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Angels Camp adopts tobacco-free policy for Utica Lightner Mine Park, stops short of ordinance
Summary
City council approved a resolution declaring Utica Lightner Mine Park tobacco- and vape-free and directed staff to implement education and signage; council removed direction to draft an enforceable ordinance after debate about enforcement and dispatch burden.
The Angels Camp City Council on March 18 adopted a policy declaring Utica Lightner Mine Park a tobacco-free and non-vaping zone and authorized educational outreach and signage instead of immediate ordinance-based enforcement.
The resolution, amended by council at the meeting, directs staff to install nonsmoking signs, coordinate educational materials and a QR landing page with Calaveras Public Health, and monitor use before pursuing an enforcement ordinance. Councilmember Alvin moved the amended resolution; the motion passed on a voice vote.
Calaveras Public Health staff told the council the agency will provide signage designs, bring quick-start cessation “quick kits” for public distribution at the park’s grand opening and offer a QR code linking to up‑to‑date quitting resources. Savannah Pascal, Tobacco Prevention Program, Calaveras Public Health, said the agency plans “general nonsmoking signs throughout the park” and educational displays by the exercise area and outreach at the grand opening.
Council members and public-safety representatives raised enforcement concerns. A city public-safety representative cautioned that labeling the park “no smoking” could prompt calls to dispatch; without an ordinance, officers would not be able to issue citations and dispatchers may still dispatch patrol units for complaints. Several council members suggested starting with education and signage, providing a designated smoking area near the parking lot if needed, and returning later if signage does not deter use.
Amy (city staff) reported that funding being pursued by the county for signs is intended for smoke‑free park promotion and that wording and placement of signs should be compatible with that grant. The council discussed adding QR codes to signs so resource links can be maintained centrally rather than updating signs frequently.
After amendments removing the portion of the resolution that directed staff to prepare an ordinance to enforce the policy, the council approved the resolution establishing the tobacco‑free policy and educational outreach. Councilmembers voting in favor recorded their aye votes during roll call.
Councilmembers asked staff to report back if complaints increase or if the educational approach proves ineffective, at which point the council could revisit ordinance-based enforcement or designate a more formal no‑smoking zone by ordinance.
