Cigarette smoking on all California beaches might soon be extinguished after legislators, environmentalists and health activists gather today to announce and discuss new state legislation that prohibits tobacco stems from making an appearance on the state’s sandy shores. The new legislation, which is being introduced by assemblyman Paul Koretz (D-West Hollywood), hopes to eliminate beach litter and marine debris from the state’s 1,100 miles of beach. The step to ensure a statewide smoke-free environment on the beaches follows in California’s leading efforts to remove environmental tobacco smoke in public places such as bars, restaurants and parks. The conference will be held at Santa Monica Pier’s parking lot at the corner of Ocean and Colorado Avenues at 10:00 a.m.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 18, 2004. Read the original PDF.