During a recent public hearing, Lake County officials discussed a proposed ordinance aimed at regulating smoking and commercial tobacco use in unincorporated areas. The meeting featured presentations from the health services team, including Liberty Francis and Director Arton, who provided insights into the ordinance's objectives.

The discussion highlighted the importance of addressing tobacco waste, with Francis introducing a visual aid—a container filled with tobacco product waste collected from local parks. This initiative stems from a training program conducted by the San Francisco Estuary, which focused on monitoring tobacco product waste. Over the past month, staff members have observed six parks in Lake County to assess the extent of tobacco litter.

The proposed ordinance seeks to mitigate the environmental impact of tobacco waste and promote public health by restricting smoking in designated areas. The health services team emphasized the need for community support and engagement in the ordinance's implementation, aiming to foster a cleaner and healthier environment for residents and visitors alike. Further discussions and community feedback will be essential as the county moves forward with this initiative.