Getting out for some clean air

Roughly 200 people from throughout the Southland walked the streets of Burbank on Sunday in support of the American Lung Assn.’s inaugural statewide fundraiser.

Clean-air advocates took to the sidewalks in 11 California cities to raise thousands of dollars for ongoing efforts to reduce lung disease in a state where about 24,000 residents die prematurely due to the effects of air pollution, according to the association.

Most of that particulate matter floating in the air is the result of Californians’ dependence on automobiles, but health advocates have also taken aim at second-hand smoke, scoring victories in a number of cities that have adopted strict anti-smoking regulations.

Glendale officially joined the ranks of cities like Burbank, Santa Monica and Calabasas last week when its own citywide smoking ordinance took effect, banning tobacco smoke from nearly all publicly accessible property.

While the ordinance goes further than Burbank’s, Glendale received a C grade from the American Lung Assn. of California’s 2008 State of Tobacco Control report card, citing problems at outdoor dining areas and entryways.

Burbank received an A, along with Calabasas and Baldwin Park, for its efforts to curb second-hand smoke. In a nod to the city’s success in clean-air initiatives, organizers said the lung association decided to host its inaugural Los Angeles area “Healthy Air Walk” event in Burbank.

“Burbank has been a great leader . . . so we wanted to continue that partnership,” said Trisha Murakawa, chairwoman of the association’s state board.

To register for the event, walkers had to commit to raise at least $100, with many setting personal goals past $1,000. Because inaugural events typically start out small, organizers said they were happy with the turnout, but fundraising had been slow.

As of Sunday, the Los Angeles area was well short of its $400,000 goal, having raised just $50,000, spokesman Jim Arnold said.

A slow economy and tight budgets were the likely culprits, but with a month left in the fundraising drive, organizers said they remained hopeful that the gap would close.

“This is the first event,” said Burbank City Councilwoman Marsha Ramos, who helped organize the event. “I know it will get better and better as time goes on.”