Local News

<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Robert Frank, City Editor frank@heraldnet.com   Published: Monday, April 21, 2008 Park smoking not yet snuffed out in Lake Stevens Lake Stevens police have been explaining the city's new law as they find offenders By Bill Sheets Herald Writer LAKE STEVENS -- When it comes to enforcing a ban on tobacco use in parks, Lake Stevens is taking it slowly. The city's ban -- the first in Snohomish County to apply to all city parks and to be backed up with fines -- took effect last month. Mill Creek bans tobacco use in one park, its Sports Park. Thirteen other Snohomish County cities have voluntary bans, encouraged through "tobacco-free zone" signs. To get the public used to the idea, Lake Stevens police are focusing on education rather than enforcement, Police Chief Randy Celori said. So far, police have not written any tickets, he said. A first offense is punishable by a $124 ticket. The fine would double to $248 for a second offense within a year and a third offense in a year could bring up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000 or both. In Mill Creek, the penalty is $100 for each offense. Officers have contacted some people smoking in parks just to let them know about the law, not to write them up, Celori said. "I think there have been a couple, not too many yet," he said. The city and the Snohomish Health District had planned a Health and Safety Fair for last Saturday at Lundeen Park to promote the new law, but the event was canceled due to forecasts of bad weather and has yet to be rescheduled. Lake Stevens first discussed the ban in the context of the health district's Tobacco-Free Parks Initiative. Under that program, the district encouraged the voluntary bans around the county beginning in 2001. Lake Stevens also has ordered 40 signs with notices of the ban to go up in its parks. Before the police starting issuing citations, they'll continue to focus on education and give warnings to smokers "for a few more months," Celori said. Reporter Bill Sheets: 425-339-3439 or sheets@heraldnet.com.

1. Waves wash away Explosion's title hopes 2. You've got your pick of Fourth of July fun 3. Snohomish entrepreneur bounces back with new venture 4. Inslee downplays fears Boeing will send second 787 line elsewhere 5. Popular park changing hands 6. Deputies shoot armed man near Arlington 7. Why, governor? 8. Edmonds backs off red-light cameras 9. Vehicle that killed girl was Chevy Astro minivan 10. Arlington buys up more water rights 2 - Top 10 Stories Most Talked about 3 - Top 10 Stories Most Emailed

• Warriors looking for balance • Three Scots vying for QB slot • Jackson looks for another title • Decorated veteran continues to serve as active volunteer • City Council reviewing sign regulations • Wildcats get a peek at newcomers • Lynnwood still in rebuilding mode • Shoreline feels a kindergarten growth spurt • Leave the patriotic pyrotechnics to professionals, cities urge • Trading dollars for kilowatts New PUD energy conservation programs save ... • By John Wolcott SCBJ Editor • Record crowd at Paine Field’s General Aviation Day as FHC Celebrate ... • Celebration of aviation's history and future presented in multiple venue ... • The time is ripe for small businesses to take no prisoners • EPA proposal to regulate global-warming gases would be costly for small ... • Innovation helps the town of Forks to offset tough economy • Powering the people