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.
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Satans Whistle!!! Yes!!
I’m neutral towards any tool that gets the job done. I’m more annoyed by the people who make a big deal out of it on both sides. I try to stay focused on my own life and what the neighbors/gardeners are doing isn’t on my radar screen. My name isn’t on their deed or payroll. Food for thought…
…but food for thought, hearing the blowers day in and day out disturbs the peace and quiet inside one’s own home and outside when trying to enjoy the backyard. I’m so ready for this ban! Our gardeners switched to electric a long time ago, it’s been great.
There should be protests as large as “No Kings” very soon.
Firestone 11R
I can’t wait.
For clarity and according to Wally on the city’s website, this ban does not apply to the unincorporated areas of Walnut Creek, ie Parkmead.
And we will be using “satan’s whistles’ at the protest rally!
BTW: my electric leaf blower is louder than some gas powered ones. My neighbor’s electric leaf blower is also louder! I could hear him from 3 Doors Down. They actually have a higher Shrilled noise to them, the noise carries further. But I think the Walnut Creek city council that is ever trying to be trendy and woke has focused on this now,this month. You know maybe they should ban both and make people go back to using rakes and brooms! That’s all I used to use.
the electric blower our gardeners us is practically silent! I can’t hear it unless they’re right outside my door, and even then it’s quite muffled. Maybe better quality?
Rakes and brooms. Worked for me for more than 50 years.
My thoughts are with the small business owners who have to make significant investments in new equipment. Increases in equipment, time, and maintenance may very well increase the cost of services.
Don’t complain, you asked for it.
My thoughts are with all the poor people who have to put up with the noise they make. We’ve used rakes and brooms for fifty years. If only our neighbors would.
Should have been done years ago.
We do the work ourselves. Feels great being outside, good exercise, we don’t pollute and we don’t blow unhealthy bacteria into the air. It’s a shame Americans think the only efficient thing they have to work with is the machine they can strap an engine onto.