Smokers in California can still light up in state parks and beaches thanks to a veto issued by Gov. Jerry Brown this week.

SB 1333 was passed by the state legislature in late August and sought to build on an existing state law that prohibits smoking a cigarette, cigar, or other tobacco-related product within 25 feet of a playground or tot lot sandbox area and expand it to state coastal beaches or state parks, with a special provision that addresses not just smoking, but the disposal of a used cigar or cigarette.

The ban would have gradually rolled out as signage could be procured and installed, with violators facing a fine of $250.

In his veto, Brown said that “the complete prohibition in all parks and beaches is too broad. A more measured – and less punitive – approach might be warranted.”

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Patrick Lagreid

I strive to capture the essence of a cigar and the people behind them in my work – every cigar you light up is the culmination of the work of countless people and often represents generations of struggle and stories. For me, it’s about so much more than the cigar – it’s about the story behind it, the experience of enjoying the work of artisans and the way that a good cigar can bring people together. In addition to my work with halfwheel, I’m the public address announcer for the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks during spring training, as well as for the Salt River Rafters of the Arizona Fall League, the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury and previously the Arizona Rattlers of the Indoor Football League. I also work in a number of roles for MLB.com, plus I'm a voice over artist. Prior to joining halfwheel, I covered the Phoenix and national cigar scene for Examiner.com, and was an editor for Cigar Snob magazine.