Nathaniel Garcia urges Nogales council to improve trash collection and enact smoke-free policy

The City of Nogales held a regular meeting on September 3, 2025, where community concerns and proposals were addressed. The meeting began with public comments, allowing residents to voice their issues and suggestions.

The first speaker, Nathaniel Garcia, expressed his frustration regarding litter around dumpsters in his neighborhood. He urged the city to encourage residents and trash collectors to take responsibility for keeping the area clean. Garcia emphasized the importance of community effort in maintaining cleanliness and proposed that the city take action to improve waste management practices.

Garcia also advocated for the implementation of a smoke-free policy in Nogales, citing health concerns related to smoking, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. He highlighted the negative health impacts of smoking, including cancer and respiratory issues, and called for a motion to enact stricter regulations.

Additionally, Garcia shared his thoughts on police presence and the use of firearms during responses to calls for assistance. While he expressed respect for law enforcement, he raised concerns about the potential for guns to escalate situations and suggested that their presence might not always be conducive to providing help.

Following Garcia, another resident, Orga Lor, approached the podium to share her thoughts, although her comments were not detailed in the transcript.

The meeting underscored the community's engagement in local governance, with residents actively participating in discussions about public health, safety, and environmental concerns. The city officials are expected to consider these proposals as they move forward in addressing the needs of the Nogales community.