The American Lung Association has released its “State of Tobacco Control 2015” report (http://www.stateoftobaccocontrol.org/), which tracks progress on key tobacco control policies at the state and federal levels. In the report, the City of Culver City is recognized for the City Council’s adoption of new regulations prohibiting smoking in multi-unit housing (including individual units, private patios and balconies, and indoor and outdoor common areas) in 2014.
This City Council’s action raised Culver City’s letter grade from an “F” to an “A” in the category of Smoke free Housing. Culver City received a “B” grade for its Overall Tobacco Control policies, joining only 10 percent of all cities and counties in California with a letter grade of “B” and higher in Overall Tobacco Control.
The American Lung Association’s report assigns grades to California cities in four key areas: Tobacco Prevention and Control Program Funding; Smoke Free Air; Tobacco Taxes; and Access to Cessation Services.
“It’s a great honor to be recognized by the American Lung Association, a leader in the fight for cleaner air, for Culver City’s efforts to reduce second hand smoke exposure for those who live in our community,” said Culver City Mayor Meghan Sahli-Wells.
This recognition is the latest accomplishment for Culver City, which has done significant work since 2006 to address the impacts of smoking. In addition to the ban on smoking in multi-unit housing, the City Council’s efforts to date include banning smoking at parks, trails, and other similar recreation areas; prohibiting smoking in outdoor dining areas at restaurants and bars; and setting restrictions on tobacco retailers.
Culver City joins 39 other California “Cities and Counties on the Rise,” which adopted ordinances in at least one of the three main policy categories in 2014. The American Lung Association believes these policies are noteworthy and deserve acknowledgement. The letter grades are based on tobacco control laws and regulations in effect as of Jan. 2, 2015.
“I’m pleased to announce that Culver City will soon consider joining cities and counties across the state that are taking steps to protect children from new and emerging tobacco products, specifically e-cigarettes,” added Mayor Sahli-Wells.
In recent years, there has been an increase in use and advertising of electronic smoking devices, or e-cigarettes.
“Staff anticipates bringing an item to the City Council within the next few months for its consideration of potential amendments to the City’s existing tobacco retailer license ordinance to address the sale of e-cigarettes,” Culver City’s Assistant City Attorney Heather Baker said.
The American Lung Association notes that despite the fact that many cities and counties have adopted strong tobacco control policies this past year, a majority of cities and counties in California still fail to protect their residents from the dangers of tobacco use.
In total, 323 municipalities (60 percent of all municipalities) receive an “F” for their Overall Tobacco Control grade. For more information about the American Lung Association and its efforts regarding tobacco use and control, persons interested can visit: http://www.lung.org/#.