HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-11-14 - AGENDA REPORTS - NO SMOKING PARKS (2)NEW BUSINESS
FDY.W:A
SUBJECT:
DEPARTMENT:
Agenda Item:_
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
City Manager Approval:
Item to be presented by:
November 14, 2006
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE REGARDING NO
SMOKING IN SANTA CLARITA PARKS
Parks, Recreation, and Community Services
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council introduce and pass to second reading an ordinance entitled: "AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING
CHAPTER 9.50 "TOBACCO CONTROL."
BACKGROUND
On January 1, 2002, a new State law took effect designed to protect children in playgrounds and
tot lot areas in parks. Assembly Bill (AB) 188 added Section 104495 to the Health and Safety
Code which prohibits smoking a cigarette, cigar, or other tobacco -related product within these
areas. The purpose of this law is to protect children in these public areas from harmful effects of
second-hand smoke and reduce litter from tobacco -related waste. An additional benefit of the
law is that children are less able to observe and copy adult smoking behavior. The law
specifically is not preemptive and states that cities may adopt more stringent local ordinances.
Although smoking is already prohibited by State law in all tot lots, there is currently no such
prohibition for other areas within City parks.
Smoking in parks endangers children and other park users by exposing them to second-hand
smoke. Numerous studies have shown that second-hand smoke is a significant public health
hazard. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has classified second-hand smoke as a group
A carcinogen, the most dangerous class of carcinogen. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) estimates that second-hand smoke causes 3,000 lung cancer deaths per year
among adult non-smokers in the U.S. The California Environmental Protection Agency has
concluded that second-hand smoke causes coronary heart disease in non-smokers. Second-hand
smoke is especially hazardous to particular groups, including those with chronic health problems,
the elderly, and children. The CDC has found that second-hand smoke causes children to suffer
from lower respiratory tract illness, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, exacerbate childhood
Ordinance passed to
Second reading
Currently, the City cannot prohibit smoking at any of the swimming pools, softbaWbaseball
fields, soccer fields, the skatepark, etc. However, a number of users of those park amenities have
been requesting for a change in this policy staring health and safety concerns from second-hand
smoke. Staff has researched this issue and concurs that the time is right to establish smoke-free
parks.
This ban on smoking in parks protects the health, safety, and welfare of Santa Clarita residents
and visitors. Furthermore, it promotes a healthy lifestyle and supports the City's healthy Santa
Clarita efforts. In November 2004, the City Council adopted a resolution declaring the City's
support of a Healthy City Initiative. This resolution made the statement that the City of Santa
Clarita has a strong interest, and moral responsibility in providing an all-encompassing
environment that is conducive to the health of its citizens.
California cities have been implementing no smoking policies in parks for a number of years.
The cities of Beverly Hills, Coronado, Carson, San Fernando, Huntington Beach, El Monte,
Santa Cruz, San Francisco, Calabasas, and most recently San Diego have extended the smoke
free policy to include entire parks. The San Diego City Council unanimously approved a
smoke-free beaches and parks ordinance in June 2006, making San Diego the largest city in
California to adopt such provisions, covering a park system that is the second-largest in the
United States (behind the city/county of Jacksonville, Florida). A number of other cities are in
the process of considering a proposal to establish smoke-free parks.
Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Recommendation
On September 7, 2006, the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Commission approved
the prohibition of smoking in all City parks and recommended the City Council adopt an
ordinance prohibiting smoking in parks.
The proposed ban on smoking in City parks demonstrates the City's commitment to keeping its
parks safe, healthy, and pleasant for everyone.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS
Other action as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact by this action.
ATTACHMENTS
Ordinance