HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-03-2015 PH2 TemplinSubject: FW: Proposed Ban on E- Cigarettes - A Background
COUNCIL MEETING:
ITEM NO.: _ '
From: Brenda Jean Templin [b.jeanome @gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2015 8:13 PM
To: Marx, Jan; Ashbaugh, John; Carpenter, Dan; Christianson, Carlyn; Rivoire, Dan
Subject: Proposed Ban on E- Cigarettes - A Background FEB 2 5 2015
To whom it may concern,
My name is Brenda Templin and I am a resident of Santa Maria. In response to the proposed ban of e-
cigarettes, vaping in public and higher restraints on local retailers I am writing to share a testimonial of my
personal experience with e- cigarettes. From sharing stories with others who have had similar experiences, I beg
you to read and consider this testimonial with the utmost gravity.
The first time I ever tried a cigarette was when my grandmother left a smoldering butt in the yard of our home
at the young age of 7. At the time I was repulsed, however, I was surrounded by smokers in my family for the
majority of my childhood and so it is no surprise that I wanted to try it -- and later became addicted in my early
teens. As I write this I am 30 years old, and have not had a cigarette in two months and 19 days. More
importantly, I have not craved a cigarette or felt as though I was missing out on one since quitting. In fact my
senses like taste have begun to return since quitting in just that short time.
I was introduced to electronic cigarettes through my significant other, who has also battled with smoking, the
child of a single smoking parent, who smoked indoors his entire life. He has also been cigarette free the same
length of time which is an even bigger success than my own. He introduced me to the basics of putting together
my own custom piece, how to choose e- liquid and how to be safe while I vape. The kind owners and
employees at Cal State Vape in Santa Maria have offered even more information on product ingredients,
batteries, uses for additional parts in building my own atomizer and keeping safe as well.
I've previously tried to quit smoking by allowing myself to have a cigarette when I only really needed one,
which would turn out to be for 15 years. I tried by chewing gum. My significant other tried with using a patch,
nicotine gums and the cold turkey method which were all unsuccesful. Vaping is not only a healthy
replacement for smoking, it is also in no way a danger to anyone who intends to use it for pleasure or to stay
what I like to call "cigarette sober ".
I am unsure if you, the recipients of this email, have ever smoked tobacco products and engaged in a
conversation over one. But I would like to point out the sociological relevance of having something to join
together over. Instead of pushing vaping underground, along with the knowledge that keeps retailers and their
clientele safe, I ask you to consider keeping it visible and accessible so that we can continue relating to one
another and sharing stories of success over a happy cloud or two.
My significant other lost his mother to cancer last year on May 8th.
Respectfully,
Brenda Templin 805.268.0019
2136 Chestnut Lane
Santa Maria, CA 93458