Styrofoam, Smoking on Council Agenda

Even though environmental groups have been asking the Hermosa Beach City Council (better known as Styrofoam) food service take-out containers, the council Tuesday will discuss other options for reducing the use of the material.

The Hermosa Beach Green Task Force , arguing that the substance sometimes litters the beach and endangers the marine environment.

Now "the City Council has considered the initiative presented by the Green Task Force... together with alternative educational options and proposals by the [polystyrene] industry," according to a city staff report accompanying the council meeting agenda for Tuesday.

The California Restaurant Association and product industry representatives have suggested "a general proposal to reduce polystyrene in the environment and to increase recycling," according to city staffers (see accompanying city staff report under photo.)

The industry representatives have stated they will not promote a ban, but they have offered to partner with the city on education programs, which would allow restaurant owners to individually decide how to address this issue.

Meanwhile, some advocates for a ban are expected to speak before the council in its meeting, including Santa Monica Baykeeper Executive Director Liz Crosson.

"Santa Monica Baykeeper is in full support of the ban and urges the council to take this important step towards protecting its coastal environment and economy," she said in a statement issued by the group Monday. "Affordable alternatives exist and will only increase in availability as the demand increases."

The council in its meeting also will discuss another item that sometimes litters Hermosa's local beach: cigarettes. The panel has the option of introducing a proposed ordinance that would , such as Pier Plaza, the Pier, the Strand, public parks and parking lots.

If the ordinance is approved, it would accompany the law that already bans smoking on the beach and in city-owned buildings. City staffers recommend the effective date to be March 1.

The is on the table for the council to adopt in its meeting. The panel will also discuss the Vitality City "livability plan," which advises the Beach Cities how to build healthier communities.

In preparation for the winter holidays, the council will discuss its annual gift to residents and visitors: three hours of downtown.

The council meeting is Tuesday at 7 p.m. in council chambers.