(Capitola CA) Beach smoking ban under construction (is now law)

Santa Cruz Sentinel ^ | 9/9/04

[martin_fierro]

Beach smoking ban under construction

Sentinel Staff Report

The City Council will decide whether to ban cigarettes on the main beach tonight.

If second reading of a proposed ordinance is passed, the law could be enforceable in time for the winter holidays.

Earlier this year, Councilman Dennis Norton suggested the city look into the ban, saying Capitola’s beach is not the public’s ashtray, while also citing health and environmental issues as reasons for a cigarette ban.

In July, the Santa Cruz City Council began researching a proposal to ban smoking on city-administered beaches.

While noting that secondhand cigarette smoke causes health problems, Norton said they also pose a host of health concerns to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and wildlife.

During beach cleanups, 80 percent of the trash picked up is cigarette butts, he said.

Norton proposes the city set up an ashtray system along the wall that separates the beach from the sidewalk on Esplanade Way.

Signage also would be erected telling people it’s illegal to smoke.

Police Chief Richard Ehle expects his department would enforce the law, if passed, by giving warnings. But if people don’t comply citations will be issued, he said.

The county will decide whether to approve the ordinance during tonight’s 7 o’clock meeting. It will be held in the Council Chamber, 420 Capitola Ave. The meeting will be simulcast on Charter Communications Channel 8.

[martin_fierro]

Capitola is a pretty little town and beach.

But the Health Nazis are running rampant there. This measure passed last night.

[martin_fierro]

WTF Ping

[dfwgator]

Sounds like Capitola needs to add an 'r' to its name.

[EggsAckley]

Yeah, this has been in the works for a while. Fortunately, I never go to the beach, so I really don't care. I live here for the climate, not the beach.

I swear, if I didn't have this beautiful acreage and house, there'd be no reason to stay in this loony county.

[CSM]

Puff ping!

[bankwalker]

Capitola is a pretty little town and beach.

I've been on Capitola beach, and some of the scenery there is really smokin'.

[OHIOforBUSH]

Regardless of the law, there will still be a lot of butts on the beach.

[SheLion]

Sounds pretty bad, doesn't it?

 

Until you notice that there were 50,000 volunteers out there cleaning for a whole day.    Do the math.  That means in a whole day of cleaning, each one of them was able to find only 6 or 7 cigarette butts... or about one or two per hour of cleaning the beaches.

 

Meanwhile they each picked up about 15 pounds of trash.   One ounce or so of which was cigarette butts.  That's about 1/2 to 1% of the total weight.

 

Not quite the way the Antis like to spin it in their own press releases, eh?

I received email about this.  The Anti-Brains Author broke it down.  The cigarette butts aren't exactly the culprit of the trash.

[muleskinner]

I will make it a point to personally smoke a big, fat stogie at said beach. Those granola munchin', tie-dye wearin', hairy-leggin', whale-watchin' humps can bite me.

[misterrob]

or

or

or

[bankwalker]

I think I recognize that second one from behind.

[New Perspective]

But the Health Nazis are running rampant there

Filty trash is the point. Just thought I would remind you.

[martin_fierro]

Earlier this year, Councilman Dennis Norton suggested the city look into the ban, saying Capitola’s beach is not the public’s ashtray, while also citing health and environmental issues as reasons for a cigarette ban.

There. Now was it that hard to actually read the article first.

[CSM]

"Filty trash is the point. Just thought I would remind you."

Littering laws already exist. Just thought I would remind you.

[New Perspective]

Littering laws already exist. Just thought I would remind you.

If they know this then why do they not follow the law?? I guess that just don't give s*&T so someone is finally stepping up to the plate. Just thought I would remind you.

[CSM]

If people don't follow the current law, they won't follow a new law. Just thought I would remind you.

[New Perspective]

Earlier this year, Councilman Dennis Norton suggested the city look into the ban, saying Capitola’s beach is not the public’s ashtray, while also citing health and environmental issues as reasons for a cigarette ban.

WOW, this guy is way way out of line. Filthy trash on the beach, AND he adds health and enviromental to the mix, shame on him. Getting you back on track, it is about the filth.

[New Perspective]

If people don't follow the current law, they won't follow a new law. Just thought I would remind you.

Well I guess they will just have to take it up a notch. It appears smokers are much dumber than I thought. Just thought I would remind you.

[martin_fierro]

WOW, this guy is way way out of line. Filthy trash on the beach, AND he adds health and enviromental to the mix, shame on him.

So these Nazi regulations ARE about more than just the "filth," then.

Thanks for the concession.

[CSM]

Is your definition of "taking it up a notch" passing another law that will not be enforced? Why not just enforce the current litter laws that are on the books?

Nice judgemental attitude you have there, why not just license people of specific IQ levels to be allowed on the beach? That ought to eliminate the litter problem.