A bill by state Sen. Jenny Oropeza that would ban smoking on state beaches and in state parks will face its first major legislative hurdle Tuesday.
Senate Bill 4, drafted by the Long Beach Democrat, will go before the state Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee for review in Sacramento.
The "No Smoking at State Parks and Beaches Act," as the bill is called, would establish a fine of $250 for smoking at a state beach or in a state park.
Oropeza's fourth version of the proposal seeks to protect the marine environment from cigarette butts and reduce fire danger, according to Ray Sotero, spokesman for Oropeza.
A former Long Beach councilwoman, Oropeza said late last year that she thinks the bill will face fewer obstacles his time around since influential Republican opponents were forced out of the Legislature by term limits.
From Venice to Long Beach, Oropeza's 28th District hugs much of the Southern California coastline.
The law would apply at all state beaches, such as Bolsa Chica State Beach in Huntington Beach. Long Beach and Seal Beach are city beaches.
Smoking-related issues are important to Oropeza, a cancer survivor.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed Oropeza's 2007 law banning smoking in a car with a child under 18 present.
While in the Assembly in 2006, Oropeza won approval for a ban on smoking in stairwells and elevators inside parking garages.
Opponents consider her smoking bills a drag. They have call her a nanny-state proponent, a description she has disputed.
Paul Eakins reports on Long Beach City Hall, and local and regional
politics. A newcomer to the Press-
Kris Hanson reports on the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles,
covering environmental issues, economic triumphs and
pitfalls and trade trends of America’s largest port.
He also writes a weekly column “On The Waterfront”,
appearing Tuesdays, and also produces an occassional video
and column titled “On The Job,” which follows the hard-working
men and women who keep Southern California’s economy humming.
Karen Robes Meeks came to work for the Press-
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