Letter of the Day: Leaves aren’t the only things that blow, Sonoma!

Editor, Index-Tribune: Recently I was browsing the Internet for articles I could find for my college homework assignment.|

Editor, Index-Tribune:

Recently I was browsing the Internet for articles I could find for my college homework assignment. As I began scrolling aimlessly through your news site, I found an article written by Eloisa Ruano Gonzalez titled, “Leaf blower debate whirling again,” that particularly stood out to me for a couple of reasons: One being that I was unaware of such strife over leaf blowers in my hometown; and the other questioning if this was sincere news that is being fussed over.

However, despite all the humorous thoughts on why gas-powered leaf blowers are such a tragedy to people of Sonoma County, I decided it was best for me to read the entire article for a better perspective. Unfortunately, I found myself more irritated by the end of the article than when I initially read the title.

A screenwriter and author by the name Darryl Ponicsan, was quoted in the article saying, “I moved out of Sonoma for just that reason … I couldn’t have a cup of coffee in my backyard and read the paper. You couldn’t have anybody over during the day,” via telephone from his lovely new home in Palm Springs.

Truth be told, my outburst of laughter was the only thing occupying my mind from throwing my laptop across the kitchen out of complete disgust. God forbid there are leaf blowers (which truly show someone is at work/or being active with their life) being used during the day. I mean, what a tragedy!

It’s almost like Sonoma is in the middle of Iraq, surrounded by the echoes of the fiery rounds being shot and bombs; not really, please hear my absolute disgust. The fact that people are in such an uproar over gas-powered leaf blowers, thus trying to ban them entirely, is a supporting example of America’s self-entitled mindset that blinds them from real issues that are going on outside of their cozy bubble of Valley living. As far as the ending quote of the article regarding the health and demographic of Sonoma, “It’s about health and quality of life … we have an aging demographic in Sonoma. We certainly have a lot of people who are respiratory compromised.”

How many nights did it take to come up with that? As though a leaf blower, which is probably operated a good 15 to 20 minutes per job, is going to be responsible for the respiratory health of residents? I wouldn’t even worry too much about that, I’m sure the Prius you’re driving can compromise a little bit of leaf blower here and there, in order to accomplish some work.

The issue of this article is not leaf blowers, the issue is people who want to take away something that is useful and necessary for those who need it to complete work in an efficient manner, because it inconveniences their personal joys, such as a cup of coffee.

Really, Sonoma residents? Is this the battle we are choosing? Insanity at its finest, it’s got to be the end of the world soon. Are these truly the people I associate myself with when I inform someone I am from Sonoma? Maybe I should be the one moving! If you’re out sampling the finest wines of the Valley, or strolling through Sonoma Plaza and see a 21-year-old female waving her leaf blower in front of Sonoma City Hall, it’s definitely me … “come and take it!”

Taylor Jordan

Sonoma

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