And there are health and environmental implications. Neighborhood leaders say elderly persons with breathing conditions are bothered by truck emissions, which include dozens of compounds that contribute to global warming and regional air pollution. Plus, a recent study shows that childhood asthma rates in the area are among the highest in the state. Diesel exhaust could be a contributing factor.

Nobody should have to live like that, if it can be avoided. And in this case, it can.

The Glendale neighborhood council wants the city to use zoning to steer truck stops away from residential areas. That's one solution, but in the case of existing truck stops and those about to open, it's probably too late.

But there are other ways to stanch the smoke, ways that will benefit all Earthlings, not just the residents of Glendale. The technology exists to make long-term idling - truckers allow their rigs to run so they have heat and air conditioning while resting - unnecessary. Now it's up to the trucking industry to decide if it wants to do things the easy, voluntary way, or the hard way. (All or parts of 25 states already outlaw idling.)

Sapp Brothers, a truck stop in the Glendale area, is approaching the problem proactively. It has installed electric hookups to allow off-duty truckers to heat and cool their cabs without running their engines. Other truck stops need to follow its lead.

And trucking companies can do their part by equipping HVAC systems in trucks to run on electricity, and by installing small, auxiliary diesel engines that power heating and cooling systems where electric hookups aren't available. They produce less exhaust and burn less fuel than the primary engine, eventually paying for themselves through fuel savings.

One way or another, the issue must be addressed. Idling, according to cleanairfleets.org, wastes 1.2 billion gallons of fuel and generates tons of pollutants each year. The industry needs to clean up its act, or the government needs to put the hammer down.