News and Updates for a New Year

Happy new year from C.H.A.S.E.!

As of January 1st, residents of Monterey began enjoying somewhat cleaner air and less noise, but the new ordinance is full of holes—the gas leaf blower ban excludes commercial and industrial zones, parks, schools, and more, where plenty of people work, study, and exercise. And last we checked, noise and pollution don’t stop at zoning boundaries, so many residents will be effectively excluded by Monterey’s ordinance, particularly the less wealthy and the landscape workers themselves.   

But the residents of Pacific Grove got a much better deal from their council, which voted 7-0 last year to ban all gas-powered leaf blowers. Beginning this March, all the city’s workers and residents will begin enjoying cleaner air and reduced noise, regardless of where they live or work.

Pacific Grove is joining over 30 CA cities this year banning gas leaf blowers. Image by Missvain, Creative Commons license

So when will Santa Cruz join Pacific Grove and the 30-something other cities in California and do the same? C.H.A.S.E. Santa Cruz is optimistic that the new council, whose term kicks off this month, will get this done. Council members are hearing us. But we need to keep the pressure on.

So please keep those letters to council coming, especially now as there are two new members who have not yet heard from us—you can write to all the members at once via the link on our website, or find individual addresses here.

You can also help us gather further endorsements—click here if you know of a relevant group or leader who can add their name to our growing list.

Our yard signs ran out last month, but a new batch just arrived—you can order yours here.

Lastly, you can help us grow our size by forwarding this email or our website https://www.chasesantacruz.org/ to a friend or neighbor. We’ll never ask for money—only your help and support!

Wishing you and yours a peaceful 2021,

-The volunteers at C.H.A.S.E.