San Francisco Examiner, September 25, 2007

SUPES TO VOTE TODAY ON BLUE ANGELS BAN

[Rachel's introduction: The resolution invokes the "precautionary principle," noting that the traveling aerobatics show has resulted in the loss of 26 lives due to accidents in its 60-year history. [The resolution was voted down by San Francisco's Board of Supervisors.]]

By Adam Martin, The Examiner

A resolution calling for a permanent halt to the Blue Angels' annual appearance at San Francisco's Fleet Week will go before the full Board of Supervisors today.

The resolution, first introduced by Supervisor Chris Daly and gaining co-sponsorship by Supervisors Ross Mirkarimi, Gerardo Sandoval and Tom Ammiano, invokes the "precautionary principle," noting that the traveling aerobatics show has resulted in the loss of 26 lives due to accidents in its 60-year history.

The resolution also notes that the planes' practice runs over The City cause "ear splitting and nerve shattering" noise that can traumatize residents, including immigrants from war-torn countries.

Because the Blue Angels fly by invitation, the resolution, if passed, will likely not stop the show scheduled for next week, but Daly has said previously that he hopes it will halt future shows.

amartin@examiner.com