Victorville parks may soon be smoke-free

VICTORVILLE, Calif. (KABC) -- It being a holiday, Hook Park in Victorville was a busy place Monday; kids on swings, teenagers practicing softball. But one thing that was less visible - smoking, and it's a practice that could soon be stomped out completely as the city of Victorville considers a smoking ban in all city parks.

"We come out here to get some fresh air, not to smell cigarette smoke," one woman said.

Smoker Chris Hedger told Eyewitness News he thinks the proposed ban is a good idea.

"I would rather smoke outside in my backyard than come into a public area and try to intoxicate other people with secondhand smoke," Hedger said.

If the no-smoking ban is approved, it won't only apply to parks and recreation areas, but even area parking lots and sports fields.

But there are those who think it's going too far. John Poindexter disagrees with the no-smoking ban and says he's not even a smoker.

"I think it's too draconian. I think there should be like a designated smoking area," Poindexter said. "Everybody wants to legalize pot, it seems like now, but if somebody's having a cigarette, they're a villain, and I think it's a bit too much."

If approved, the ordinance would also ban vaping or using e-cigarettes.

Another smoker says he understands why the city is moving in this direction.

"Secondhand smoke do kill though, so I can understand that, if they say don't smoke in the park, then don't smoke in the park," he said.

The Victorville City Council is set to vote on this issue at Victorville City Hall at 6 p.m. Tuesday. For more information, visit www.ci.victorville.ca.us.