City Launches 'Health' Campaign, Smoking Law

As Hermosa Beach’s public smoking ordinance takes effect this week, city leaders and public health advocates held a press conference at Pier Plaza on Monday morning, introducing the city's as well as the Healthy Air Hermosa campaign.

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Mayor Howard Fishman and Mayor Pro Tem Jeff Duclos spoke to those in attendance and expressed their excitement over the ordinance, which will be put into effect Thursday.

"We hope with this new ordinance being passed, we can provide a healthy environment for people planning to live longer," Fishman said. "This ordinance will provide Hermosa Beach a breath of fresh air."

Under the city's ordinance, smoking will be outlawed in several areas across the city, including Pier Plaza, the Strand, numerous outdoor restaurant patios, all public parks, the Hermosa Beach Pier, and city parking lots.

"Seventy percent of smokers say they would quit if they could," Duclos said. "If by implementing this action, we could in some way motivate them, I think that's important."

Fishman said those caught breaking the newly imposed law will face fines between $100 and $500. Those that accrue three offenses could be charged with a misdemeanor.

"It's important to point out that while California has strict laws on smoke, state law falls short of protecting people from secondhand smoke in smaller cities and public areas," Duclos said.

Robert Berger, project director of Project Trust for Los Angeles County, said while Hermosa Beach is not the first city to launch this sort of project, "it is one of the most thoughtful projects as far as outreach with residents and businesses," he said. "It's a really well-crafted ordinance and one that fits the community's needs."

Lisa Santora, chief medical officer for the Beach Cities Health District, said the ordinance will affect her family on a personal level. She also thanked city leaders for promoting a healthy community environment.

"It affects me personally," said Santora, who is the mother of a 1-year-old and announced that she is currently pregnant with her second child. "It will be a huge benefit for those that work and play and visit Hermosa Beach."

"Our vision of a health community just got a step closer because the leadership of our city government," Santora added.

What do you think of Hermosa Beach's new law regarding outdoor smoking? Is it fair? .