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San Diego bans smoking in beaches and parks

Tobacco control advocates are celebrating San Diego's decision to ban smoking in all beaches and parks. It's the latest in a series of similar moves by other local cities. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg

Tobacco control advocates are celebrating San Diego's decision to ban smoking in all beaches and parks. It's the latest in a series of similar moves by other local cities. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.

In 2003, Solana Beach became the first city in the continental U.S. to ban smoking in beaches and parks. Since then, a number of other cities in San Diego County have followed suit.

Debra Kelley is with the American Lung Association.

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Kelley: "We have six cities that have already passed smoke-free beaches and parks laws. We have several cities that are in the pipeline, and those include Coronado, Poway, Carlsbad and Oceanside."

Chula Vista has just approved an ordinance to ban smoking in all outdoor dining areas. And a number of local college campuses are going smoke-free.

San Diego's new anti-smoking law could take effect by late July. Supporters say enforcement will be left up to citizens themselves.

Kenny Goldberg, KPBS News.