke-free housing and park ordinances led to a 60% reduction in smoke-related complaints within the first year. Laguna Beach, one of the first cities to implement a fully smoke-free outdoor policy, has seen improved air quality and a decline in cigarette litter. Mission Viejo’s smoke-free public space policies have helped reduce secondhand smoke exposure for families and youth, while Dana Point’s comprehensive outdoor smoking ban has created a 100% smoke-free environment that supports regional public health best practices that protect public health and reduce litter.
Upcoming Community Forum
San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano residents are invited to help shape local public health policy by participating in an upcoming forum on smoke-free spaces. Hosted by TFOC in partnership with the Wellness and Prevention Center, the forum will provide an opportunity to discuss smoke-free recreation areas and multi-unit housing.
The forum offers residents a space to share ideas, concerns, and experiences related to tobacco use and exposure. Topics will include information on smoke-free outdoor spaces, smoke-free housing options, the health effects of secondhand and thirdhand smoke, and the overall benefits of cleaner air. All San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano residents are encouraged to attend.
When: January 27, 2026, from 6:00–7:00 p.m. Where: allcove San Juan Capistrano, 27125 Calle Arroyo, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Together, our collective voices and action can drive change to create healthier, tobacco-free environments throughout Orange County.
Jennifer Grajeda and Kaitlyn Magante are program coordinators at Partners4Wellness, a member of the Wellness & Prevention Coalition, a Drug Free Communities coalition bringing all sectors of the community together to reduce youth substance use. If you would like more information about the coalition please contact Lauren@wpc-oc.org.