The ordinance, however, isn't going down easily. Many people, including non-smokers, are thinking the measure is a little too harsh. Says a flak for the California Apartment Association, “we are in no way advocates of smoking, but we don't feel the government should be telling individuals what they should do in their homes or telling landlords ... what should be going on in their units.'' The mayor, Coralin Feierbach, says she's been receiving death threats and the occasional picture of Nazis in her e-mail.

Tonight, the Belmont City Council will have a hearing on all this, something that is expected to be a hoot and a half. Not all of the parameters have been set up so it could be as draconian as no smoking anywhere outdoors to just no smoking during certain events. The whole no smoking in your home thing could also be voted down.