Leaf Blower Ban

The L.A. City Council has finally chosen to ban leaf blowers because they make too much noise (Dec. 18). The gas-powered leaf blower is the best tool for the job, used once a week for about 15 minutes for cleanup. In all fairness, the council should now have to ban all other tools that make equal or more noise for the same or longer periods of time.

How about the jackhammer for breaking up concrete? That can run for a few hours to a few days. Then there’s the gas-powered saw that cuts or prunes trees. Don’t forget the wood crunchers that the branches go into. These can go on steadily for three or four days. Gas-powered lawn mowers and edgers also make lots of noise and for a longer period of time.

How about the hammering on a new roof? Low-flying helicopters can really sound off. We’d better talk to the LAPD. There are probably many more to consider banning. If the City Council bans any of these necessary tools (there are alternatives to every one of them) they should ban all.

LARRY ZIMMERMAN

Woodland Hills