Editor,
It has been well over a year since Burlingame enacted its restriction on gas-powered leaf blowers, yet enforcement appears minimal. As a result, many landscaping crews have returned to using gas blowers, undermining the purpose of the ordinance.
This raises a simple question: If the city does not enforce its own rules, why have them? Ordinances only work when applied consistently. Otherwise, they become suggestions that frustrate residents and businesses who try to follow them.
It is also unfair to the gardeners who complied. Many spent thousands of dollars — not just a few hundred — to switch to electric equipment. Those who followed the law are now at a disadvantage compared to those ignoring it without consequence.
Enforcement would not be difficult. Gas-powered blowers are easy to identify by their noise, especially in the early morning. The city could designate targeted enforcement days and make its presence known. Even occasional enforcement would restore fairness and credibility.
With the city of San Mateo set to implement a similar ban in 2027, Burlingame has an opportunity to lead by example — not lag behind.
Burlingame should either enforce this ordinance or reconsider it. The current approach rewards noncompliance and penalizes those who did the right thing.
Jean Curutchet
Millbrae
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