Leaf blowers have been outlawed in Santa Monica for a decade, but after receiving thousands of complaints from residents who claim the ban is not strict enough to prevent the machines from being used, the city is cracking down on the motorized mechanisms.

Instead of issuing two warnings to leaf-blower users before ticketing them, as was the city’s previous policy, violators found to be using leaf blowers now will be fined on the spot. Gardeners who are caught using motorized leaf blowers will be ticketed and fined between $250 and $1,000.

Some 12 gardeners have been ticketed over the past two years for using leaf blowers, but city officials have received more than 2,500 complaints...

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