Pass smoke-free Fresno parks policies

It was unfortunate that two bills to ban smoking at state parks and beaches, as well as community colleges and California State University campuses were vetoed this week. Both would have made for a healthier environment for all Californians, especially the most vulnerable: our children.

As a college student and volunteer for the American Lung Association in California, I and other supporters will continue to fight to make sure every Californian can enjoy the places they live, work and play without having to worry about being exposed to harmful secondhand smoke. The U.S. Surgeon General has long made it clear: there is no safe exposure to secondhand smoke. It’s dangerous and deadly.

In the Fresno area, community members are urging local governments to pass smoke-free parks policies right now. It’s an effort that has overwhelming public support because it will clear parks of secondhand smoke and cigarette butt debris for the future of our public health and especially the health of our children.

This story was originally published October 9, 2016 at 2:48 PM with the headline "Pass smoke-free Fresno parks policies."