The San Diego City Council will vote today on a proposal that would ban smoking on public beaches and parks.

San Diego would be the second largest city in California to pass such a ban, according to the American Lung Association and the Tobacco-Free Communities Coalition. San Diego also has the second-largest park system in the country next to the city and county of Jacksonville, Fla., according to the group.

Here’s why the group says the ban is necessary: secondhand smoke is considered a toxic air contaminant, litter from cigarette butts plague area beaches and such limits offer positive examples for children.

The plan has been advanced by Council President Scott Peters and Councilman Jim Madaffer.

ANDREW DONOHUE

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