Gas Leaf Blower Use Is Down. Here’s Why.

Gas leaf blower use has decreased in my neighborhood. How about yours?

Recently hired Los Altos Police Department code enforcement officer, Karan Malhi has been busy responding to calls throughout our community for the past few months. He encourages residents to call the non-emergency police number (947-2770) when violations are in progress. Officer Malhi has learned to check backyard activity when a landscape service provider tells him he is using electric only. Sometimes there is gas blower use out of sight in the back and side yards.

If patterns in your neighborhood are predictable, or if you notice them in parks or school grounds, please log the complaint into the City e-mail system here and they will try to come at the expected time.

What happens following a complaint call? The responding officer leaves a bright yellow card for the resident, noting that a complaint was made and citing the code.  In large type in Spanish, it is noted that gas-powered leaf blowers are illegal in the City of Los Altos. Then a “Courtesy Notice” from the Police Department is mailed to the homeowner including information on the City ordinance and administrative citation fines.

GreenTown Los Altos is supporting this enforcement effort with a public education campaign. Flyers have been printed and you can see them at the GreenTown bike valet tabling at the May 18 Art in the Park and throughout the summer at the Farmers’ Market and other GTLA tabling events. See you at the GreenTown table at these events!