We Don’t Need an Uproar

The city of Los Angeles, as of Tuesday, prohibits the use of noisy gas-powered leaf blowers within 500 feet of a residence and imposes fines of up to $1,000 and jail terms of up to six months for gardeners and homeowners who repeatedly violate the ordinance. Does this mean that L.A.’s finest will go from yard to yard, garden to garden, shouting: “Hands up! Drop it! Put that leaf blower down!”?

The absurdity of that scenario hints at what a pickle this law might put the city in. The load falls primarily on the Police Department’s tiny noise enforcement unit, which fields only four officers. As soon as guidelines on the new law are written, patrol officers too will be expected to add lawbreaking gardeners and employers to their responsibilities. Noise is a true quality-of-life issue, but most Angelenos would rather be protected from violent criminals. The sound of gunfire is a far higher concern than the roar of single-stroke engines. Isn’t safety what Mayor Richard Riordan had in mind when he fought hard during his first term to expand the under-strength LAPD?

The mayor has met with gardeners associations and indicates he will work toward a compromise. Councilman Mike Hernandez is willing to bring the topic back before the City Council. Among proposals worth considering: The council could phase out gas-powered leaf blowers gradually to allow for development of better technology or further restrict their hours of use to avoid that annoying buzz-saw sound before the first cup of coffee. Individual homeowners and landlords could also request that their gardeners put away the leaf blower; then they should consider paying extra for the time it will take to rake and sweep.

Anything to keep our neighborhood cops off the leaf blower beat.