Give Now
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
  • Full Schedule
Watch Live

Health

San Diego Gets Poor Marks In Tobacco Control Report

By Kenny Goldberg / Health Reporter
Published January 25, 2017 at 3:45 PM PST
This story was published more than 7 years ago.
A no smoking sign posted in Balboa Park is seen in this undated image. Smokers can be fined up to $1000 for lighting up in San Diego city parks.
SAY San Diego
A no smoking sign posted in Balboa Park is seen in this undated image. Smokers can be fined up to $1000 for lighting up in San Diego city parks.

When it comes to tobacco control, San Diego is not America's finest city.

The latest State of Tobacco Control report from the American Lung Association grades cities in three separate areas of tobacco policy: smoke-free outdoor areas, smoke-free multifamily housing and reducing sales of tobacco products.

San Diego got a D grade for failing to ban smoking in apartment houses and condominiums, and for not having adequate restrictions on smoking on patios and other outdoor areas in restaurants.

Advertisement
Become a KPBS sponsor

In contrast, California received high marks for becoming only the second state in the nation to raise the minimum legal age to buy tobacco to 21. California was also recognized for passing a ballot measure to raise the tobacco tax by $2 a pack.

Health
Kenny Goldberg
Kenny Goldberg covered health for KPBS, where he reported on a wide range of health-related topics. His radio and television work garnered three Golden Mike awards, Best in Show from the Society of Professional Journalists, and numerous other honors. He has also been awarded fellowships from the New York Times Foundation and the National Press Foundation. In addition to his work for KPBS, Kenny was a frequent contributor to the California Report, heard on public radio stations throughout California. A Seattle native, Kenny graduated from the University of Washington, and began his broadcasting career in the news departments of KOGO and KSDO in San Diego. In his spare time, Kenny loves to practice tai chi, hike, and travel with his wife, Angela.
See stories by Kenny Goldberg
More News