County bans smoking in parks, on beaches

The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors have voted unanimously to ban smoking at 17 parks, trails, and one beach (Fitzgerald Marine Reserve) managed by the County. This is a total of 15,000 acres of open space, reports the Chronicle.

The new law will go into effect in mid-March. Violators of the ban will be subject to a $100 fine for the first offense, $200 for the second offense and $300 for three or more in 12 months.