LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles earned an average C grade for its tobacco-control policies in a report released by the American Lung Association, but the bulk of cities in the county earned an F grade.

Glendale was the only Los Angeles County city to earn an overall top grade of A.

The Lung Association’s “State of Tobacco Control 2008” report rates states, cities and counties on a series of criteria, including outdoor smoking regulations, smoke-free housing and regulation of tobacco retailers.

Most Los Angeles County cities received F grades in the report, including Alhambra, Bellflower, Bell Gardens, Commerce, Cudahy, Downey, Lynwood, Maywood, Montebello, Monterey Park, Norwalk, Paramount, Pico Rivera, Rosemead, San Gabriel, Santa Fe Springs, Vernon, West Hollywood and Whittier.

California overall earned an A grade for its smoke-free air laws, a D for its cigarette tax rate, an F for tobacco prevention and control program funding; and D for coverage of cessation treatments and services.

“While California has made great strides in protecting people from secondhand smoke, we have to do more to prevent young people from using tobacco and help others quit,” said Trisha Murakawa, chair of the American Lung Association of California’s board of directors. “The state budget crisis cries out for bold leadership and that includes increasing the cigarette tax to increase state revenues and to protect those programs that help prevent youth smoking.”

The city of Los Angeles received an A for its regulations on tobacco retailers, but earned an F for smoke-free housing and a C for outdoor air.