Smoking restrictions still a burning issue

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2007.

State Sen. Jenny Oropeza D-Carson, introduced two bills on Dec. 4, which, if passed, will restrict people from smoking in a vehicle containing children younger than 18 and establish a $250 fine for smoking at a state beach or within a state park.
According to Oropeza's Senate bill regarding the smoking of cigarettes at a state beach or park, the bill would establish a state-mandated local program by creating a new crime.
LBCC liberal arts major Lilia Ramos said, "I'm not really against smoking, but I hate how they dispose of them on the ground, especially at the beach when I roll on to one, or when my dog picks one up."
LBCC board policy 7002, adopted in 1983 and revised in 2001, states that smoking is prohibited inside all buildings, enclosed facilities and all outdoor instructional and sports areas. The policy also states that smoking is prohibited within 50 feet of any access doorway.
Mechanical engineer major Candace Carlson said, "I think smoking restrictions are ridiculous. I've been told to step 50 feet away from a building before, but that's stupid because people can still smell it. It's just another reason for people to complain about something."
Assembly Bill 846 states that people smoking around a main exit, entrance or operable window must remain 20 feet away, but AB 846 does not eliminate the authority of California Community College campuses to enforce additional rules regarding smoking and tobacco control.
"It is the vice president of Administrative Services who is responsible for administering this board policy," Executive Director of Public Affairs and Marketing Chi-Chung Keung said. "The Board of Trustees has taken a more aggressive stance on smoking on campus and the government code and AB 846 allow for this action."
Photography major Ramae Edwartz said, "I've had people tell me that it's bad for me, but I don't care what other people think. Smoking shouldn't be banned everywhere."