Supervisor Eric Mar; Second hand smoke law

I am working with the SF Department of Public Health, Tobacco Free Project and community organizations to introduce legislation that will strengthen San Francisco's Health Code to increase protections from secondhand smoke. The current law leaves some San Francisco residents vulnerable to exposure to secondhand smoke. The proposed amendments will close these loopholes.

The recent United States Surgeon General's Report, The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke, reported that millions of Americans, both children and adults, are still exposed to secondhand smoke in their homes and workplaces and that there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke.

I am sponsoring this legislation to keep San Francisco healthy, especially the most vulnerable population of young children in our communities. While California law protects indoor workers from secondhand smoke, a family's right to breathe clean air in their own home has been vastly overlooked. The new provisions provide some protection by banning smoking in enclosed common areas of multi-family housing complexes.

The new provisions would prohibit smoking in outdoor dining areas, hotel and motel lobbies, in at least 75 percent of hotel and motel guest rooms, bars, tobacco shops, ticket and ATM lines, and farmers' markets. Smoking will be permitted at the curb outside of private, non-residential building entrances, exits and windows. If there is no curb, no smoking is allowed within 15 feet of private building entrances, exits and windows.

The new provisions would require that enclosed common areas of apartment buildings and multi-unit residences be smoke free. This includes common halls, elevators, parking areas, lobbies, waiting areas, bathrooms, recreation areas, and cooking, dining, lounge and laundry facilities. Tenants must keep the front door of their private unit closed while smoking.

A public information campaign will be conducted to inform residents and building, restaurant and hotel owners of the new law. Additionally, signs will be posted in public areas covered by the ordinance, including in enclosed common areas of multi-unit housing.

I hope we can work together to keep everyone safe from the dangers of second hand smoke.

Big Events in Park

Golden Gate Park is the "crown jewel" of parks in San Francisco and arguably the United States. We in the Richmond District are incredibly lucky to live so close to this destination that millions of people flock to annually. It is the perfect picnic place for some, the most serene jogging path for others and a place of mediation for even more.

As many of you have noticed, Golden Gate Park is also a popular location to host large cultural events and shows. The two most notable events this past summer were the Outside Lands Concert and the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival. Although many people thoroughly enjoy these events, they can have very inconvenient impacts to the surrounding neighbors, ranging from parking and traffic to noise and blocked driveways. I want to thank all of you who called and e-mailed my office about these large events and how you were affected.

I am working with our SF Recreation and Park Department to try to minimize these negative impacts on our neighborhoods. I have called for a hearing to discuss a more efficient interagency approach so we can better manage and schedule these events. I am working directly with the new general manager and his top staff to ensure these events are handled better, have more efficient neighborhood outreach and input and respect every aspect of our park system.

I hope that you will join me in the Land Use Committee this month to add your suggestions and input to the discussion. All relevant city departments will be present and I anticipate a fruitful discussion with a clear outline from the Recreation and Park Department as to what they will do to improve these large events for the sake of the park and its neighbors. Please contact my office for information on the day and time of the hearing.

Coffee with Eric: On Wednesday, Nov. 25, from 10 - 11 a.m., I will be at the Garden House Cafe (3117 Clement St.). Come meet with me and other Richmond residents and share what's on your mind!

Supervisor Eric Mar represents District 1.