24 lagunabeachindy . com SEPTEMBER 16 , 2022
Noise PAGE 22
( D-Irvine ). “ Today , drivers who break the law are not required to fix the illegal modifications that cause excessively loud vehicle noise . We ’ re updating the law and adding an enforcement mechanism to ensure that violators are actually required to fix these illegal modifications and eliminate noise pollution .”
The U . S . Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) and the World Health Organization ( WHO ) recommend maintaining environmental noise below 70 decibels over 24 hours to prevent noise-induced hearing loss . The WHO also recommends that noise levels remain below 30 decibels at night in order to achieve restful sleep . Noise is considered harmful around 70-80 decibels and painful above 120 decibels . California law prescribes a noise limit of 80 decibels for most vehicles , which is already above nearly all of these recommended noise levels . Vehicles that are illegally modified to amplify their noise cause even more disruption in our local communities . According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ), about 40 million adults age 20-69 suffer from noise-induced hearing loss across the country . Studies have even shown that consistent exposure to environmental noise may affect children ’ s cognitive development .
“ Loud modified exhaust systems harm the health and wellbeing of those around them ,” said Senator Portantino , Co-Author of AB 2496 . “ Although there are regulations in place for vehicles that contribute to harmful noise pollution , there is no universal procedure to monitor and enforce these restrictions . This is a public health issue and AB 2496 offers an effective solution to reduce noise pollution and improve the quality of life in our communities . I appreciate Assemblymember Petrie-Norris ’ s leadership on this issue .”
This summer , the Legislature also passed SB 1079 , authored by Senator Anthony J . Portantino ( D-Burbank ) and co-authored by Assemblywoman Petrie-Norris , which will require the California Highway Patrol to evaluate the efficacy of sound-activated enforcement devices . Taken together , these bills will take the first steps towards providing our local communities with the enforcement tools they need to protect public health and ensure a higher quality of life for Californians across the state .
AB 2496 is supported by : Streets for All ( Sponsor ), City of Laguna Beach , City of Newport Beach , City of Irvine , City of Huntington Beach , City of Chino Hills , City of Oceanside , City of Tustin , City of Hayward and the Barbary Coast Neighborhood Association . AB 2496 passed the State Assembly with a 76-0 vote .
Promenade concepts are being developed .
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Concepts are being developed to convert the Promenade on Forest into a permanent fi xture in our community .
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