02/01/2023
LEAF BLOWER ISSUE: ATTEND ORANGE COUNCIL MEETING/SUBMIT COMMENTS/SIGN PETITION 2-14-23:
In the last few weeks, new momentum has been made regarding the negative impacts of leaf blowers. Constituents in Orange have been able to make a good impression with the new mayor, Dan Slater, via phone call. Mayor Slater is listening about leaf blowers and noise pollution! BELOW are 3 ways to voice your concerns + petition link & talking points:
1) Tuesday, February 14th at 6PM, voice your concerns about leaf blowers at the Orange City Council meeting. 3 minutes per person. Email [email protected], if you are able to attend the meeting.
2) Submit written comments via email: [email protected] Please include the subject line Public Comment Item # (insert the item number you are commenting on) or Public Comment Non-agenda Item for general public comments.
3) Members of the public can record their comments by calling (714) 744-2234 no later than 3PM on the day of the City Council meeting.
SIGN PETITION: https://www.change.org/BanLeafBlowersOrange
More information about how to submit comments: https://www.cityoforange.org/our-city/local-government/city-clerk/agendas-minutes-and-public-hearing-notices
TALKING POINTS:
NOISE POLLUTION
a) Current decibel level threshold is not measurable, so municipal code needs to be changed so the threshold is lower, the decibel rating of the device is checked and citations are given to the landscape contractor (equipment operator) and the property owner after 1 warning.
b) Extreme and repetitive mechanical noises cause stress, anxiety, hearing loss, mental illness, PTSD, mood swings, disorientation, etc.
c) Municipal code is not being enforced
AIR POLLUTION
a) Prolonged exposure to airborne particulates, dust, spores and exhaust emissions increases the risk and exacerbates the symptoms of respiratory illnesses, including asthma, allergies, covid, bronchitis, pneumonia, emphysema, etc.
b) Exhaust emissions negatively impact the climate
HABITAT DESTRUCTION FOR POLLINATORS/WILDLIFE
a) Decreases the diversity and population of pollinators that rely on leaf litter and detritus for reproduction
b) Decreases the diversity and populations of birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals that rely on leaf litter and detritus for food, nesting material and shelter.
c) Increases in erosion
DECREASED SURVIVAL RATE FOR TREES/VEGETATION
a) Loss of valuable soil nutrients
b) Loss of water retention
c) Loss of beneficial fungi and other microscopic soil organisms
OC GRAND JURY SAYS LEAF BLOWERS = HEALTH HAZARD
The Orange County Grand Jury Report on leaf blowers declared that leaf blower operations represent health hazards to the citizens of Orange County.
State law mandates that the sale of gas-powered landscape equipment is to be phased out by 2024.
ALREADY BANNED IN OTHER CITIES
Cities that have already banned leaf blowers include Belvedere, Berkley, Beverly Hills, Carmel, Clarmemont, Del Mar, Hermosa Beach, Indian Wells, Lawndale, Laguna Beach, Los Altos, Los Gatos, Los Angeles, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Menlo Park, Mill Valley, Newport Beach, Ojai, Palo Alto, Piedmont, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, Solano Beach, Tiburon, and West Hollywood.
In solidarity,
Joel Robinson
Orange Resident
Naturalist For You
Ban Leaf Blowers Campaign
714-798-4392
[email protected]
