Smoking Ban in Parks Is Healthy for Children

Your Dec. 18 editorial, “Gun Smoke Is the Park Peril,” marginalized my stand on creating smoke-free zones in parks, citing the increase of gang violence as the real problem. Violence is a reality in many communities in Los Angeles, and gang violence has increased around city parks. But the underlying goal of safety, comfort and protection needs to be addressed in more than one way.

Los Angeles is made up of crowded, urban communities that are riddled with air pollution from power plants, motor vehicles and industries. In the 9th District there are brownfield sites--toxic waste pockets that are integrated into residential neighborhoods. These are places where children and families live and work; they inhale hazardous fumes on a daily basis. These agents, combined with secondhand smoke, aggravate existing respiratory conditions, cause inner-ear infections and promote the development of asthma in children.

It is every child’s right to play outside without worrying about becoming short of breath from additional carcinogenic substances. The issues of guns and smoking are not mutually exclusive. Our children are at risk every day. We should fight for the depth and breadth of their safety and well-being.

Jan Perry

L.A. City Council