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Jump to full article: Canyon News (Beverly Hills, CA), 2010-03-21
Author: Susie Kopecky on Mar 21, 2010 - 2:56:37 PM
Intro: On Thursday, March 18, the vote to ban all public smoking in California fell short of needed votes. Another vote is expected to take place early next week.
Senate Bill 4, which was introduced by Long Beach Assemblywoman Jennie Oropeza, is titled "The No Smoking at State Parks and Beaches Act." If put into law, the legislation would impose a fine of at least $100 or $250 on those caught smoking at state parks and beaches. According to Oropeza, there are a number of reasons why the bill would be an integral one for state safety. Oropeza cited the EPA's claim that cigarette stubs act as marine debris and harm marine life, accounting for "38 percent of all debris items found on beaches" in the U.S.; that "smoking-related debris poses a persistent and serious threat to marine life and beachgoers over California's 1,100 miles of coastline"; and that according to the state Department of Forestry, "smoking has been found to annually cause more than 100 California forest fires and more than 3,400 acres of damage." Oropeza also blamed smoking for "four of the 25 worst wildfires in California" between 1929 and 1999, which have caused well over $1 billion in damages.
Assemblywoman Julia Brownley, a Democratic representative from the 41st District (which includes such areas as Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Topanga and Port Hueneme) is one assembly representative pushing for the ban.
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