By Kurtis Alexander

What would be the most sweeping limits on smoking in Santa Cruz County are making their way through the state Legislature and could be in effect by the first of the year.

A bill by Sen. Jenny Oropeza, D-Long Beach, would prohibit smoking at all state beaches and state parks in California.

With 25 miles of coastline and more than a dozen parks managed by State Parks in this county, the proposal is drawing attention locally, with most offering enthusiastic support for the measure.

“It’s just not the appropriate place to smoke. We want everybody to be able to enjoy themselves in a smoke-free environment,” said county Supervisor Neal Coonerty, who authored a county resolution in support of the proposed smoking ban earlier this month.

Full story