ADVISORY/Two New Surveys on Tobacco Issues to be Released by L.A. County Health Department.

--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

WHAT:    The Los Angeles County Health Department will release results
         of two surveys that reflect adult and youth attitudes on
         tobacco and smoking.

         The survey of adults confirms that Los Angeles County
         residents strongly support continuing public policies to
         protect residents from secondhand smoke and prevent youth
         from taking up the deadly habit. It also shows that residents
         support a cigarette tax increase.

         The teen survey assesses attitudes and behaviors of smokers
         ages 12 to 17 and provides information on how to reduce
         smoking prevalence among Los Angeles teens, ranging from
         access to cigarettes to a price increase.

WHY:     The Los Angeles County Health Department will use the
         information to implement stronger public education campaigns
         to help reduce cigarette consumption, especially among teens.
         Teen smoking is on the rise. Approximately 17.3 percent of
         Los Angeles County teens smoke, and an estimated 3,650 teens
         will take up the habit this year.

WHO:     Jonathan E. Fielding, M.D., Los Angeles County director of
         public health
         Zev Yaroslavsky, Los Angeles County supervisor

WHEN:    Thursday, Oct. 29
         9 a.m.

WHERE:   Los Angeles County Hall of Administration
         500 W. Temple
         Mall Area