Is racism lurking in the background of Orange County's beach bonfire debate?



Newport Beach officials and some residents have rallied behind a proposed ban on the city's 60 beachside fire rings, citing health concerns. But some officials in Santa Ana say those concerns are a "smokescreen" for racial fears, according to a report in the Orange County Register.



Santa Ana is the most recent city to add its voice to the fire ring debate. On Monday, its City Council unanimously voted against the South Coast Air Quality Management District's proposed ban on fire rings throughout Orange and L.A. counties.



Santa Ana Councilman Vincent F. Sarmiento labeled the health concerns of people who live in "multimillion dollar homes" a "smokescreen."



"These are public amenities," Sarmiento told the Register. "It really sort of hides a deeper, more profound issue, which is trying to keep folks out of what's considered something that we should all have a right to use, which is our coastline. You have commissions out there that protect the environment on the coast. We also have to protect the environment for users, those who don't live right on the beach."



The fire ring debate gained momentum earlier this year when Newport Beach's City Council called for a ban on the 27 fire rings at Big Corona Beach and 33 near the Balboa Pier. At a meeting last week, Huntington Beach officials, along with some residents, said they support keeping their fire rings.



The AQMD released a report last week showing some fire pits cause a spike in pollution that affects nearby residences.



Read the full story on the Orange County Register.



Do you think racism is a factor in the fire ring debate in Orange County? Tell us in the comments.



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