Campus blower ban was right decision

As a parent of children who have gone through SVUSD schools, I wish to thank the sensible decision to prohibit gas-powered leaf blowers throughout the District made by Superintendant Louann Carlomagno and the School Board at the November 10 meeting. Having recently joined the grass-roots campaign that provided all the same data and information over the past five years to three Sonoma City Councils, who were unable to reach consensus, it is gratifying that the intelligent members of the School Board were unequivocal in their support to protect our children from the risks of inhalation of particulate matter blown up by gas blowers and emitted in their exhaust.

Our School Board heard our concerns, looked over reams of scientific evidence, hired a third-party expert to fact-check, held one meeting, and made their swift decision, all in less than two months. For parents like me whose children suffer serious respiratory challenges, it is especially heartwarming to see the quick response since asthma and allergies are on the rise in the Valley. I approached Tony Albini, SVUSD Maintenance and Operations Manager, at the end of the meeting to express my gratitude since he will be responsible for training his crew. Tony looked me in the eye and replied “it’s all about the kids.” Classy act.

Mara Lee Ebert, Sonoma