Walnut Creek Prepares To Ban Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers April 1

Fans of leaf blowers vow to continue using the gassy machines Walnut Creek city officials have vowed to ban April 1 – a scenario which, if borne out, could make the city the latest civic battleground over a device naysayers have labeled “Satan’s Whistle.”

Love ’em or loathe ’em the city says they won’t be allowed after April 1, and they’ve promised to enforce the effort – a proposition that has led to some mockery from locals who predict a cartoonish vision of neighbors reporting other neighbors, whispering into their phones about violators “using one right now… you can catch him if you hurry.”

The City, for its part, hastens to remind its citizens of the negative effects of blowers and that there’s no need for backyard snitchery. Officials advise residents to visit the City’s Leaf Blower webpage for resources and information they can share with neighbors and landscapers to help with the transition.

Fines are possible for persistent offenders, who detractors say should be made to run a gantlet of noise-addled neighbors equipped with brooms and rakes.

But, beyond that, the ordinance prohibits the use of gas-powered leaf blowers for anyone in the City of Walnut Creek, including City staff and contractors working on City-owned property. The only exemptions are for emergency cases as approved by the City or other first responders. This includes when responding to an emergency or as necessary to restore or protect life or property.

We’ll see if a Blower Resistance forms or if the push for quiet and clean air persevere.