Burbank is often called the media capital of the world, however, soon it may be getting a lot of attention for something that does not involve studio deals or record contracts or reality shows. The city of Burbank is considering a crackdown on secondhand smoke in certain locations.

Almost nothing gets folks fired up faster than the debate over secondhand smoke. To some, the stench and known health hazards are enough to support a ban on secondhand smoke everywhere on the planet, except perhaps private homes and vehicles. To others, particularly those who enjoy smoking, any type of new restriction is an infringement on individual rights. The Burbank City Council will be seeking input from both sides when it holds a public hearing on a proposed secondhand smoke control ordinance, March 27, 2007. *

One of the areas singled out for inclusion in the proposed ordinance is popular Downtown Burbank. The streets, sidewalks, parking lots, garages, gathering areas (especially restaurant patios), and pedestrian plazas are all under consideration, according to a Burbank Community Development memorandum distributed at a City Planning Board meeting last month.

To get a feel for the situation, I took a walk along a segment of Downtown Burbank's shopping and restaurant row on Saturday, March 3rd. The afternoon weather was ideal, sunny and warm. After a week of really cold temperatures, gusty winds and rain, many people were strolling the sidewalks in shorts, sandals, sunglasses, and other springtime attire. It was a good time to get out of my car and do a little observing on foot.

I parked in a public lot on Angeleno Avenue, walked up to San Fernando Boulevard, and made a left. I did not spot my first smoker until I crossed Olive Avenue. The smoker stood on the sidewalk making a call at a pay phone. Like other pedestrians passing by, I got a whiff of the cigarette he waved around during his phone conversation.

Next, I stopped in at Lee's Beauty Supply to pick up a few necessities. While paying for my purchases, I asked Lee the owner and Carrie the cashier if they had problems with smokers. The answer was "no" from both. Lee doesn't allow them in the store, I was told. Lee can remember when smokers used to come in and "drop ashes on the floor." That hasn't been a problem for maybe10 years or so. Still, Lee says he would support a ban on secondhand smoke in the downtown area and Carrie agreed. Carrie admits to having a major dislike for smoking because some of her relatives have had serious difficulties with smoke-related illnesses.

At the corner of Orange Grove Avenue and San Fernando, I came upon a scene that just burns some non-smokers. A woman was talking to a companion and smoking in the doorway of the Kabuki Japanese Restaurant. Anyone who entered the restaurant had to share air space with the woman and her burning cigarette. That is what some would consider a bummer of a deal.

Later, I checked out several young smokers (under 30) at Palm Avenue and San Fernando. A couple of teenaged looking girls sucked on cigarettes while lounging on a bench in front of Ben & Jerry's as moviegoers trooped by in the direction of the AMC Theatre. Also a group of males, who appeared just as youthful as the girls, had cigarettes dangling between their fingers as they mingled with other pedestrians on the walkway.

At the other end of the block, I knuckled under to temptation and slipped into the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. The little shop is filled with assorted sweets and treats. I bought a few chocolate munchies from Jimmy who was working behind the counter. When asked about the smokers puffing away on Starbuck's patio next door, Jimmy blurted out a suggestion, "If they want to smoke --- smoke at home." Jimmy says the cigarette smoke drifts into the candy shop and gives him a "headache." He claims the smell and smoke gets even worse when cigars are added to the mix. Jimmy whole-heartedly supports a ban on smoking on restaurant patios and around the entrances of stores.

I passed a number of smokers as I strolled along the sidewalk eating chocolate. The candy was not good for my diet, but unlike smoking, only I will suffer the consequences for my guilty pleasure. And that is at the heart of the problem with smoking. It is a personal habit or pleasure that can negatively affect those around the smoker.

A short distance away at Movie World, Mitchell was on duty and he shrugged off smokers. They were not a problem in his place he said. The business is packed with books, magazines, newspapers, posters, memorabilia, and much more. According to Mitchell, smokers figure out quickly it is best to get rid of their cigarettes before stepping inside to browse.

I then dropped in for dinner at the very busy Ohana Hawaiian BBQ. Karlo, who was working the register, told me smoking was not a problem here. They have a simple solution. He says that when the smoke from the outside tables becomes too much, they "close the front door."

Later, I returned to my car wondering what the Burbank City Council would do about the problem of secondhand smoke. It offends too many to be ignored. Yet, how would a smoking ban in designated areas be enforced and who would do it? Where would smokers go to light up? This is the tough dilemma facing Burbank council members as they search for a workable solution to the problem.

* For more information on the proposed secondhand smoke control ordinance go to the City of Burbank website www.ci.burbank.ca.us.