California
- SLATI
- NALBOH
- NACCHO
- CDC State Tracking
- California Smokefree Ads
- California's 15-year-old tobacco control program keeps promise to California voters: new data confirm aggressive program works
- Smoke-free entryways: for the health of our community
- Smokefree Lists, Maps, and Data
- Eliminating Smoking in Bars, Taverns, and Gaming Clubs: CA Case Study (2001)
- Sustaning State Programs for Tobacco Control: Data Highlights 2006
- California's 100% Smokefree Law
- California Tobacco Control 2006 Update: The Social Norm Change Approach
- Tobacco Money in California Politics
- African Americans Bear a Disproportionate Share of the Cost of Smoking in California
- The Economic Impact of Smoking on the Hispanic Community in California is Large Despite Low Smoking Prevalence
- Tobacco Control in California 2003-2007: Missed Opportunities
- Tobacco Policy Making in California 2001-2003: No Longer Finishing First
In 2010, California marks the 15 year anniversary of its landmark statewide smokefree law, AB 13. Many of California's enclosed public places and workplaces went smokefree in January 1995, and restaurants and bars followed suit in January 1998. Unfortunately, there are a number of exemptions that still allow smoking in some workplaces. Employers with five or fewer employees may allow smoking, but this does not apply to restaurants and bars. Employers may establish separately ventilated break rooms for smoking under certain narrow conditions. Owner-operated businesses, warehouses of a specific size, hotel lobbies, and other specified workplaces are also exempt.
In 2007, the California legislature adopted a bill, AB1467, to close the loopholes in the smokefree law, but unfortunately, Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed the bill.
Numerous California communities have adopted local 100% smokefree laws that are stronger than the state law and close the gaps in indoor coverage, providing workers and the public 100% smokefree protection in enclosed workplaces and public places. Additionally, many California communities are expanding smokefree protections to outdoor workplaces and outdoor public places where people gather, such as near building entrances, in service lines, on patio dining areas, and at parks, beaches, community events, and recreation facilities. Contact your county tobacco control program to learn how you can get involved in your community.
In 2006, California voters narrowly defeated Prop 86, a proposed $2.60 increase to the California tobacco tax that aimed to lower smoking rates and improve public health. R.J. Reynolds and Philip Morris tobacco companies funneled at least $65 million into their persistent opposition campaign to mislead the public about how Prop 86 revenue would be used and how it would affect Californians read more...
ANR has additional information on California economic impact and public opinion data.
Read more about current tobacco-related legislation in California.
California's 2010 Legislative Session: January 4 to August 31 (est.)
State Quitline Numbers:
1-800-NO-BUTTS (662-8887)
1-800-NO-FUME (456-6386) (Spanish)
1-800-778-8440 (Vietnamese)
1-800-838-8917 (Mandarin & Cantonese)
1-800-556-5564 (Korean)
1-800-844-CHEW (844-2439) (Chewing Tobacco)
American Cancer Society Quitline: 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669)
| Smokefree News |
| Pleasant Hill clarifies anti-smoking rules PLEASANT HILL -- The City Council has cleared away the cloud of ambiguity hovering over the stricter anti-smoking rules they adopted earlier this year. In April, the council amended the existing smoking regulations in an effort to reduce residents' exposure to secondhand smoke. The biggest changes apply to housing with four or more units. For example, the ordinance bans smoking in indoor and outdoor common areas, except those designated for smoking. Originally, the council banned smoking within 20 feet of a door, operable window or ventilation system, unless the smoker was passing by. They also banned smoking on private decks, balconies and patios located within 20 feet of a designated nonsmoking unit. But apartment owners said the ordinance was unclear. Since most balconies, patios and decks are close to a door, they wondered if the council intended to prohibit smoking on these outdoor spaces. Councilman Michael Harris, who pushed for the new anti-smoking rules, pointed out that even minimal exposure to secondhand smoke poses a significant health risk, especially for children. "We know there are a lot of families with young children who live in apartments," said Harris, who proposed banning smoking on all private decks, balconies and patios. ... West Hollywood to debate tight limits on outdoor smoking The West Hollywood City Council on Tuesday evening will discuss extending a smoking ban to outdoor patios and open-air spaces. Officials are not yet ready to vote on such a ban because it must first be drafted and considered by a city-appointed task force. The goal is take on the city’s smoking habit, which persists despite West Hollywood’s existing tough tobacco restrictions. The city already prohibits smoking in public places, indoor areas of restaurants, and bars and work spaces. Yet it has the fourth-highest smoking rate compared with Los Angeles' 15 city council districts and the more than 100 cities and unincorporated communities in Los Angeles County, according to a June report from the county health department. A West Hollywood task force has met six times to work out a potential ordinance. Concerns raised include a possible negative effect on restaurants and hotels, which cater to international travelers more likely to smoke. A staff report suggested otherwise: “Research analyzing the economic impact of indoor smoking bans suggests that there is more likely to be an economic benefit from creating smoke-free environments."The City of Beverly Hills is the only city known to have conducted an analysis of the economic impact of their outdoor smoking ban which, while limited in scope, shows there was a net economic benefit for most businesses,” the staff report stated ... Smoking ban in Menlo Park's public places to come before on Sept. 14 Menlo Park next week could become the latest Peninsula city to make it exceedingly difficult for smokers to light up in public and in the common areas of apartment and condominium complexes. At its meeting next Tuesday, the city council will review a proposed ordinance that would ban smoking in parks, picnic areas, athletic fields and transit stops, among other public places. In addition, the ordinance would prohibit smoking in the common areas of apartment and condominium buildings including halls, stairways, lobbies, laundry rooms, swimming pools, shared cooking areas and associated parking areas. The law would not restrict smoking on streets and sidewalks -- except when they're being used for such city-sponsored events as fairs and parades -- and at uncovered parking lots. Although smoking would be outlawed inside restaurants and bars, the ordinance would allow it on their outside patios. Smoking also would be permitted inside tobacco shops ... Smoking ban overreaches West Hollywood, California (September 6, 2010) - Like the bussing of kids rather than the improvement of schools - the smoking ban is a stupid and doomed. I do not smoke; I did, but no longer do. I think the ban on smoking in public buildings and restaurants is reasonable, but what the city is planning to now do is idiotic. ... Ban on smoking in apartments considered then tabled The Fairfax Town Council, Wednesday night, briefly considered and then temporarily shelved an ordinance that would ban smoking in multi-unit apartment complexes. The ordinance, brought by council member Larry Bragman, is designed to limit the amount of secondhand smoke that apartment dwellers are exposed to. Because many apartment complexes have shared common spaces, ventilation systems, patios, and closely-packed windows and doors, secondhand smoke from one apartment can enter another without those residents even necessarily knowing. "Lots of people say, 'we're protected at work, what makes secondhand smoke any better at home?'" said Pam Granger of Smoke Free Marin. Two forums were held over the past six months in which residents were able to voice concerns they had about a possible ordinance. The stories that some families and kids told "would just break your heart," said Granger, who also pointed out that kids and seniors are the most affected by pollutants in the air and spend large amounts of time in their homes. "At home, it doesn't give you a choice to walk away," said Lydia Kind Heart. ... South Pasadena takes another step against public smoking SOUTH PASADENA - After a new ordinance banning smoking in common areas in apartment, condo and townhouse complexes goes into effect this weekend, Yan Shackleton worries she may not see much of her father. "I can't imagine telling my dad not to smoke," said Shackleton, 36, who lives in an apartment complex near El Centro Street. "I'm not kidding. He won't go to Santa Monica" because of a similar ordinance there. Starting Saturday, residents of multi-unit dwellings - including duplexes - who light up in common areas like lobbies, stairways, community rooms and elevators will face a minimum fine of $250. The ordinance goes further. In three years, beginning in September 2013, smoking will be banned inside individual apartments, duplexes, condos and townhomes. Landlords can designate smoking areas or designate not more than 20 percent of their units as smoking residences. Effective immediately as of Saturday, all new construction units must be non-smoking, according to the ordinance. ... Outdoor Inhale Last month, the Eureka City Council quietly passed a wide-ranging new anti-smoking ordinance, prohibiting smoking more or less everywhere apart from your own home: No smoking within 100 feet of the Eureka Boardwalk; no smoking at farmers’ markets, festivals or Arts Alive!; in fact, no smoking within 30 feet of any doorway, window, crack or vent to an enclosed space. Technically, you can’t even throw a cigarette butt into a trash can within the new boundaries. The ordinance was discussed at several council hearings without fanfare or complaint. When Mayor Virginia Bass asked for public comment prior to the council’s July 20 vote, two people simply raised their thumbs in support. The measure passed unanimously, and on Monday it officially went into effect. ... HHS Secretary Announces Launch of Unprecedented Anti-Smoking Effort in Los Angeles County Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today joined Los Angeles County Supervisors Zev Yaroslavsky and Mark Ridley-Thomas and county Health Officer Dr. Jonathan E. Fielding to announce the start of the most aggressive, comprehensive anti-smoking campaign in L.A. County history to reach communities with high smoking rates across the county. This anti-tobacco effort will include several policy-based initiatives, social services and support for quit smoking efforts, as well as a high-profile and highly targeted media campaign to support a broad range of tobacco control efforts and raise awareness of free and low-cost resources to help smokers quit. These tactics will aim to ultimately reduce secondhand smoke exposure, discourage tobacco use, reduce consumption of tobacco products, strengthen youth smoking prevention efforts, and increase access to and utilization of effective tobacco cessation services. ... Parks and Rec Commission recommends smoking ban for parks LONG BEACH - The Long Beach Parks and Recreation Commission voted Thursday morning to recommend banning smoking in small parks of one acre or less in size. The recommendation will go to the City Council for approval at a later date. Before unanimously approving the recommendation, the commission initially voted 4-3 against prohibiting smoking in parks that are five acres or smaller. The decision disappointed members of the Coalition for a Smoke-Free Long Beach, who were at the meeting to support the wider ban. ... Smoking Task Force to finalize outdoor smoking ban West Hollywood, California (August 19, 2010) - When West Hollywood (then-Mayor) Abbe Land and Mayor John Heilman introduced a ban on outdoor smoking at WeHo restaurants and nightclubs in December, 2009, they believed they enjoyed a consensus, and so put it on the calendar for days before the Christmas holiday on the city council consent calendar. ... Smoking Ban Could Include Parks But Not Sidewalks For Now Eureka's new smoking laws kick in Monday Calif Chamber: Pot law would allow smoking at work Supporters and opponents of a ballot measure to legalize marijuana in California are dueling over the law's possible effects on employers and the workplace. The California Chamber of Commerce claimed in a legal analysis released Thursday that Proposition 19 would lead to more workplace accidents by forcing employers to let workers smoke pot on the job. The analysis also contends the law would make California companies ineligible for federal contracts because employers could not guarantee a drug-free workplace. The proposition's supporters dispute the chamber's findings. They point to the state Legislative Analyst's Office's determination that employers would "retain existing rights to address consumption of marijuana that impairs an employee's job performance." Mainly at issue is a section of the proposition that says no one can "be denied any right or privilege" because they engaged in legal conduct permitted by the act, such as smoking pot. . . . The chamber claims the proposition would create a new, ill-defined standard of "actual impairment" that would prevent employers from disciplining workers simply for consuming marijuana. Instead, according to the chamber's analysis, employers would have to prove that pot impaired an employee's job performance. "For example, if a forklift driver showed up reeking of marijuana smoke, an employer could not take disciplinary action until it could be proven that the employee's job performance was 'actually impaired' by the marijuana use (for example, after an accident occurred)," the chamber wrote. ... Smoking Ban At Santa Monica Pier Unanimously Approved People on the Santa Monica Pier will no longer be able to light-up.The Santa Monica City Council voted unanimously last night to ban smoking at the historic site. Council member Kevin McKeown says part of the reason is to protect the pier from fire and there's strong support for the ban. ... Santa Monica's Next Possible Smoking Ban: The Pier Santa Monica city leaders should really just ban smoking throughout the whole city. Is the process of of slowly hacking away at bits and pieces of the city -- the latest was to ban smoking 25 feet within an apartment or condo building window or door -- really that efficient? Now the City Council will determine if smoking should be banned on the Santa Monica Pier. And there appears to be good reason for this. To quote a staff report, via the Lookout News: "Improperly extinguished cigarettes are reported to be the leading cause of fire on the pier." ... HB councilman withdraws smoking ban proposal South City seeks smoke-free parks Creating smoke-free parks where children can play, parents can watch and others can wander was the direction of the South San Francisco City Council, which wasn’t ready to support a stricter smoking ban in downtown. An ordinance banning smoking on downtown sidewalks, in parks and at public events went before the City Council for discussion Wednesday. While all councilmembers supported the ban in parks and potentially during city-sponsored events, Councilwoman Karyl Matsumoto stood alone in her desire for a stricter ban. Although there was no vote, the council directed staff to come back with an ordinance outlawing smoking in parks. In addition, staff was asked to research ways of sharing the costs for cleaning downtown. “Smokers have a choice. Non-smokers do not,” said Matsumoto, according to a video of the meeting. Smoking carries with it a number of health concerns, which inspired Matsumoto to support a stricter rule. As a volunteer who helps clean areas of the community, Matsumoto also noted the large amount of trash generated by smokers in the form of butts and packaging. A number of people spoke supporting the stricter regulations even asking for an increased no-smoking zone around doors, from 5 feet to 20 or 30 feet. Matsumoto supported the stricter regulation but was alone in her desire to move forward. ... Council Expands Residential Smoking Ban The City Council on Tuesday strengthened second-hand smoking protection in multi-family residential buildings with a ban on smoking within a 25-foot radius of doors and windows. Smoking is already not allowed in common areas, but this new restriction will cover private balconies, patios and other areas from which smoke can travel to other units and common areas. As when the council members approved the common area ban last year, they did not approve any penalties for violating the restriction. Those who are bothered by a violator can take the person to small claims court. Nearly all the council members admitted this was not a great solution, but some feared including an infraction could lead to evictions. “It’s the classic ‘the road to hell is paved with good intentions,’” Council member Gleam Davis said. “What we are doing here is walking a very thin line trying to weigh and protect the rights of non-smokers and the rights of tenants.” Mayor Bobby Shriver wants penalties for violations. He was the lone vote against the measure because he said it was not strong enough. Although he did not specify he wanted a ban on smoking within a unit, something some activists have demanded, Shriver said one does not have the right to do whatever he or she pleases in the home. “Even though I fully take the home is your castle kind of concept, it’s not your castle for various things already under the law,” Shriver said. “You can’t have certain controlled substances in your home. You can’t engage in certain kinds of activities in your home. And why your right to engage in putting carcinogens into babies should be protected is beyond me.” ... Cigarette sales, smokers decline Taking a puff in California is getting to be a drag, with health concerns and high prices pushing cigarette sales in the most recent fiscal year to their steepest plunge in a decade. Californians bought 8.1% fewer cigarettes in fiscal 2009 -- which ended June 30 -- than a year earlier, according to a report Tuesday from the California State Board of Equalization. The steepest previous sales drop was the 11.2% dive in fiscal 1999 from a year earlier. Since peaking in fiscal 1980 with 2.8 billion packs, cigarette sales has tumbled 65.6% to 972 million packs, the state tax board said. That's a drop of about 3.5% -- or 59 million packs -- each year. And it's not just that people are making do with fewer cigarettes -- the percentage of smokers has been cut in half since 1985, according… Contra Costa holds off on apartment smoking ban MARTINEZ -- Medical marijuana has put a temporary lid on Contra Costa County's plans to ban smoking inside new apartments and condos, a major expansion of its already strict smoking laws. The board on Tuesday postponed for two weeks a vote on the more restrictive secondhand smoking ordinance pending a decision about whether it should exempt the smoking of medically prescribed marijuana. "Smoke is smoke," said board Chairman John Gioia, of Richmond. "But we need to know where this issue stands with respect to state law." If adopted, smoking would be banned inside all apartment or condominium complexes of four units or more built after Jan. 1. Santa Cruz City Council asked to lift smoking ban for WAMMFest After the last several WAMMFests encountered challenges, organizers of Santa Cruz's annual medical marijuana awareness event appear to be in for an easier time getting the city's nod of approval. Today, the City Council will consider lifting a smoking ban at San Lorenzo Park for five hours Sept. 25 to allow authorized pot users to medicate inside open-air tents designed to create privacy. The item is on the council's consent agenda, indicating that it may not be as controversial as in years past. "For the city, it's a matter of course," Mayor Mike Rotkin said. The event will run from noon to 5 p.m. Admission to the event is free and open to the public, but if the council OKs temporarily lifting the ban, organizers will allow smoking marijuana only in a separate tent. Medical marijuana identification will be required. . . . This year's measure calls for lifting the smoking ban in the entire park, but urges the organizers "to designate a specific enclosed location for medical marijuana treatment." Councilman Don Lane said he supports the measure because WAMM has acted responsibly in hosting previous events. "They have a good reason for wanting to allow it in just this one instance." Contra Costa will look at smoking ban in new, multiunit apartments For apartment dwellers who light up, outdoors is fast becoming off-limits — and indoors, too, in some places. The Contra Costa County board of supervisors today will consider joining other counties and cities in leveling stiff restrictions on smoking around apartments and condos — including a ban inside new multiunit housing beginning 2011. That ordinance would ban puffing in carports, on outdoor balconies, porches, decks and patios in all buildings with four or more residences. It also would require landlords to include the smoking limits in new leases — enabling eviction of tenants who fail to comply. The goal of the restrictions, which would affect unincorporated areas of the county only, is not to force people to quit, but to reduce health damage from secondhand smoke that wafts through windows, doors and ventilation systems, said Denice Dennis, manager of the county's Tobacco Prevention Project. A rising number of complaints — now more than half of all complaints to the county-run project — are for smoke drift, she said. "Someone's out on the balcony and it's drifting in my door or window or drifting in through the piping — there's a lot of cracks and crevices in multiunit housing," she said. "Science has demonstrated that secondhand smoke can permeate walls." ... County considering expanded smoking ban in unincorporated areas Santa Clara County could see increased restrictions on smoking in public and new permit requirements for tobacco retailers by the end of the year, and the county Department of Public Health is reaching out to gauge public reaction to the idea. County representatives held the first of three public meetings on proposed tobacco prevention ordinances this month in Mountain View, Morgan Hill and San Jose. Those on hand at the meetings, appeared to support the county's efforts to expand restrictions on smoking in unincorporated areas. "There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke," said Janet Ghanem, project director for Breathe California in San Jose. "We would like to see it regulated better in public areas throughout the county and not just in unincorporated areas, but we are fully in support of these ordinances." . . . One of the main aspects of the proposed ordinances would create an annual tobacco retail permit that would be required to sell tobacco products in current and future retail establishments. ... Mixed reaction to tough Sebastopol smoking ban Chris Ranta usually lights up outdoors. Even as a fan of heavy-hitting Marlboro Reds, he doesn't want to be surrounded by the odor in his house. But news that he soon may not have the choice to smoke at home strikes him as preposterous. The Sebastopol City Council voted Tuesday to ban cigarette smoking in multi-unit dwellings, while preserving the right to consume medical marijuana in such abodes. It's something out of “1984,” George Orwell's famous story of government run amok, said Ranta, who lives in Bear Meadows Townhomes on Bodega Avenue. “That's Big Brother talking,” he said. “You're taking rights away from a person.” Not so, says Councilwoman Kathleen Shaffer, one of the main champions of the change. She's said the restrictions — which passed unanimously — are about giving rights to children, not taking rights. It's a topic she's lived through. As a child growing up with parents who both smoked in the house, she was perpetually sick, she said. ... Sebastopol City Council approves tough smoking ban The Sebastopol City Council approved a smoking ordinance on Tuesday that is the toughest in Sonoma County, extending the smoking ban to apartments. The council, however, restricted the ban to tobacco and nicotine products, removing any mention of medical marijuana. The ordinance would require that landlords write into leases for new renters a prohibition on smoking, with a 14-month grace period for existing tenants. In California, only the city of Belmont has an ordinance as broad, although Rohnert Park will have a smoking prohibition in half of that city's apartments takes effect next year. The Sebastopol ordinance still needs to be brought back at a future City Council meeting for final approval. ... Apartments May Be Added to the Smoking Ban List in Sebastopol First Ever Report Shows Smoking Rates by Local Community A new report that breaks down adult cigarette smoking rates by geographical area in Los Angeles County finds there are great disparities between cities/communities when it comes to tobacco use. The report, titled Cigarette Smoking in Los Angeles County: Local Data to Inform Tobacco Policy, is intended to inform cities and communities and facilitate their efforts to reduce tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke. "Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases and many cancers. Over one million adults in the county continue to risk their lives by smoking, as well as endanger the lives of others with their secondhand smoke," said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, Director of Public Health and Health Officer. "Understanding where smoking rates are highest in the county allows policy makers to develop support for and establish programs and policies in the fight against tobacco use." The following is a brief breakdown of cities and communities with higher and lower adult smoking rates: . . . Los Angeles County offers resources to residents who are currently addicted to tobacco, have already quit, or want to help a friend or relative kick this deadly addiction as well. Residents can visit LAQuits.com for information and resources about quitting smoking, or call the California Smokers' Helpline, 1-800-NO-BUTTS. Supes approve smoking ban Starting today, lighting up at most of Santa Barbara County’s 70 parks, beaches and trails will be a no-no. In an effort to reduce litter, pollution and help ensure a clean-air environment exists for all park goers, the Board of Supervisors in May approved a smoking ban, which will go into effect today. Smokers cringing at the thought of paying stiff fines, however, need not worry. The main thrust of enforcing the ban, explained Michele Mickiewicz, a spokeswoman for the Public Health Department, is education. “The approach that we’re using isn’t really punitive,” she said. “The signs are the primary driver.” By the end of this month, Mickiewicz said signs will be posted at all of the county’s parks and beaches, with the exception of Cachuma Lake and Jalama Beach, where overnight camping is allowed and smoking will be permitted. In addition to the signs, county officials will attempt to educate the public about the ban through bilingual newspaper and radio advertisements throughout the summer. ... Smoking ban in public housing? San Joaquin agency seeks balance health ... Housing officials have indicated they want to take a closer look before adopting a new policy. "It's really a question of balancing the rights of each of the residents," Irenemaree Castillo, a member of the Housing Authority's Board of Commissioners, said at a recent public hearing. That means protecting the rights of both the smoker and the nonsmoker, she said. "There's a lot of thinking we need to do." At the end of the hearing, the commissioners moved to create an ad hoc committee to explore possibilities. ... Coffee chain's smoking ban no big deal here Starting last week, Starbucks patrons no longer are able to smoke within 10 feet of the front door, a nationwide extension of the mega-chain's previous rule that disallows any smoking within the building. But the ban doesn't mean a change to California residents, where more restrictive state laws are already in place. "We adhere to the state laws, which is 20 feet from the entrance," said Kimberlee Wheeler, who works as a shift leader at Peet's, another coffee chain shop in downtown Chico. Wheeler said the customers at Peet's are familiar with the law and will move to accommodate both the rule and the other patrons who are sensitive to smoke. . . . "There's no smoking on the premises, but we're not going to tell them that," said Matt Long, manager of the Dutch Brother's coffee shop on Cohasset Avenue in Chico. "The customer's always right. If they're gonna smoke, we're gonna let them." Starbucks customers seem to be largely thankful for the ruling. ... Smoking ban in public housing? New smoking ban in effect Smoke-Free Outdoor Dining Is a Real Possibility for San Diego Starbucks snuffing out smoking outdoors A tall nonfat caramel macchiato with extra foam, please. Just hold the smoke. Starting Monday, Starbucks customers are welcome to sit outside and sip a while as long as they don't light up. The international coffee giant is extending its ban on indoor smoking to outdoor patios and dining areas in California. … Council Calls for Expansion of Residential Smoking Ban Santa Monica's smoking ban in multi-family residential complexes could soon be expenaded to include outdoor areas such as patios and balconies. The City Council last week asked City staff to draft an ordinance that would to provide options on prohibiting smoking in all new units as well as incorporating the City’s smoking policy into a new Los Angeles County program involving low interest loans for retrofitting homes with environmentally friendly energy systems. ... Smoking restricted in Irvine shopping centers A crackdown on smoking has begun within Irvine shopping centers, part of a voluntary city-backed effort to snuff out cigarette use near local businesses. The Irvine Co. earlier this month set up "smoke free" zones within more than two-dozen shopping centers, city officials announced on Tuesday. The Irvine City Council last year agreed to work with private property owners to restrict smoking within 50 to 100 feet around city shopping centers. The voluntary smoking ban was proposed by Councilman Larry Agran in order to reduce the danger of second hand smoke. As owner of the vast majority of Irvine shopping centers, the Irvine Co. was a key partner in the no smoking effort. Senior Irvine Co. Vice President Mike LeBlanc said shoppers have been cooperative. ... Forum to discuss Fairfax smoking ban Over three months ago, at the Feb. 3 Fairfax Town Council meeting, Vice Mayor Larry Bragman posed the question of whether the rights of smokers outweighed the health of their neighbors, adding that smoking was the leading cause of fire in the Fairfax community. "The council prided itself on health and safety and needed to examine the issue," said Bragman. This week, Bragman will facilitate a public forum to discuss expanding smoke-free units in multi-unit housing, such as duplexes, apartments and condominiums. The discussion will center on policy options to reduce second-hand-smoke exposure to nonsmokers and fire hazards related to smoking. ... Smoking ban may expand San Luis Obispo's public smoking ban goes into effect Thursday A new law that bans smoking from nearly all public places in San Luis Obispo starts Thursday. Under the new law smoking is prohibited in indoor and outdoor areas frequented by the public, including sidewalks, parking garages, bars, restaurants, stores, stadiums, playgrounds and transit centers. Lighting up in outdoor areas is also banned in areas that are within 20 feet of indoor areas. Exceptions include private residential units and designated hotel rooms, existing tobacco retailers, and outdoor areas in which no nonsmoker is present. ... No smoking at Pasadena's new Westgate Apartments The 480 apartments coming to market in Pasadena don't look much different from the competition, but they do smell different. Smoking isn't allowed anywhere on the premises. Developer Sares-Regis Group wants a coveted LEED certificate from the U.S. Green Building Council that means the property meets certain environmental standards. Among the standards is good air quality, and one way to achieve it is to make sure smoke doesn't wend its way from one apartment to another. That means that tenants and visitors who feel compelled to light up can be seen indulging themselves across the street from the eight-acre Westgate Apartments complex . . . On the plus side, a LEED-certified green building is desirable to a large segment of renters, Carlson said. Smoke-free units are also cheaper to clean when tenants move out. The decision is paying off so far. The rate of leasing since the first of nine buildings at Westgate opened in November is above projections, he said. ... City to consider sweeping laws on smoking Could become first in county to earn an 'A' from Lung Association If history is any indication, smokers in Solana Beach could soon be facing another pack of extinguishing restrictions. In 1993, the city became the first to outlaw smoking in restaurants. In 2001, Solana Beach was the first to ban lighting-up on beaches. Later this month, it will consider how much staff time to invest in researching the possibilities of a variety of tools that could make it the first in the county to limit smoking in apartments or multi-unit housing. Currently El Cajon is the only city in San Diego County that extends its public smoking ban to common areas of apartment buildings. It does not, however, limit use in apartments themselves. Thought of by many as a champion of anti-smoking legislation, Solana Beach was one of only 15 cities in California last year to receive an overall "B" grade in the American Lung Association's anti-smoking annual report card. Just four out of the more than 400 jurisdictions assessed in the state received "A's". The reason the top grade is so rare is that cities must take steps to limit smoking in apartment buildings, which is controversial and can be hard to enforce. ... City OKs public area smoking ban Smoking will soon be prohibited in many areas throughout Crescent City, including public parks, playgrounds and in front of downtown businesses. The Crescent City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance this week that, once enacted, could make smokers pay up to $500 in penalties for violating the new law. The ordinance won’t take effect until next month, but once it does, people will not be allowed to smoke within 25 feet of playgrounds or entrances of buildings that are open to the general public. It also prohibits smoking in all parks within Crescent City’s jurisdiction and at events such as farmers’ markets, parades or festivals. ... City Hall Watch: Tobacco-sales ban rejected A proposal to ban the sale of tobacco products within 1,000 feet of schools was snuffed out Tuesday and sent back to the drawing board. Intended to curb smoking among kids, Mayor Gavin Newsom’s legislation to ban tobacco sales near schools was opposed by the business owners it would impact. Members of the Board of Supervisors have questioned the soundness of policies that restrict business. On Tuesday, Supervisor John Avalos made a motion to send the legislation back to a board committee for further discussion about “our enforcement efforts and also ways that we could provide a carrot approach to minimize the sale of tobacco in San Francisco.” The motion was unanimously supported. “It gives an opportunity to find common ground,” Newsom spokesman Tony Winnicker said. “This is a common-sense measure that’s enacted in many cities already. ... Veto disappoints backers of Calif. smoking ban SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Advocates of a bill that would have banned smoking at all California state parks and beaches say they're disappointed in Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's decision to veto the measure. "We're very dismayed to see the governor has not prioritized clean and healthy beaches, especially since our coast lines are a driving force to our California economy," said Angela Howe, an attorney for the nonprofit Surfrider Foundation, a San Clemente-based environmental organization. The foundation had hoped Schwarzenegger would follow a 2008 recommendation by the California Ocean Protection Council to ban smoking at all state beaches to help reduce polluting marine debris. But the cigar-smoking Schwarzenegger vetoed legislation that would have done that Monday, saying the bill crossed the line of government intrusion. In a letter to California senators, the governor said state parks and local governments were already permitted to ban smoking on a case-by-case basis. "There is something inherently uncomfortable about the idea of the state encroaching in such a broad manner on the people of California," Schwarzenegger wrote. ... Winters housing to soon be smoke free The city is the second municipality in Yolo County to pass this resolution, following Woodland which passed it in April 2008. As many California cities debate laws to ban smoking in outdoor and indoor spaces, more and more Yolo County multi-unit housing complexes are going smoke-free. ... Parks target of cigarette butt ban The Foster City Council is moving toward limiting smoking in public places and will consider tonight whether to endorse a resolution that identifies the city’s 21 parks as smoke-free. The council launched a smoke-free community initiative in March by endorsing a resolution that called for smoke-free events at the city’s parks. The City Council policy calendar has identified smoke-free parks as the next phase in the movement toward the evaluation of prohibiting smoking in public spaces in Foster City by ordinance, according to a staff report prepared by Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Miller. Smoke-free parks is a goal the Parks and Recreation Committee has set for 2010. In the long-term, the goal is to related to recommend the City Council consider changing the ordinance to prohibit smoking in all city parks. According to Miller’s report, decreasing smoking in the Foster City park system will also decrease the amount of cigarette butts which are hazardous to children, animals the environment and positively affect the cleanliness of community parks. ... Smoking-attributable Cancer Mortality in California, 1979-2005. Evaluation of the Economic Impact of California's Tobacco Control Program: A Dynamic Model Approach. Evaluation of California's In-school Tobacco Use Prevention Education (TUPE) Activities Using a Nested School-longitudinal Design, 2003-2004 and 2005-2006. Claremont Rejects Proposal to Ban Public Smoking The Claremont City Council voted 4-1 Tuesday to reject a proposal that would have amended the city’s No Smoking Ordinance to include a ban on smoking in outdoor public places. The Community Services Commission drafted and presented the City Council with a proposal that stated that smoking would be prohibited in “restaurants’ outdoor dining areas (enclosed or not enclosed, including sidewalk tables where food is served or consumed), outdoor bar/pub patios, clubs or waiting lines within 20 feet from such lines, hotel common areas, the Village Plaza including all walkway arteries entering the plaza, farmers’ market and outdoor public gathering places for planned events.” According to City of Claremont Management Analyst Stacey Niemeyer, the ban would have extended to restaurants on the Claremont College campuses, as well as college events like Pitzer’s Kohoutek and other campus events that required a city permit. State law already prohibits smoking in all enclosed workplaces, including restaurants and bars. However, Niemyer said after reviewing smoking bans in other Southern California cities, including Los Angeles, Burbank, Santa Monica, Pasadena, and Beverly Hills, the Commission determined that a more comprehensive ban on smoking was the right decision for Claremont ... Concord moves toward banning smoking downtown, possibly citywide When the city banned smoking in Todos Santos Plaza, cigarette smokers just congregated on the other side of the street. Now, at the request of downtown property owners, the city may push them a block farther. Concord took a step toward banning smoking downtown, and possibly throughout the city, last week at a City Council subcommittee meeting. The committee, made up of Councilmen Mark Peterson and Bill Shinn, supported a proposal from downtown property owners to ban smoking in the commercial blocks immediately surrounding Todos Santos Plaza. Under the proposal, smoking would be banned within 30 feet of a building entrance, effectively blocking off the whole sidewalk. ... Winters joins Yolo County smoke-free apartments trend Winters recently became the second city in Yolo County to back smoke-free apartments. The town passed a resolution on April 20 encouraging apartment complexes in Winters to designate at least half of their property as smoke-free. The action follows a similar resolution in April 2008 passed by Woodland. At least 16 Yolo County housing complexes restrict smoking in at least half of the units, according to the Smoke-Free Apartments Project of the Yolo County Health Department. The effort is aimed at cutting down on exposure to secondhand smoke, which can drift between apartments, according to the Health Department. ... Claremont City Council to consider smoking ban City Council tonight will consider an amendment to ban smoking in some of the city's public places. The ban would prohibit smoking in outdoor dining areas, outdoor pub/ bar patios, clubs, waiting lines or within 20 feet of lines, hotel common areas, Village Plaza, Farmers Market and outdoor public gathering places for planned events. The Community Services Commission in March approved the ordinance. Approval of the ordinance by the council at tonight's meeting depends on discussion among its members and input from the community, Mayor Linda Elderkin said. . . . The Claremont Chamber of Commerce is uncertain about the impact the ordinance could have on businesses that currently allow smoking, chamber Chairman Paul Held said. "That's the whole issue of it. We don't know," Held said. . . . Los Angeles, Burbank, Glendale, Calabasas, Santa Monica, Pasadena, South Pasadena, Beverly Hills and Temecula have implemented similar smoking bans. ... Clamping Down on Smoking in the City Smoking is officially illegal just about everywhere in San Francisco. New anti-smoking rules went into effect over the weekend and people who violate the new rules could feel the negative impact on more than just their health. If someone calls police and they come during a violation of the ban, the smoker be fined up to $100. The new rule makes it illegal to light up at sidewalk cafes, restaurant patios, movie and ATM lines and the common areas of housing complexes. It will also be a much easier breathing experience, farmers markets, lines for movies theaters, concerts and sporting events, near cab stands and ATMs. The resolution also bans smoking near doorways and windows of offices, shops and restaurants and at bingo halls ... City Council supports smoking ban Law would apply to public places around the city Lighting up a stogie in Beachfront Park or puffing on a cigarette while walking through Crescent City’s downtown business district could soon cost someone up to $500. On Monday, the Crescent City Council unanimously passed a smoking ordinance that, once enacted, will prohibit smoking in many public places throughout city limits, including in parks, near playgrounds and within 25 feet of business entrances. The penalties for violating the provisions of the ordinance, which also includes a section related to cigarette butt littering, could result in both an infraction punishable by a $250 fine if a person is found guilty and an administrative citation from the city that carries the same $250 pricetag. “I’m thrilled we’re finally getting this passed,” Council member Kathryn Murray said. “It’s something I’ve been waiting for for a long time.” ... Smoking ban approved in SLO The San Luis Obispo City Council on Tuesday voted 4-1 to give its final approval to a ban on smoking in nearly all areas open to the public. Under the new law, which passed 4-1 on April 6, smoking is prohibited in indoor and outdoor areas frequented by the public, including sidewalks, parking garages, bars, restaurants, stores, stadiums, playgrounds and transit centers. It becomes effective May 20. The citywide ban puts San Luis Obispo in the same class with two dozen other California cities that have banned smoking from all areas frequented by the public, including multi-unit residential areas. ... Bill to ban smoking at state beaches and parks goes to Schwarzenegger The Senate on Thursday voted 21-13 to send Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger a bill that would ban smoking on state-run beaches and parks. State Sen. Jenny Oropeza, D-Long Beach, is hopeful the health-conscious Republican governor will sign Senate Bill 4, although he has taken no position. The bill has encountered stiff opposition, including from the state Department of Parks and Recreation, which contends the rules will be difficult to enforce. ... Camarillo council unanimously approves smoking ordinance Audrey Walzer is in the business of healthy breathing. When her clients at Camarillo Yoga Center come to her shop, Walzer said they try to find respite and relaxation. Walzer ran into some problems, however, when people would use the public restroom in the shopping center to smoke. She said the smoke would travel through wall ducts and sometimes fill her yoga room. “It was affecting my business very adversely,” Walzer said. “The smell was coming in and it was literally permeating the whole room. To have a private student who pays $90 an hour for a lesson say, ‘I can’t be here because of the smoke,’ was the crowning glory. Something had to be done.” The Camarillo City Council listened to Walzer and other residents and business owners on Wednesday night and voted unanimously to approve an ordinance that prohibits smoking in most indoor public places and places of employment. Camarillo’s new smoking ordinance also place stricter requirements on tobacco retailers and smoking lounges that might open in the city. ... SM voters could decide smoking ban expansion Having failed, so far, to convince the City Council to enact a ban on smoking inside apartment units, Rent Control Board Commissioner Robert Kronovet is planning to take his pitch for stricter smoking laws directly to the voters. Kronovet on Tuesday filed papers with the City Clerk's Office declaring his intention to begin gathering signatures needed to place a multi-unit residential smoking ban on the November ballot. The proposed ballot measure, which he's calling the "Safe Air for Everyone Initiative," would ban smoking in virtually all multi-unit residences in Santa Monica and on private patios and balconies in apartment and condo buildings. ... San Bruno considers smoke laws Plans to open a hookah bar in San Bruno inspired city officials to discuss smoking laws, such as extending smoking bans within all city businesses, tonight. Last month, parking permits needed to open a hookah bar at 591 San Mateo Ave. were approved. While California law does outlaw smoking inside most businesses, there are exceptions for places like a tobacco shop or a smokers’ lounge. Mayor Jim Ruane is not against the hookah bar, however he questioned being asked to support things like cancer awareness while allowing a business to offer smoking on premises for a profit. Tonight the City Council will consider barring smoking inside all new businesses while discussing further regulations approved in other California cities. “It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to be supporting cancer awareness and encouraging smoking at the same time,” said Ruane. San Bruno will hold a public hearing to discuss banning smoking within businesses that sell tobacco, but would not limit the sale of tobacco. Such a change should not impact the previously approved hookah bar, but would affect future businesses. Plans in San Bruno call for a hookah lounge at 591 San Mateo Ave., which previously housed a computer repair store, to feature a small reception area and U-shaped sofas in the lounge area. When it opens, the business is proposed to open at 1 p.m. daily closing at midnight Sunday through Thursday and 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. There are a number of places within San Mateo County that offer hookah. Locations in Burlingame, Redwood City and Foster City differ, however, in that hookah is acceptable outside or on some type of patio at a restaurant. ... Pinole takes step toward secondhand-smoke protections Restrictions on smoking and secondhand smoke that will go before the Pinole City Council for confirmation later this month would carve out a 20-foot, smoke-free buffer virtually anywhere that nonsmokers congregate, including outdoor seating areas of restaurants and coffee shops. A new smoking ordinance that passed the City Council on a first reading this week also would ban smoking on balconies in multiple-unit complexes situated within 20 feet of other residential units' balconies, windows or ventilation intake ducts, as well as in common areas of apartment complexes, and generally, within 20 feet of residences. It would remove current exemptions allowing bars, bowling alleys, bingo parlors, card rooms and even smoke shops to have designated smoking areas. ... Pleasant Hill adopts more stringent smoking rules Finding a place to light up a cigarette in Pleasant Hill just got tougher, under new rules the City Council adopted this week. The biggest changes apply to housing with four or more units. Smoking in indoor and outdoor common areas, except those designated for smoking, is now banned. Smoking on private decks, balconies and patios located within 20 feet of a nonsmoking unit, and smoking within 20 feet of a door, operable window or ventilation system, are also prohibited. The new rules also require landlords to designate 50 percent of existing apartment units as permanently nonsmoking by 2016 ... Supes ban smoking at most county beaches and parks With a unanimous vote and not a single person speaking against it, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors yesterday banned smoking at most county beaches and parks. Environmentalists, public health advocates, school children and the elderly spoke in support of the ban, which according to county documents, will align the county with about 90 percent of Southern California beaches where smoking tobacco is forbidden. “We think this is an issue that’s all about the public’s right to clean air,” said Brian Trautwein, an environmental analyst for the Environmental Defense Center, which supports the ban. ... SLO to ban smoking in public areas Smoking will soon be banned from nearly all areas open to the public in San Luis Obispo, the City Council voted 4-1 Tuesday night. Under the new law, which would be effective May 20 after it is given final approval at the council’s April 20 meeting, smoking would be prohibited in indoor and outdoor areas frequented by the public, including sidewalks, parking garages, bars, restaurants, stores, stadiums, playgrounds and transit centers. Lighting up in outdoor areas would be banned in areas that are within 20 feet of indoor areas. ... Supervisors mull tobacco ban at parks, beaches They’re proposing to get butts off the beach Tuesday at the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors’ meeting. Board members are scheduled to consider a recommendation to ban tobacco use on beaches and parks under the county’s jurisdiction. Majority support would set the formal adoption of the law for April 20. Fairfax weighs restrictions on apartment smoking Fairfax leaders are considering an ordinance that would allow owners to ban or restrict smoking in apartments. "Second-hand smoke clearly is a public health issue, and it's one that we ignore at our own peril, not only for the long-term health effects, but also because of more direct consequences like fire," said Councilman Larry Bragman, who took part in a town-sponsored forum on the issue Wednesday. "The crux of the issue is weighing the privacy and enjoyment rights of smokers versus the health risks that it creates for nonsmokers - in particular, children." The ordinance, which the council is expected to take up in May, would be based on a similar ordinance Novato passed in 2008. That law, the only one of its kind in Marin County, allows landlords to set aside up to 30 percent of multi-unit dwellings for smokers and declare the rest smoke-free. Tenants who violate the ordinance could be asked to leave by their landlord, or be sued by a fellow tenant in small claims court. Property manager Veronica Del Rio said the ordinance would make it much easier for her to deal with conflicts between tenants. ... SoCo Considers Smoking Ban In County Parks Sonoma County Supervisor Shirlee Zane wants to ban smoking in all 45 county parks. Her proposal would expempt the Sonoma County Fairgrounds and Spud Point Marina, which have their own smoking restrictions in place. Zane wants the policy to apply to the county's animal shelter and Water Agency property as well. The issue could go to the Board in June. City Council considers tougher laws aimed at smokers Eye on DP City Park Smoking Ban Passes Dana Point City Council voted 3-2 in favor of banning smoking in city parks at their March 22 meeting. Councilmembers Lisa Bartlett and Joel Bishop both voted against the ban as they had at the first reading of the proposed ordinance at the March 8 meeting. . . . The new law will take effect on April, 21, 2010--30 days from this final vote. ... Smoking law: City attorney explains delay Smokers don't have to rush to find an ashtray when they spot a Menlo Park cop. At least, not yet. That's because the city is starting over in revising an ordinance that would greatly restrict smoking within Menlo Park's borders, after city management realized it could have an even broader impact than intended. After the City Council gave preliminary approval to the ordinance at its March 2 meeting, City Attorney Bill McClure said the city realized that the ordinance might have several "unintended consequences." For instance, people could interpret it as restricting smoking on sidewalks and in parking lots outside businesses, raising questions about whether smokers would have anywhere to go for a cigarette break. ... EDITORIAL: The outdoors, made greater The main reason to support the bill isn't to stop secondhand smoke -- there have to be places in the great outdoors where smokers still retain some freedom -- but to protect the public environment. The state has an obligation to keep its beaches and parks as clean as possible, especially when the litter contains toxic substances. . . . Coastal cities have been ahead of the state in banning smoking on beaches, realizing that it's in their financial interest to keep these areas free of litter and to save money on expensive beach cleaning . . . Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has not taken a position on the bill, which he ought to sign enthusiastically ... Ban on smoking at parks, beaches moves forward Assembly approves smoking ban at state parks and beaches Last year, Maine adopted a smoke-free law for beaches and parks, but no other state has outlawed cigarettes in its entire park system as California is proposing to do, according to the group Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights, which tracks such measures. ... Final vote set to ban smoking at Dana Point parks The city of Dana Point on Monday will consider banning smoking at city parks, following the lead of other cities in Orange County. ... Calif. considers smoking ban at all state parks SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Maine banned smoking at its state beaches last year, but groups that track such legislation say no state prohibits lighting up throughout its entire park system, as the California bill proposes. Under a legislative compromise, campsites and parking areas will be exempted from the ban. "It is very clear that the garbage that is created as a result of smoking on beaches - butts and wrappers - are polluting our water," Democratic state Sen. Jenny Oropeza of Long Beach, the bill's author, said in an interview. "In terms of the state park system, we have a major fire hazard when cigarettes are smoked in parks." ... Tougher Smoking Rules Officially Approved San Francisco supervisors today gave final approval to an ordinance expanding the city's regulations against public smoking. The ordinance, introduced by Supervisor Eric Mar, will ban smoking in outdoor restaurant dining areas and several other locations, and was unanimously approved after a second and final vote by the board this afternoon. A lengthy campaign pushing for the new regulations required several amendments that were concessions to business owners. Mar and anti-tobacco groups have touted the new law as a means to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke. Mayor Gavin Newsom is expected to sign it, according to his office. His spokesman Tony Winnicker noted "a collaborative process" in forging the legislation between board members, the mayor and the business community. In addition to outdoor restaurant dining areas, the law will ban smoking in enclosed common areas of multi-unit housing, and at farmers markets, homeless shelters and charity bingo games. It also prohibits smoking in service waiting areas, such as lines for ATMs, concerts, movie theaters, sporting events, taxis and bus stop shelters, and within 15 feet of business doorways. ... Pleasant Hill Considering Tougher Smoking Laws Pleasant Hill could become the next Bay Area city to have tougher anti-smoking rules. On Monday night, the city council will consider changing the city's smoking regulations. The biggest changes apply to housing with four or more units, where new rules would ban smoking on private decks, balconies and patios within 20 feet of a non-smoking apartment. It would also ban smoking within 20-feet of a door or window. Smoking ban slow to take in S.D. parks Anybody wanting to know how San Diego’s ban on smoking in public places is doing need only look at the piles of cigarette butts a local group recently picked up in two dozen local parks. “It’s not working,” said Manuel Andrade of Social Advocates for Youth San Diego, staring at bags containing more than 50,000 butts that his group displayed near a playground at Colina del Sol Park in City Heights. While a city official says the ban is cutting down on smoking outdoors, Andrade insists more needs to be done to educate the public about the ordinance and to enforce it particularly at the parks. SAY San Diego, as the group is better known, and hundreds of volunteers collected 42,757 butts in 2008 and 50,347 last year at 24 parks throughout the city. “We know it’s got to be self-enforced, but police need to give citations. That’s a must-do,” Andrade said ... Calif. Justices Wonder: Is Walgreens a Grocery Store? In a challenge to a San Francisco law that bans tobacco sales at drug stores, three California appeal court justices on Wednesday looked like they wanted to avoid ruling on Walgreens' constitutional argument that the city is violating equal protection rights. Instead, the First District Court of Appeal panel appeared more interested in whether a drug store that sells food is really a grocery store that would be exempt. The local ordinance, which took effect in 2008, bans tobacco sales in San Francisco at drug stores but not at supermarkets or stores like Costco. The city has contended that the sale of tobacco by health-promoting businesses sends a mixed message about cigarettes. ... Glendale City Council Meeting Wrap-up: 'Shot clock' challenge Smoking regulations The council approved an ordinance that strengthens the city’s regulations, which ban smoking in nearly all publicly accessible places. The ordinance bans smoking on patios and balconies of condominium complexes and apartment buildings. Lighting up in common areas in condo buildings is also prohibited. Smoking is already prohibited on all city property, including parks, outdoor dining areas that can’t meet strict separation requirements and nearly all publicly accessible private property, such as the Marketplace and Americana at Brand. The ordinance also removes a required warning provision for first-time offenders, which city officials said has made the law hard to enforce. ... S.F. supervisors vote to get tougher on smoking Smoking soon will be snuffed out at sidewalk cafes, restaurant patios, movie and ATM lines, bingo halls and the common areas of housing complexes. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to extend smoking restrictions to those places, along with lighting up near doorways and windows of offices, shops and restaurants. It already is illegal to smoke in offices and commercial establishments that don't have a legally designated smoking area. "This legislation will protect thousands of San Franciscans from secondhand smoke," said Supervisor Eric Mar, chief sponsor of the legislation. ... Glendale City Council Meeting Preview SMOKING REGULATIONS The City Council on Tuesday will consider an ordinance that strengthens the city’s current regulations, which ban smoking in nearly all publicly accessible places. The ordinance would ban smoking on patios and balconies of condominium complexes and apartment buildings. Lighting up in common areas in condo buildings would also be prohibited. Smoking is already prohibited on all city property, including parks, outdoor dining areas that can’t meet strict separation requirements and nearly all publicly accessible private property, such as the Marketplace and Americana at Brand. The ordinance would also remove a required warning provision for first-time offenders, which city officials said has made the law hard to enforce. Santa Clara Considers Anti-Smoking Policies Smoking in unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County could soon be a much tougher proposition, as the Board of Supervisors is considering a number of new anti-smoking policies. One of the proposals is to ban smoking in apartment complexes in unincorporated parts of the county. "These are often old apartment buildings with poor ventilation and a smoker in one apartment ," said Board of Supervisors President Ken Yeager. "There smoke would just go right through the vents to people in the adjoining apartments." . . . Yeager said they also want to reduce the number of stores selling tobacco. "Unfortunately, a lot of these liquor stores that sell tobacco are much denser in low income areas," said Yeager. "I think there's a real target, not only for youth, but people in our minority communities, where unfortunately, smoking can be quite high. ... Dana Point to consider smoking ban at parks On the heels of the results of a community opinion survey in which nearly two-thirds of respondents wanted smoking prohibited in all areas of local parks, the City Council on Monday will consider a law banning the activity there. The city of Dana Point on Monday will consider banning smoking at city parks, following the lead of other cities in Orange County. The last question in the survey of 400 randomly selected registered voters in the city released last month dealt with whether smoking should be banned in parks. Sixty-one percent said they want a ban in all areas of public parks; 20 percent preferred that smoking be allowed only in designated smoking areas; and 17 percent favored allowing people to light up in all areas of public parks. ... Pasadena to explore possibility of citywide smoking ban On Monday, the council's Public Safety Committee discussed a long-proposed ban on smoking in apartment buildings, and Councilman Steve Haderlein asked the staff to find out whether the city has the legal authority to put a full smoking ban into place. Pasadena passed a ban on outdoor smoking in most public areas in 2008, and at the time pledged to consider the apartment restrictions within the next year. Haderlein, who is the chair of the committee, said he wasn't sure he would support an outright ban, but said he would like to know if it is an option. "Something that broad and dramatic, we'd really have to go to our citizens and see if it is what they wanted," said Haderlein. The discussion on extending the restrictions beyond apartment and condo units stemmed from concerns by committee members that it would be unfair to target smokers there, while ignoring smokers who live in single-family homes. Haderlein noted, for example, that his neighbor is a smoker, and that he can sometimes smell the smoke drifting in through his kitchen window. . . . Nancy Sagetellian, who owns a condo on South Lake Avenue, spoke Monday and said in a later interview that she was evicted from her apartment for complaining about her neighbor's smoking. She said that since she bought a condo, she had hoped to avoid the problem, but she has a smoker living in a unit below her. "I thought as a homeowner I'd have rights, but I haven't been able to find anybody who can help me," said Sagetellian. ... RC widens smoking ban RANCHO CUCAMONGA - Smoking and waiting in lines do not mix, according to the City Council, which gave initial approval on Wednesday to an ordinance that prohibits tobacco use in transit stops and outdoor service lines. Fabian Villenas of the city manager's office said people waiting in lines are a captive audience. "If you're in line and an individual lights a cigarette, it's difficult to remove yourself from the second-hand smoke," Villenas said. Under the leadership of Mayor Don Kurth, the city has been studying anti-smoking legislation since 2007. In January 2008, the city passed an ordinance that banned smoking at city-owned properties such as public parks, Victoria Gardens Cultural Center and City Hall. Since then, the city manager's office has continued to study further restrictions. The smoking ban at transit stops and service lines is a less stringent measure compared to bans that would affect sidewalks, apartments and outdoor dining areas. More stringent bans were considered but did not receive approval from a City Council majority. Once the ordinance affecting transit stops and service lines goes into effect, violators could face a fine of $100 for first violation, $200 for second violation and $500 for additional violations. ... Smoking Ordinance Task Force Meets Tomorrow West Hollywood, California (March 4, 2010, 2010) - Directed as a result of objections to a proposal to ban smoking in outdoor nightclub/dining facilities in West Hollywood, the Smoking Ordinance Task Force holds its first – public - meeting this Friday, March 5 from 3-5 pm at Plummer Park, Rooms 5 and 6. ... Menlo Park introduces beefed-up smoking ordinance Menlo Park residents could face fines of up to $500 for lighting up at apartment complex pools, bus stops or ATM lines after the council agreed to strengthen the city's 17-year-old smoking ordinance Tuesday night. After about two hours of discussion, the city council voted 4-1 to adopt the proposed changes, which bar smoking in most common areas of multi-unit apartment and condominium complexes but stop short of banning the practice on balconies, patios or inside individual units. "This is a huge improvement from where we are today," Council Member Kelly Fergusson said before the vote. "Does it go as far as I'd like to see? Maybe not. I hope in the future there would be room for making it stronger." The council introduced the ordinance Tuesday night, and it will come back for approval in the next month or so, City Attorney Bill McClure said. The proposed law also declares secondhand smoke a private nuisance, thus enabling citizens to take legal action against smokers. ... Supes Meet New Campos Aide and Put off Votes on Smoking Limits ...A vote on Supervisor Eric Mar’s legislation to prohibit smoking in enclosed and certain unenclosed areas was put off until next week. The types of areas as specified in the ordinance include: “1.) business establishments and bars regardless of whether owner-operated; 2.) common areas of multi-unit housing complexes; 3.) tourist lodging facilities; 4.) tobacco shops; 5.) charity bingo games; 6.) unenclosed dining areas of restaurants; 7.) service waiting areas; 8.) areas outside entrances, exits and operable windows and vents of all buildings except at the curb of the nearest street, sidewalk or alley; 9.) farmers markets; and 10.) vehicles owned by the City and County of San Francisco.” ... Foster City may ban smoking in parks FOSTER CITY — Lighting up in city parks may soon be frowned upon — though not penalized — if a policy goal of the Parks and Recreation Committee is approved by the City Council. The city last year adopted a no-smoking policy for sports and special events held in city parks. Now, officials propose to go one step further, expanding the program to cover the parks year-round. Kevin Miller, the city's parks and recreation director, said the implementation of last year's no-smoking rule went smoothly and he hasn't received any complaints. Under the policy, the city put up signs indicating smoking was not allowed at youth and adult sports league games and events such as the Arts & Wine Festival and Summer Concert Series. When city employees saw people smoking, they simply asked them to stop, Miller said, and the smokers largely complied. "I think this approach is a good approach," Miller said of the city's voluntary effort. ... Proposed smoking restrictions watered down A plan to greatly expand smoking restrictions in San Francisco wasn't exactly snuffed out at City Hall this week, but it went from a no-filter proposal to a less-potent menthol version. The proposed legislation that made it out of the Board of Supervisors' Land Use and Economic Development Committee Monday would bar smokers from lighting up at sidewalk cafe tables and in common areas of residential buildings to protect people from the health perils of second-hand smoke. It also would ban smoking in lines for movie theaters, concerts, ATMs and the like. But under pressure from the Small Business Commission and Entertainment Commission -- promoting the interests of nightclubs, bars, restaurants and tobacco shops fearful that tougher restrictions could hurt their bottom line in this tough economy -- the legislation was amended to give businesses that now allow smoking on their premises in specially designated areas the ability to continue. ... Stanford study finds secondhand smoke pervasive in California's Indian casinos Secondhand smoke in California's Native American casinos often exceeds concentrations associated with harmful health effects, according to a new study by environmental engineers at Stanford University. The casinos, which are exempt from the state's smoking restrictions, are one of the few public places in California where smoking is still legal. The study of smoke particle concentrations during busy evenings in 36 casinos across the state found that even many nonsmoking areas within the buildings contained smoke concentrations that were several times that of outdoor air. The paper was published online Feb. 17 in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology. One-quarter of U.S. adults visited a casino in 2008, according to the 2009 American Gaming Association Survey of Casino Entertainment. Of the almost 60 casinos operating in California, 98 percent allow smoking. "We did this study to warn the public that where they go and what they do in their everyday lives can impact their health," said Lynn Hildemann, an associate professor of civil and environmental engineering and a senior author of the study. "Air pollution affects human health, whether it is secondhand smoke indoors or truck exhaust outdoors. Because many people frequent smoky casinos, and many employees work there, we became interested in finding how high the pollution levels inside the buildings were." ... Whiskeytown beach smoking ban considered Smoking would be banned on the sandy beaches at Brandy Creek, East Beach, Oak Bottom and Whiskey Creek Group, said Jim Milestone, superintendent at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. It would still be OK to light up at picnic tables, parking lots and trails near the beaches. “The idea is to make the air clear and clean, like the water is at Whiskeytown,” Milestone said. A public meeting about the possible ban is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Community Room at Redding City Hall, 777 Cypress Ave. He said the purpose for the ban is twofold to prevent secondhand smoke and to curb littering. Whiskeytown lifeguards and maintenance workers often have to clean up after smokers, he said. ... Redding bans smoking at City Hall Redding will ban smoking at City Hall. The City Council voted 3-2 this evening to adopt a voluntary smoking ban on the Cypress Avenue campus rather than writing the prohibition into the municipal code. That means the ban would lack the teeth of enforcement fines for violators. A smoking ban the council imposed at the Redding Library this past spring does include fines potentially up to $1,000. Council members were reluctant to take such a hard line at City Hall, where smoking hasn't been such a problem. "More and more smokers are becoming conscious of where they are," said council member Rick Bosetti, who voted with the majority to impose a voluntary ban. "I would not want to penalize people for doing something legal." ... Two cities to receive recognition for smoke-free policies SANTA CRUZ -- The Santa Cruz County Tobacco Education Coalition will present an award this week to both the city of Santa Cruz and the city of Capitola for passing policies that make many outdoor areas smoke-free. The Capitola City Council voted Dec. 10 to prohibit smoking on the Esplanade, the wharf, city parks and outside city hall. The ban took effect Jan. 1. ... Rancho Cucamonga restaurant patio smoking ban fails RANCHO CUCAMONGA - Smokers in this city can continue their habit in restaurant patios and they have a shaky economy to thank. Council members Sam Spagnolo, Dennis Michael and Diane Williams were concerned such restrictions would be too stringent on businesses that rely on sales generated from outdoor patios. Williams said the government should not be the one to decide whether restaurant-goers can smoke in outdoor patios. "I think every restaurant should have a choice, especially in these economic times," Williams said. ... Monterey Bans Smoking on Rec Trail MONTEREY, Calif- The Monterey City Council unanimously adopted revisions to the current ordinance regulating smoking in public places. The revised ordinance extends the no smoking ban to the Recreation Trail. The current state smoking ban regulates smoking in places of employment, playgrounds, day care facilities, schools and public buildings; a current City ordinance bans smoking on beaches. The ordinance also bans smoking in all enclosed buildings open to the public, other transportation such as taxicabs and buses, outdoor service areas including ATM and ticket lines, covered parking garages and stairwells, any location where the owner declares the area non-smoking, and indoor places of employment not otherwise regulated by state law. The city says that the intent and purpose of prohibiting smoking is to protect the public health, safety and welfare by reducing the number of locations where exposure to second-hand smoke can occur. ... Details of draft Menlo Park smoking ordinance released A draft smoking ordinance under consideration in Menlo Park would ban smoking in common areas of apartment and condominium complexes and deem secondhand smoke a public nuisance, according to a brief outline of the document released Tuesday. City Attorney Bill McClure gave council members at Tuesday night's council meeting an oral description of the ordinance he is still crafting to aid discussion on public outreach for proposed revisions to Menlo Park's current law, last updated in 1993. In addition to the apartment and condominium restrictions, the draft ordinance would also prohibit smokers from lighting up in public service areas, such as ATM lines, McClure said. ... Some renters want Santa Monica to further restrict smoking For years, Mike Horelick and Nicolina Karlsson endured the cigarette smoke wafting into their tiny Santa Monica courtyard apartment from a neighbor's patio, even though it aggravated Karlsson's asthma. But after the couple made several $100 trips to the emergency room because their infant daughter was gasping for air, they pleaded with the neighbor to stop smoking outdoors, to no avail. Now, contending that secondhand smoke poses a health hazard, they have joined other activists who are pushing the city to snuff out smoking on private balconies and patios in multifamily dwellings. It's an effort that puts Santa Monica in sync with a growing number of other California cities and counties that have hit smokers where they live. Yet, in the liberal-leaning beach community, the debate takes on added freight because of the political clout of Santa Monica's tenants rights advocates, who contend that landlords would welcome an excuse to evict longtime tenants in rent-controlled units. ... S.F. considers tightening smoking restrictions A proposal to greatly expand San Francisco's smoking ban won high praise Monday from health professionals concerned about the dangers of secondhand smoke, but got a cool response from local bar and nightclub owners who fear the restrictions would drive away customers. SF Could Have Tougher Smoking Ban San Francisco Supervisors take the first step toward tightening a smoking ban this afternoon. Supervisor Eric Mar wrote the legislation increasing the smoking ban. "California State Air Resources Board to Stanford University studies have shown that second hand smoke is a serious toxin that causes coronary heart disease, increased asthma and lots of horrible effects," Mar said.Affected areas include theatre and ATM lines, outdoor cafe's, smoke shops, lobbies and farmers' markets as well as bars no matter whether they're owner-operated or not. ... Smoking ban plan has mixed support Residents in 70 apartment buildings throughout unincorporated Santa Clara County will not be allowed to light up in their homes under Supervisor Ken Yeager's proposal this week to ban cigarette smoking in apartment complexes. But the idea, while cheered by clean air advocates and all but one of his fellow supervisors, is being met with dismay by apartment owners and managers, not to mention many smokers whose last refuge to smoke may now become off-limits. Patty Delong, who puffs a half-pack a day, assumes her fellow smokers won't like the proposal. "They're going to think the government is in their business, which it is," she said. She, however, supports the idea. "I think that's great. Maybe now I'll be forced to quit," said Delong, 55, who has been smoking since she was 16. She lives in an apartment in San Jose's Burbank area that would fall under a smoking ban. ... City Council votes park smoking ban into law Santa Clara County wants to ban smoking in apartment buildings Santa Clara County took aim Tuesday at smokers and drinkers, with proposals to ban smoking in apartment buildings and toughen penalties for those who provide alcohol to minors. The smoking proposal was unveiled by Supervisor Ken Yeager, who was sworn in as the board's new president. It echoes a controversial law passed last year by Belmont, which garnered national headlines. Earlier Tuesday, the board of supervisors unanimously approved changes to a county ordinance that punishes anyone who gives alcohol to underage drinkers — or even unwittingly hosts drunken teen bashes — with harsher penalties, including a fine for the first offense. But to the great relief of Stanford University officials, the ordinance will not hold the school responsible for students who drink on campus, subject to an annual review by the county. ... New tobacco pitch seeks sales ban near schools SAN FRANCISCO — The latest plan to vastly reduce cigarette vendors in San Francisco would prohibit the hawking of tobacco products within 1,000 feet of schools, where more than half The City’s sellers currently operate. Mayor Gavin Newsom is set to introduce legislation Tuesday calling for a ban on new tobacco permits for vendors who want to set up shop near public and private grammar and high schools. Of the 1,008 shops currently selling tobacco products in The City, 617 operate within the proposed 1,000-foot prohibition zone, according to data provided by the Mayor’s Office. ... L.A. council extends smoking ban to outdoor cafes With the move, city officials are following the lead of municipalities across California, including Burbank, Beverly Hills, Calabasas and Santa Monica, which already ban smoking in outdoor dining areas. California law bars smoking inside restaurants and bars. The ordinance prohibits smoking within 10 feet of outdoor dining areas and within 40 feet of mobile food trucks. ... Monterey's new smoking rules now in line with state Tuesday, the Monterey City Council unanimously approved an updated ordinance regulating smoking in public places. The changes were intended to bring city law into line with state law. The state prohibits smoking in places of employment, playgrounds, day care facilities, schools and public buildings, City Attorney Deborah Mall said. In addition to these areas, the city ordinance prohibits smoking on the Monterey Recreational Trail, beaches, enclosed buildings open to the public ... San Gabriel to draft ordinance regulating tobacco use SAN GABRIEL - The City Council Tuesday voted unanimously to draft an ordinance banning smoking in city parks and requiring tobacco retailers to renew licenses every year. According to San Gabriel Mayor Juli Costanzo, the language for both ordinances is being worked out by the city attorney and city manager and will likely be voted on at the next city council meeting. Costanzo cited a study conducted by community organizers and San Gabrielino High School students showing that 32 percent of city retailers sold tobacco to minors. "We just think this is a measure that we need to take to ensure the health and safety of minors," she said. Costanzo said the ordinances may be similar to those passed by the cities of Pasadena and Sierra Madre. "They had drafted a very-well-put-together ordinance, so it's something we may take a look at and add to it or take away from it depending on what our needs are," Costanzo said of Pasadena's ordinance. The regulations prohibit smoking in public parks, outdoor restaurant areas, in ATM lines or 20 feet from any building. ... LA City Council to consider smoking ban at outdoor cafes The Los Angeles City Council is expected today to consider a ban on smoking in the city’s outdoor cafes. The proposed ordinance would prohibit smoking within 10 feet of outdoor restaurant patios and gardens, and within 40 feet of a mobile food truck. Smoking is already banned at city beaches, parks and within 25 feet of playgrounds, bleachers, sports fields and picnic areas. The proposed ordinance on outdoor dining areas, which was sponsored by Councilman Greig Smith, would take effect after a one-year grace period in which restaurants would be required to post signs informing customers of the new law. ... What About Granting Outdoor Smoking Licenses? West Hollywood, California (January 18, 2010) – As the debate rages over West Hollywood’s proposed outdoor smoking ban ordinance, it’s clear that few topics (with the exception of abortion) are as divisive as public smoking. ... Council approves smoking, butts ban at city parks and trails Smokers will need to take their butts to the sidewalks and streets soon in Nevada City, and then throw them away.. The City Council voted 4-1 Wednesday to add an amendment to a proposed ordinance banning smoking in city parks and on city-owned trails. Favoring a designated smoking area within the parks, Councilwoman Barbara Coffman cast the lone dissenting vote. ... State sues electronic cigarettes retailer They look and may even taste like cigarettes, and their manufacturer claims they are a safe, tar-free alternative to the cancer-causing real thing. But California Attorney General Jerry Brown says that electronic cigarettes - also known as e-cigarettes - contain dangerous chemicals and are being inappropriately marketed to children, and that their makers have no evidence to support claims that the product is safe. On Wednesday, the state's top cop filed suit in Alameda Superior Court accusing Smoking Everywhere, one of the largest e-cigarette retailers in the United States, of violating a number of state laws by making misleading statements, failing to warn consumers of the product's potential harm and engaging in unfair business practices. A similar suit was filed against the same company by Oregon's attorney general last year. Brown wants the court to prohibit Smoking Everywhere from selling its product in California until the company produces evidence that e-cigarettes are safe. ... SF Could Improve its Anti-Smoking 'Test Score' -- By Forbidding You To Smoke ... Earlier this week, the American Lung Association released its annual "Tobacco Policy Report Card," grading cities on how effectively they limit smoking. The city of Richmond -- which is cursed with a reputation as a great place to have a cigarette shot out of one's mouth -- turned around its F grade last year and got an A. San Francisco, meanwhile, got a C. Obviously, that leaves lots of room for improvement -- and San Francisco is a city that bristles at the description "average." And yet, improvement may only come via giving the government the ability to intrude in your life to a degree many might feel is downright creepy. ... Lung association: Contra Costa cities should follow Richmond's anti-tobacco lead While most Contra Costa cities received failing or near-failing marks for efforts to curtail and control tobacco use in 2009, the American Lung Association of California on Tuesday lauded an exception. The association chose Richmond City Hall to release its annual State of Tobacco Control report card because new tobacco-focused ordinances took the city from an F in 2008 to an A in 2009. Richmond "is not only a leader in the state, but a leader in the nation," said Jane Warner, president and CEO of the American Lung Association of California. The association and the city worked together on several ordinances during the past year that restrict tobacco use in outdoor areas, impose fees on sellers, and place limits on tobacco sales and displays. However, the city's smoking ban in all multiunit housing drew the highest praise. . . . In Contra Costa, 12 of 19 cities received an overall grade of F, and five earned a D. Richmond received the only A; Martinez and the county's unincorporated ... Brown Sues Electronic Cigarette Maker for Targeting Minors and Misleading Advertising Claims Oakland-Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. today sued Florida-based electronic-cigarette retailer Smoking Everywhere to prevent the company from targeting minors and making "misleading and irresponsible" claims that electronic cigarettes are a safe alternative to smoking. "Smoking Everywhere launched a misleading and irresponsible advertising campaign targeting minors and claiming that electronic cigarettes do not contain harmful chemicals," Brown said. "We are asking the Court to take these cigarettes off the market until the company has proven the products are safe." Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, are battery-operated devices with nicotine cartridges designed to look and feel like conventional cigarettes. Instead of actual smoke, e-cigarettes produce a vapor from the nicotine cartridge that is inhaled by the user. Smoking Everywhere, one of the largest e-cigarette retailers in the United States, claims in its advertisements that the e-cigarettes have no carcinogens, no tar, no second-hand smoke, and are therefore safe and healthy. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that electronic cigarettes contain a variety of dangerous chemicals, including nicotine, carcinogens such as nitrosamines and, in at least one case, diethylene glycol, commonly known as antifreeze. Today's lawsuit seeks to prevent the company from selling its products until there is evidence to substantiate its claims that they are safe. The lawsuit will also require the products to display the state-mandated Proposition 65 warnings of ingredients known to cause cancer or reproductive harm and seeks to prevent the company from making false and misleading claims and promoting the products to minors. In one advertisement targeted to minors, Smoking Everywhere featured a video with radio show host Howard Stern claiming, "kids love ‘em." The products feature flavors that appeal to youth, including strawberry, chocolate, mint, banana and cookies-and-cream. ... S.F.'s 20-cent cigarette fee headed to court? In what has become a familiar scenario, Philip Morris USA has filed a complaint in San Francisco Superior Court over the city's new 20-cent fee tacked onto packs of cigarettes. The move probably foreshadows a lawsuit - the second time in 18 months the tobacco giant will have sued San Francisco over its cutting-edge cigarette policies. The company said the city's first-of-its-kind ban on cigarette sales in drug stores including Walgreens violated its constitutional rights to advertise its products, but its claim was rejected in court. Now, Philip Morris and some local retailers say the city's 20-cent charge on cigarette packs, the brainchild of Mayor Gavin Newsom that was implemented Oct. 1, violates state law because voters didn't approve it. The city argues that because it's a fee, rather than a tax, voter approval isn't required. Newsom said the city completed an extensive study showing that it costs San Francisco $7.5 million every year to clean up cigarette butts tossed onto city streets and that smokers should be the ones picking up the tab. Philip Morris targets S.F.'s cigarette fee No butts about it: Philip Morris doesn't like San Francisco tobacco policies In what has become a familiar scenario, Philip Morris USA has filed a complaint in San Francisco Superior Court over the city's new 20-cent fee tacked onto packs of cigarettes. The move likely foreshadows a lawsuit - the second time in 18 months the tobacco giant will have sued San Francisco over its cutting-edge cigarette policies. The company said the city's first-of-its-kind ban on cigarette sales in drug stores including Walgreens violated its constitutional rights to advertise its products, but its claim was rejected in court. Now, Philip Morris and some local retailers say the city's 20-cent charge on cigarette packs, the brainchild of Mayor Gavin Newsom that was implemented Oct. 1, violates state law because voters didn't approve it. The city argues that since it's a fee, rather than a tax, voter approval isn't required. ... Newsom: Big tobacco likely to lose latest challenge Mayor Gavin Newsom anticipates little trouble stamping out big tobacco's latest legal challenge against San Francisco policies. Tobacco Control Report Card for California to Be Released Lawsuit pending regarding cig fee Philip Morris USA and several local retailers recently filed a complaint in San Francisco Superior Court accusing The City of violating state law when it imposed a 20-cent charge on packs of cigarettes on Oct. 1 without approval from voters. The main point of contention is whether the added charge to cigarette packs should have been implemented as a tax or a regulatory fee. SF Launches New Anti-Smoking Campaign SAN FRANCISCO -- Starting Tuesday, posters dotting city bus shelters and intersections will urge San Francisco smokers to "make today the day" they quit the cigarette habit. That slogan, emblazoned on a bright red and white poster, is popping up at 42 poster boards and transit sites across San Francisco, city and health officials announced this morning. The campaign to encourage residents to kick the habit is a partnership between the American Lung Association in California, Healthy San Francisco and the city's Department of Public Health ... San Francisco may expand smoking ban San Francisco, which was at the vanguard of the anti-smoking movement more than a decade ago when it became one of the first American cities to bar people from lighting up in the workplace, now is poised to enact much tougher restrictions on smoking in public places. Smokers no longer would be allowed to puff away near the doors, vents and operable windows of any building - restaurants, shops, offices and housing complexes. Diners no longer would be able to smoke at outdoor tables. Smoking would be banned from farmers' markets, lines for movie theaters, concerts and sporting events, near ATMs and cab stands. The smoking ban in and near transit stops would be expanded. ... Smoking ban moves forward As The Examiner reported in November, Supervisor Eric Mar reignited the stalled legislation that would forbid smoking in a slew of new settings, adding to existing bans in bars, restaurants, parks, transit stops and taxis. Officers average a ticket a day during first weeks of Santa Cruz... SANTA CRUZ -- The air on Pacific Avenue was crisp after Friday's morning rain when three people lit up cigarettes not far from the Bonny Doon Flower Company kiosk. As they got their nicotine fix, the trio said they didn't know smoking has been banned on downtown's main drag for nearly three months. Although officers started citing smokers Nov. 23 and are averaging one $20 ticket a day, police still are giving out warnings and have made hundreds of "educational contacts" since the City Council adopted the no-smoking ordinance for Pacific Avenue, the Municipal Wharf and Main Beach areas in late September, according to police spokesman Zach Friend. ... Courthouse square facing rules, fees No specific incidents spurred the proposal, said city spokesman Malcolm Smith, but there have been complaints over the last season about “user behaviors.” An ordinance establishing user guidelines has always been in the works since the square opened, he added. “Our goal has been — and continues to be — to provide a fun, safe, clean place for all to enjoy. We think such an ordinance will help accomplish this,” Smith said. If passed, the ordinance will prohibit specific activities including smoking, biking, skateboarding, bathing, littering, camping and sleeping between midnight and dawn. The only exceptions to non-motorized vehicles will be wheelchairs, adaptive aides and strollers. ... Smoking ban at beaches and parks inches forward Smoking ban advocates stay committed How to dish out grant money in Nevada City Council gives preliminary OK to smoking lounge regulations Supes could seek smoking ban at beaches, parks A week after permanently banning alcohol from beaches in Isla Vista, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors today will consider adding smoking to its list of prohibited activities at county beaches and parks. According to an agenda letter prepared for the meeting, Santa Barbara County is among the last jurisdictions with beachfront property in Southern California to lack such a ban. The agenda letter says a ban would help protect public safety by reducing second-hand smoke and greatly reduce litter. It says cigarette butts are the No. 1 source of litter found during coastal clean-ups. “I believe that there should be a ban on smoking,” said 2nd District Supervisor Janet Wolf, who had the item placed on the Board’s agenda. ... Ordinance impacts still hazy SLO considers extending downtown smoking ban A new city ordinance that could expand San Luis Obispo’s smoking ban to most public outdoor spaces has raised concerns among some business owners that it could negatively affect their bottom lines. Currently, San Luis Obispo prohibits smoking inside bars, restaurants, and all government and public facilities. The city made headlines in 1990 when it became the first city in the world to institute such a ban — and now it may go further. On Dec. 1, the City Council discussed a proposal brought forth by the Parks and Recreation Commission to ban the use of tobacco from city-owned recreation areas, including Mission Plaza and its adjacent creek walk, and included a strong recommendation to consider banning smoking in other public areas such as downtown sidewalks. ... SLO city cracks down on smoking - again The San Luis Obispo City Council on Dec. 1 unanimously approved an amendment to the city's municipal code to ban all forms of tobacco products from city-owned outdoor recreation areas, such as Mitchell Park, Mission Plaza, and its adjacent creekwalk. Council members not only agreed with the recommendation but also decided to go a step further, instructing the city manager and staffers to come back with language for a more comprehensive proposal within three months. They said this upcoming proposal would ban tobacco in other areas, including "pedestrian-oriented" sidewalks, shopping centers, outside of commercial businesses, and at public events such as Farmers Market. . . . On the proposed upcoming ban, Mayor Dave Romero said that while he agrees people walking down public sidewalks shouldn't have to make their way through a cloud of smoke, he didn't want a ban to "go into people's backyards." Roughly 80 people attended the meeting, and 16 spoke during the public forum, most not only in favor of the current recommendation, but also the citywide public ban. ... Editorial: Smoking ban an important step to take San Luis Obispo made history when it became the first city in the nation to outlaw indoor smoking in public places -- and it should forever be proud of helping to alert the nation to the dangers of second-hand smoke. Tonight, the City Council has another opportunity to protect public health. It will consider banning smoking at several outdoor venues, including city parks, sports facilities, trails and open spaces, as well as Mission Plaza and the downtown creek. The city won't be breaking ground this time -- several other jurisdictions have adopted similar bans -- but it's nonetheless an important step and one the City Council should not hesitate to take. . . . We urge the city to adopt the ban on smoking in public recreation areas and to set a time to revisit the issue -- say, one year from now -- to consider extending it to downtown sidewalks and benches too. Smokers may see this as yet another punitive measure aimed at curtailing their legal right to light up. It's not. We don't believe that smokers should be treated as pariahs. But we also don't believe they have the right to jeopardize the health of others. San Luis Obispo to weigh ban on smoking in parks The San Luis Obispo City Council on Tuesday will consider cracking down on smokers in local parks, 19 years after it was the first city in the nation to ban indoor smoking in public places. Specifically, the council will hear a staff recommendation to ban smoking in Mission Plaza, the downtown creek area and the city’s parks. The restriction could also apply to the city’s open-space reserves at its edges — also known as the greenbelt. ... Capitola's Proposed Smoking Ban Could Lead Nation When the statewide smoking ban took effect in 1999, Capitola's cigarette and cigar puffers were driven outdoors. But soon the outdoors -- or at least much of it -- may no longer be an option. A proposal put forth by Capitola Councilman Dennis Norton would ban smoking on the Esplanade, the wharf, at city parks, the library, City Hall and the Stockton Avenue Bridge. Beyond that, Norton also hinted at the possibility of a citywide ban in 2010 that would apply to all public outdoor spaces. Citing concerns about secondhand smoke and piles of cigarette butt litter, Norton says it's time to take action. ... Get tough on smoking ban, residents say GLENDALE — When resident Stephen Brown learned last year that the city had enacted citywide smoking restrictions, he looked forward to sitting outside at his favorite coffee shop and breathing in the fresh air. “For the past year I have been looking forward to the day when the patio will be smoke-free so that I may enjoy the outdoors. That day has not yet arrived,” he said. The city’s smoking restrictions took effect last November with an emphasis on public education before the officials started hard enforcement. A year later, just 15 citations have been issued, according to the city attorney’s office. A year after Burbank enacted its own set of less restrictive smoking restrictions, more than 500 citations had been given out, albeit without a warning period. Under Glendale’s restrictions, smoking is prohibited on all city property, including parks, in common areas of apartment complexes, outdoor dining areas that can’t meet strict separation requirements and nearly all publicly accessible private property, such as the Marketplace and Americana at Brand. ... Menifee won't adopt anti-smoking ordinance The Menifee City Council has decided to rely on state anti-smoking laws rather than craft its own ordinance. Councilman Scott Mann said that the city should not change the status quo until it hears from citizens that it's not working. The council then voted unanimously Tuesday night to simply enforce the state's tobacco regulations. ... No sanctuaries left for smokers at two Marin hospitals Two Marin hospitals have chosen Thursday, the date of the 34th Great American Smokeout, as the day to initiate a total ban on smoking on their campuses. To demonstrate that it means business, Novato Community Hospital on Wednesday removed its last refuge for employees and hospital visitors who smoked, a three-sided structure affectionately known as the "smoking shack." ... Council approves smoking lounge regulations: Some of the new regulations ... Nov. 18--LONG BEACH -- For years, smoking lounges operated illegally in Long Beach until the City Council legalized them in February. Now, it's the city that may be on the wrong side of the law after the council Tuesday approved the creation of smoking lounge regulations that don't all comply with state code. Going into the meeting, the council had two main options before it: to approve smoking lounge regulations as they had been written by city staff, or to approve the regulations with several additions from the council's Economic Development and Finance Committee. The problem was that some of the committee recommendations were flat out illegal, according to Deputy City Attorney Linda Trang. She had told the committee as much last week, but it still approved the recommendation on a split vote. ... Nevada City council to review smoking ban, solar farm Nevada City council members will review wording for ordinances banning medical marijuana dispensaries and smoking in parks at a meeting today. Smoking in parks was banned for a six-month trial period after council approval in 2007. A new ordinance would make the ban permanent. A separate ordinance will ban medical marijuana dispensaries within city limits. The council voted the dispensaries down in September and will review a draft of the ordinance at the meeting. ... Santa Fe Springs considers smoking ban at parks SANTA FE SPRINGS - The City Council may go cold turkey with a smoking ban at its six parks. But not all are on board with the proposed ban as written. "It needs some tweaking," Councilman Joe Serrano said. "I have never been a smoker, and I despise smoking," he said. "But I am concerned about taking away people's rights." Serrano and Councilwoman Betty Putnam also wondered how the ordinance would be implemented. "I'm not sure we have the staff to enforce it," Putnam said. ... San Bernardino Council: Don't light up in city parks SAN BERNARDINO - Smokers just can't catch a break. Lighting up can earn smokers a $100 fine after the first offense. Those who get caught smoking again in the same year can expect to see the penalty to escalate to $200, then $500. A fourth offense in one year makes smoking a misdemeanor, which means the unlawful use of a cigarette, cigar or pipe can be punishable by one year in jail or a $1,000 fine. ... San Marcos' Smoke Signals "Behavior modification takes time," said a San Marcos city employee during a November 11 city council meeting. The behavior they would like to modify is to prevent smokers from lighting up in nondesignated areas and flicking their butts in city parks. In 2008, San Marcos city councilmembers tried to do just that when they approved an ordinance banning smoking on park trails as well as establishing designated areas where smokers could spark up. So far, local health organizations and some councilmembers say the ordinance has been a success. Proof of that success took place at Woodland Park one Saturday afternoon in August. That day, volunteers searched the park for cigarette butts, finding a total of 74 butts tossed in planters, on sidewalks, parking lots, and on the grassy hills. A small number considering a similar event two years earlier, when volunteers collected 926 butts at the same location. And while some claim the decrease is proof the ordinance is working, councilmember Chris Orlando isn't convinced. Orlando believes modifying the behavior is taking too much time. Instead of focusing on modifying the behavior, Orlando would like to modify the ordinance by removing the designated areas and turning the entire park, as well as a hundred-foot area surrounding it, into a smoke-free zone. ... Smoking lounge rules on Long Beach Council agenda Smoke 'em if you got 'em - but only with a ventilation system and not if you're serving any food or beverages - may become Long Beach's new policy for the city's recently legalized smoking lounges. Oh, and don't invite any of your friends - we're happy with the eight cigar lounges and four hookah bars that we have now, thank you - might also be added to the policy. That last caveat could become the biggest challenge as the City Council tackles how to regulate smoking lounges Tuesday. The council's Economic Development and Finance Committee voted to recommend new smoking lounge regulations last week, but committee members were concerned about a proliferation of new lounges. City attorneys and city staff said the city has limited legal right to restrict the number of lounges. "Once we open this up, I think that there is the potential for other legitimate businesses to qualify under the regulations, and I think that is a consideration the council has to weigh," Director of Health and Human Services Ron Arias told the committee Wednesday. ... Palm Desert City Council passes smoking restrictions The Palm Desert City Council voted unanimously Thursday night to approve new restrictions on public smoking aimed at cutting down secondhand smoke in the city. The measure most likely will not take effect until the new year, as it was the plan's first reading and the second reading and final vote is not likely until December. Nevertheless, Thursday's 5-0 vote means all buildings and businesses in Palm Desert will have to keep smokers at least 20 feet from their main entrances. ... AUDIO: California's Adult Smoking Rate Bucks National Trend The Centers for Disease Control says 20.6 percent of American adults smoke. The adult smoking rate in California is only 14 percent. That's the second lowest percentage of any state in the country. Paul Knepprath is with the American Lung Association. He says California needs to raise the tobacco tax if it wants to continue making progress. ... New smoking lounge rules raise questions for council committee LONG BEACH - Figuring out a way to allow existing smoking lounges to continue in Long Beach yet prevent more from opening is easier said than done, a City Council panel learned Wednesday afternoon. The three-member Economic Development and Finance Committee got a first look at new regulations for smoking lounges, which the council voted to legalize in February, 15 years after Long Beach's groundbreaking ban on smoking in public places and workplaces went into effect. The full council will consider the lounge regulations next Tuesday. The committee voted 2-1, with Councilwoman Rae Gabelich opposed, to recommend that the council approve the proposed regulations with a few changes, but was forced to stop short of implementing controls to prevent new smoking lounges from opening. ... Palm Desert looking at new outdoor smoking rules The City Council is expected to vote on an update of the city's smoking ordinance that will require smokers to move 20 feet away from buildings' and businesses primary entrance so nonsmokers entering or exiting the premises are not confronted with a small cloud of secondhand smoke. Other changes in the law include: -- Restaurants or bars that allow smoking on their patios will have to make sure their smoking areas are not within 20 feet of the business's primary entrance. ... Tenants demand tougher anti-smoking laws "We shut the doors, we shut the windows, which is pretty inconvenient and not guaranteed to stop all the smoke anyway," he said. SRJC smokers pushed off campus Tobacco smokers at Santa Rosa Junior College are becoming increasingly marginalized — literally — with a strict new policy that has pushed them past the edges of the campus. To overcome complaints about droves of smokers puffing away on the border of the smoke-free campus, the school has instituted a policy prohibiting smoking within a minimum of 20 feet from the college property, including sidewalks.“We used to be able to smoke by the library,” said Aaron Carpenter, 20, as he took a smoking break from his English class Monday afternoon. “They pushed us back. Eventually, they'll kick us down all the way to the freeway.” “There should be a designated smoking area,” said his classmate Matthew Bandy, 22, echoing the suggestion of other smokers who said they are exiled to an adjacent residential neighborhood if they want to grab a quick smoke. Not only have the places disappeared where students can smoke, campus police are about to be granted the authority to issue citations for smoking infractions. The tickets are backed by fines that start at $100 for the first offense, increase to $250 for the second, and $500 for a third offense. Santa Rosa City Council members this afternoon are poised to pass a resolution that allows Junior College police to enforce the city ordinance prohibiting smoking around workplaces and public places, within a 20-foot radius. ... The Smoker's Tour Of Santa Cruz The Smoker's Tour begins just a few blocks from downtown, not far from a place where books get decapitated. "Absolutely no smoking" reads the sign above the parlor, but this has clearly been nothing more than a joke for several decades. With its crimson walls and year-round Halloween decorations tucked in a ceiling corner, this is a relaxing place to chat and an important stop on any smoker's bar crawl. Check for performances by local blues acts; the intimate concerts are a blast. When the clock tower chimes, the smoker will want to hurry in to check out this next stop, which is ranked by local experts as a quality dive. The jukebox, like the patrons, is caught between a few decades, but despite the melting pot of tastes there's always a warm atmosphere and a line for the lone pool table. The drinks are fairly priced, and they mix a mean White Russian. The night tour continues by ambling back toward the main drag, and close to 10:10pm the tourist will find a radical stimulus in the next stop, better known for its musical performances. If you ask for an ashtray at the bar upstairs, you'll be promptly told no and given one. ... Push to limit smoking rekindled The controversial legislation -- first introduced by Supervisor Chris Daly last year and now being pushed by Supervisor Eric Mar -- would forbid smoking in a slew of new settings, adding to existing bans in bars, restaurants, parks, transit stops and taxicabs. The bill would expand no-smoking zones to include farmers markets and the outdoor seating areas of restaurants, cafes and coffee shops. Smoking would also be prohibited while waiting in lines at ATMs, theaters, athletic events and concert venues. Apartment buildings and other multiunit residences would also have new areas with no-smoking signs. Smoking would be prohibited in common areas of apartment buildings, including hallways, elevators, parking lots, lobbies, waiting areas, bathrooms, laundry facilities and recreation areas. ... Smoking lounges on Long Beach council agenda again In March, the council instituted a yearlong moratorium on new cigar and hookah lounges so that city staff could refine regulations for the businesses. City health officials and attorneys say they are expecting to have the new ordinance ready this month, but a local smoking opponent is concerned that Uranga's committee meeting may circumvent the health officials' considerations. Melinda Cotton, of the Coalition for a Smoke-Free Long Beach, said Monday that Uranga's request to have the Economic Development and Finance Committee, of which Uranga is a member, take on the issue appears to be "a total end run" around the Department of Health and Human Services. Uranga calls for the smoking lounge exemptions to go before the committee "for discussion and formulating a recommendation to the City Council," according to the meeting agenda. "What this appears to do is to put this totally in the hands of the Economic Development and Finance Committee," Cotton said. Uranga said Monday that isn't the case. ... |
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Tobacco Industry Documents |
California Initiative 1/12/94 Bates Range: 2022839335 This document outlines steps Philip Morris (PM) planned to take to wipe out local clean indoor air ordinances in California. In addition to outlining steps to promote the Prop 188 statewide ballot initiative (the so-called Philip Morris Initiative that would have preempted local ordinances), the memo also outlines PM's local strategies to derail ordinances. |