COUNCIL VOTES TO BAN E-CIGS WHERE SMOKING ALREADY PROHIBITED
San Diego joined several other local cities on July 28 in banning the use of electronic cigarettes in all places where conventional smoking is already prohibited. The ordinance is scheduled to become effective this fall.
Adopted unanimously by the City Council, it regulates how the increasingly popular electronic cigarettes can be sold, requiring special permits for businesses that sell them and prohibiting sales from vending machines.
The makers of e-cigs, which are battery-powered and emit vapor instead of smoke, allegedly target young people with colorful packaging and by featuring flavors like bubble gum. In addition, councilmembers said young people frequently use the devices to smoke marijuana and tobacco.
A representative from the industry brought a petition to the council containing more than 900 signatures in opposition to the legislation regulating the use of e-cigarettes, which is also called “vaping.”
The city joins the county government and the cities of Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista, El Cajon and La Mesa in regulating e-cigs. New York, Chicago, Seattle, Los Angeles and Long Beach have also regulated the devices. POLICE IDENTIFY OFFICER IN DE ANZA COVE SHOOTING The San Diego police officer who was forced to fire Aug. 6 on an armed man advancing toward officers at De Anza Cove was identified as Michael Weaver, a nine-year veteran of the department. The unusual incident unfolded shortly after 11 a.m. when officers were dispatched to the 2800 block of N. Mission Bay Drive, when suspect Lance Tamayo told police dispatchers he was going to shoot himself. Patrol officers tried to negotiate with Tamayo in his vehicle over a cell phone. Tamayo was initially cooperative and got out of his vehicle to turn himself in. Tamayo then returned to his vehicle and retrieved a loaded 9mm handgun, according to police. He got out of his vehicle and reportedly pointed his gun recklessly at several people in the park. Tamayo also reportedly pointed the gun at a police helicopter flying overhead and ultimately pointed the gun at the officers on the scene. Tamayo reportedly advanced toward police while still pointing his weapon at them, prompting Weaver to fire one shot, which struck the Tamayo one time in his abdomen. At last report, Tamayo is still hospitalized in critical but stable condition and will face felony charges for brandishing his handgun at citizens and police. ASSEMBLY SPEAKER ATKINS TO HOST COMMUNITY OFFICE EVENT
Californa Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins will host a “community office” in Pacific Beach on Tuesday, Sept. 16 so residents may meet with her staff and obtain information on state services or assist with any state-related agency. Topics and issues with state-related agencies include discussions on:
• Department of Motor Vehicles
• Consumer complaints
• Veterans Affairs
• Medi-Cal and Covered California (Affordable Care Act) • Property-tax issues • Unemployment and disability insurance • State Franchise Tax Board • Express an opinion
• Suggest changes to a law
• Ask for copies, summaries and information on bills
• The state budget
• State agency phone numbers
• Reports issued by the Legislature and state agencies • State Capitol tour requests
The “community office takes place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Pacific Beach Branch Library, located at 4275 Cass St.
For more information, visit asmdc.org/speaker. BAREFOOT BEACH RESCUE, SURFRIDER TO TEAM IN CLEANUP
The Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue Project, now in its eighth year, helps keep beaches, rivers and lakes across America “barefoot friendly.” In 2014, Barefoot Wine and the Surfrider Foundation, along with community volunteers, are embarking on a tour of 15 cleanups nationwide, stopping in Pacific Beach
A beach cleanup will take place on Aug. 23 from 9 to 11 a.m., followed by another on Pacific Beach Drive from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (participants are asked to meet at the end on the sand), Following the cleanup, volunteers age 21 and over are invited to attend a Surfrider-hosted celebration featuring Barefoot Wine and surf-inspired fare. The event takes place at The Local in Pacific Beach, 809 Thomas Ave.
The event is free and open to the public.
The Surfrider Foundation San Diego Chapter is a nonprofit, environmental organization that works for the enjoyment and protection of our oceans, waves and beaches.
For more information and to RSVP, visit BeachRescue2014.com. HEADLINE: SAN DIEGO MARKET TO DEBUT IN PB
The San Diego Vintage Market will host its grand opening on Saturday, Aug. 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mission Bay High School. The market will then be held the last Saturday of the month year round.
Guests can expect to find an eclectic collection of vendors featuring reused, recycled, vintage, antique, rusted, shabby chic, retro and some unusual items. There is something for artisans, craftsmen, pickers and collectors alike, with everything from furniture and garden décor to vintage items and antiques. Market organizers said the vendors have been chosen for their uniqueness and style. There is no charge for entry or parking. For more info and vendor application, visit www.SanDiegoVintageMarket.com.