L.A. Ban on Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers

* Regarding the ban on leaf blowers (Dec. 4), I wonder if the L.A. City Council gave any consideration to the excessive use of water which may be expected when the ban takes place. Southern California experiences frequent and cyclical droughts, and during the last drought gardeners were forbidden to wash down driveways and sidewalks. It was the restriction of water use by gardeners that actually triggered the widespread use of leaf blowers.

Does the council have an alternative plan to be implemented during the next drought?

NATHAN RUBIN

Los Angeles

* On our street, most homeowners have gardeners, all of whom use leaf blowers. Without the blowers, the gardeners would have to charge more for their services because it would take longer to clean up with rakes and because they would lose jobs by not being able to service as many houses each day. Knowing this, I doubt whether any homeowner would object to the noise.

Wouldn’t it be a better idea for the gardener or homeowner to get a signed written waiver from the neighbors on each side, whereby the neighbor gives permission for the use of the blower instead of burdening the city with policing the ordinance and causing the homeowners to spend more money? It should be kept in mind that we are only talking about five to 10 minutes a week of this noise.

ROBERT F. PASSIN

Northridge

* I am in strong disagreement with your editorial (Dec. 5) opposing the abolition of gasoline-powered leaf blowers. As a recent retiree, whose home is situated on a hillside within easy earshot of 25 other houses, I am constantly bombarded by the racket from these infernal machines. It’s often a constant din for hours on end as the gardeners move from house to house.

You suggest that they be gradually phased out. What time frame did you have in mind? Whatever happened to the right to a little quiet in one’s own home?

I’m surprised at your wonder about how a “low-income gardener” is going to be able to come up with the $1,000 fine for breaking the law. Here’s a novel thought. Don’t break the law.

I don’t want to be entirely negative. You pose the question of who is going to run the leaf blower patrol. I’ll tell you. Thousands of retirees like me.

BILL ROBBINS

Los Angeles