Leaf Blowers (ban) Issue Moves Forward — Barely

[The Straight Story]

Leaf Blowers Issue Moves Forward — Barely


A ban on leaf blowers in Newport Beach died briefly Tuesday night when a motion failed 4-3, but a few seconds later, Council voted to move forward with a proposal to ban only gas blowers.

The Council in November asked staff to create an ordinance that would ban both gas and electric blowers, except in commercial and city-owned areas. Those areas have grounds crews who can be directed to use modern, quiet blowers at set times, said Mayor Pro Tem Nancy Gardner, so noise issues can be monitored and controlled.

The ordinance on Tuesday was presented as a ban only on gas blowers, but Gardner moved to include electric versions, with exceptions for seniors who do their own yard work. The ordinance also would have had a six-month phase-in window, and it would have let formal homeowners associations groups opt out if they could show CC&Rs that proved they had the right to make such decisions.

A handful of members of the public testified at the meeting, including Corona del Mar Residents Association President Karen Tringali, who reminded Council of the anti-blower stance of that group.

http://www.coronadelmartoday.com/18797/home/leaf-blowers-issue-moves-forward-barely/