Smoking Restrictions Expanded To Parks

During its first meeting of 2012, the South Gate City Council unanimously introduced an ordinance that expands restrictions on smoking to South Gate Park and other public landscaped areas. Designated smoking areas will exist within the park and will be determined by the Parks and Recreation Department prior to the implementation of the ordinance in 30 days.

Members of the South Gate Smoke Free Coalition were there to applaud the passing of the ordinance, and asked for careful consideration when establishing the areas for smokers. 

“Please keep in mind the harmful effects that second hand smoke has on adults and children,” said Carolina Parra, 23, who spoke on behalf of the South Gate Smoke Free Coalition. “I suggest that areas such as parking lots be the solution.”

Other residents also showed their support for the ordinance, and expressed approval for the inclusion of designated smoking areas. 

“Although I don’t smoke I know what people go through,” said Virginia Johnson, who quit smoking 15 years ago.

Another topic that was discussed in the City Council meeting was the adoption of a resolution that would call upon the Los Angeles Unified School District to redesign the multipurpose room at South Region High School #9, a new high school that is currently under construction. 

The discussion on whether the multipurpose room should be turned into an auditorium was postponed for the next meeting. The council members wanted to weigh the positives and negatives of having to redesign the room with “Padres Unidos,” the parent organization that expressed concerns about the subject.

“We will table it until we have this conversation with ‘Padres Unidos,’” said Mayor Maria Davila.

The council also declared February as and oversaw the take his oath of office with Los Angeles Court Judge Ana Maria Luna presiding.