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Time to ban leaf blowers

Posted on April 7, 2015 by Sonoma Valley Sun

The leaf blower issue is back before the Sonoma City Council because many of us in Sonoma want gas-powered leaf blowers banned in our town. The reasons are obvious. They emit noxious gas fumes, ear shattering noise, and blow dust, pollens, and animal feces into the air and up our nostrils. People with allergies and asthma have a particularly difficult time with airborne dirt particles. The noise increases blood pressure and irritability. I realize some older people have hearing loss so the noise doesn’t bother them, but those of us with normal hearing are driven crazy by the audial assault.

Other California cities that are committed to environmental sustainability have already banned leaf blowers. These cities include Santa Monica, Santa Barbara, Los Altos, Berkeley, Palo Alto, Davis, Mill Valley, Palm Springs, Malibu, Davis, Hermosa Beach, and many others. It is time for Sonoma to commit to more environmentally sustainable practices. We are behind many other California cities on this issue and it’s time we created a more healthy atmosphere in our town.

Georgia Kelly

Sonoma




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