YORBA LINDA : Anti-Smoking Ballot Measure Is Dropped

The City Council this week dropped an advisory measure on the November ballot that would amend the city’s smoking ordinance.

Tuesday’s 5-0 vote was prompted by Gov. Pete Wilson’s signing July 22 of a statewide measure that accomplishes many of the same restrictions on smoking in public places that the measure addressed.

“I’m happy I won with the help of the governor,” Councilman Henry W. Wedaa said.

Wedaa’s proposed ban on smoking in public places, including restaurants and all places of employment, has had a roller-coaster ride since the council first voted in May to ask residents if they wanted the ban.

In June, at a meeting Wedaa did not attend, the council voted to remove the advisory measure from the ballot and consider a scaled-back version that would allow small smoking sections at restaurants.

Last month, Wedaa persuaded two of his colleagues to put the measure back on the ballot. He said an ordinance that allows any smoking in restaurants is not sufficient.

But after Wilson signed the new law, Wedaa supported dropping the advisory measure from the ballot.

City Atty. Leonard Hampel said the proposed amendment to the city’s smoking ordinance is similar to the state law.

“The bill is much tougher than most people realize,” Hampel said. “It compares very favorably to the (proposed) Yorba Linda ordinance.”