Concord’s grade on its tobacco control policies stayed the course this year, holding on to a solid overall “C.” That was the same grade it received in 2013.
The American Lung Association released its annual tobacco report on cities and counties on Wednesday.
The report graded local governments in four key areas -- tobacco control and prevention spending, smoke-free air, cigarette tax and cessation coverage.
The report states the battle to reduce tobacco use in most states, including California, has "all but stalled.
Concord received an “F” for providing smoke-free housing, and a “C” on having smoke-free air. One bright note on the report was an “A” for reducing sales of tobacco products.
Nearby, Clayton received an overall grade of “D.” The town’s report card shows a “D” on smoke free air, an “F” on smoke-free housing, and a “D” on reducing sales of tobacco products.
Although smoking is banned in a roughly 17-block radius around Todos Santos Plaza, Patch readers say the ban is not well enforced, with smokers lighting up anywhere they like.
In Contra Costa County, one city (Richmond) received an "A" as did the unincorporated regions. Three cities received a "B," four cities got a "C," three cities earned a "D" and eight cities were tagged with an "F."
Overall, the lung association says the country must "renew its commitment to eliminate tobacco-caused death and disease."
The reports notes California used to be a leader in tobacco control policies, but now the state is falling behind in these measures.
In this year's report, the number of California cities receiving an "A" rose while the number getting an "F" declined.
However, more than 60 percent of California's municipalities still received "F" grades.
Do you think the city should do more to control cigarette smoke?
Although smoking is banned in a roughly 17-block radius around Todos Santos Plaza, Patch readers say the ban is not well enforced, with smokers lighting up anywhere they like.
In Contra Costa County, one city (Richmond) received an "A" as did the unincorporated regions. Three cities received a "B," four cities got a "C," three cities earned a "D" and eight cities were tagged with an "F."
Overall, the lung association says the country must "renew its commitment to eliminate tobacco-caused death and disease."
The reports notes California used to be a leader in tobacco control policies, but now the state is falling behind in these measures.
In this year's report, the number of California cities receiving an "A" rose while the number getting an "F" declined.
However, more than 60 percent of California's municipalities still received "F" grades.
Do you think the city should do more to control cigarette smoke?
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