Congratulations to the City Council on passing the smoking ban (SMDP, March 25, page 1). It takes real courage to stand up for the rights of people not to be infected by secondhand smoke — not to mention the disgusting litter associated with public smoking. Let’s hope the “smoking area” on the pier is tucked far and away from where families are likely to be present.
When I first moved to Santa Monica, I had looked forward to enjoying walks and runs on the beach. I quickly learned that I could not enjoy the sensation of sand between my toes without the grotesque experience of occasionally rubbing my feet against cigarette butts recently plucked and discarded from the mouth of some anonymous smoker. I understand that trying to find a location for a summer beach blanket not adjacent to smokers on an otherwise nice summer day can be a frustrating challenge.
To Councilpersons Feinstein and O’Connor, I can only wonder about the motivation and rationale for being recently opposed to laws designed to protect Santa Monicans (and our hundreds of thousands of guests) both from unreasonable noise and from smoke and litter on our beaches and piers. It’s good to know that at least a majority of our current council is committed to promoting, and not denigrating, the quality of life in the city.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 26, 2004. Read the original PDF.