June 15, 2007

StreetTalk by Carol Rosen

Should San Jose ban smoking in its city parks? Why or why not? (Asked at Albertsons on San Felipe and Aborn)

“No, they shouldn’t. There are too many smokers; too many people that do smoke and they have rights, too.”

Terry Billsworth, 23
San Francisco
Unemployed


“Yes, because it’s better for people’s health. It will keep families away from it, especially the children.”

Carmen Rosa, 58
San Jose
Retired


“No, I’m not a smoker, but they have to smoke somewhere.”

Michael Guttadauria, 56
Evergreen
Executive


“It’s getting a little too personal. It would be all right if they assigned areas where people were allowed to smoke. But I really don’t think they should ban it because where else can people smoke? I’m not for smoking, but I think it’s going too far with people’s rights.”

Garret Gee, 32
Evergreen
Construction


“No, they shouldn’t. It’s open air. You can move if you don’t like it. I’m an ex-smoker.”

Lorraine Monighetti, 37
Evergreen
Dispatcher


“No, I don’t they should. People should go someplace else if they don’t like it. Parks are usually big enough to avoid stuff like that.”

John Nunes, 52
Evergreen
Homemaker


“Yes, I think they should. When you are out and enjoying nature and walk by a smoker and it gets to the kids. It’s not good for the environment either. They can always set aside a smoking section.”

Sylvia Resendez, 52
Evergreen
VTA clerical


“I think so, because of public health."

Nivedita Ghosh, 38
Evergreen
Software engineer