Beaches

The immediate question was about salvation from jellyfish. The 10-year-old at the Agoura Bible Fellowship church in Agoura Hills wondered if he would be stung by jellies during his baptism at Zuma Beach. Church secretary Nancy Angel telephoned the Malibu lifeguard headquarters to ask if the jellyfish were still around. Los Angeles County authorities reported back that they were gone. Thus assured, the boy joined two dozen others who gathered at the beach at sunset Aug.

State lawmakers adopted one of the nation's most far-reaching regulations of tobacco use Monday, approving a bill to outlaw smoking at 278 state parks and beaches. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has not said publicly whether he will sign the measure, which would allow a fine of up to $100 for smoking at a state beach or in a designated section of a state park. Smoking would still be allowed in many parking lots and campgrounds. The state has previously banned smoking within 25 feet of a playground or sandbox area and in public buildings.