Along with the implementation of the smoking ban on all city open spaces last Thursday, Aug. 17, the Surfrider Foundation unveiled 23 new ash cans strategically placed along Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach as part of their “Hold On To Your Butt” program, and promised to install seven more in the near future.
The Ocean Beach Mainstreet Association has volunteered to empty the rustproof, stainless steel containers twice a week.
The ash cans are available for smokers to dispose of their cigarette butts on their way to the shoreline, now that the ban preludes smoking at city beaches and parks.
“We hope to use the success from Ocean Beach in other beach communities across the county,” said Alan Houadle, chairman of the San Diego chapter of the Surfrider Foundation.
Houadle said the organization selected Ocean Beach for this year’s campaign because of its history of activism and support of Surfrider programs. While he said he is concerned about increased litter in the streets, he hopes that the City Council follows through with their commitment to amend the ban to include the boardwalk.
“It’s unfortunate that basically a loophole that the boardwalk is not currently being included,” Houadle said.
Councilman Kevin Faulconer said the amendment should make the docket after the legislative recess that ends Sept. 12.
Despite the fact that the Parks and Recreation Department has not yet posted signs reminding the public of the smoking ban, Faulconer said he believes that the ordinance will be self-enforcing.
Surfrider also announced a toll-free number to report drivers who litter butts on county streets. The California Highway Patrol will field messages left at (800) NO-SMOKE and mail warning letters to drivers whose descriptions and license plate numbers are reported.