Politics & Government

Tri-Valley Earns "C" Average in Latest Tobacco Report Card

Only one Tri-Valley city got an "A" from the American Lung Association.

At least Danville didn’t get an “F.” The city’s grade on its tobacco control policies earned a “D” from the American Lung Association, which released its annual tobacco report on cities and counties on Thursday.

Danville’s marginally improved grade represents the only change from last year in the Tri-Valley. Dublin is one of five cities in the East Bay to earn an “A.” San Ramon got a “C,” Livermore and Pleasanton both received a “D.”

The report graded local governments in four key areas -- tobacco control and prevention spending, smoke-free air, cigarette tax and cessation coverage.

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The report states the battle to reduce tobacco use in most states, including California, has "all but stalled."

In Contra Costa County, one city (Richmond) received an "A" as did the unincorporated regions. Three cities received a "B," four cities got a "C," three cities earned a "D" and eight cities were tagged with an "F."

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In Alameda County, four cities received an A. Three cities received a “B,” four cities got a “C,” three cities earned a “D” and one city (Piedmont) received an “F.”

Overall, the lung association says the country must "renew its commitment to eliminate tobacco-caused death and disease."

“Despite great strides in reducing smoking rates in America, tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death and illness in the U.S.,” said Anita Lee, interim chief executive officer of the American Lung Association in California. “We must renew our commitment to stopping tobacco from robbing another generation of Americans of their health and future."

The reports notes California used to be a leader in tobacco control policies, but now the state is falling behind in these measures.

In this year's report, the number of California cities receiving an "A" rose while the number getting an "F" declined.

However, more than 60 percent of California's municipalities still received "F" grades.


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