Those of long-suffering readers know that when an incident such as yesterday’s nearby noisemakers transpires I’m pretty much entirely incapable of not stepping to the trangressors with some sort of written response:
August 14, 2006
To: Those responsible for the noise yesterday
I can’t and won’t speak for my fellow neighbors who live even closer to you, nor do I need to. It is enough that for me two houses south of you, the excessive noise you generated throughout the afternoon and well into the evening yesterday effectively disturbed the peace and quiet I’m entitled to and had long become accustomed to before you arrived.
As I have with several past incidents of loud gatherings you’ve had, I made a strong attempt to tolerate the high-volume music and party noise for more than a fair share of time. This time it continued unabated for so long and so loudly that ultimately there was no choice but to notify the police — not just once, but twice.
While making the second call to the LAPD from my backyard apparently I was spotted for the music was immediately turned way down. Following that action I then heard agitated comments such as:
1) “We can do anything we want during the day!â€
2) “They called the cops before coming over first!â€Those are remarkably presumptive and ridiculous things to say. Here’s why:
• “We can do anything we want during the day!â€
No you can’t. Disturbing the peace is against the law, plain and simple. You have no right to disturb it between sunrise and sunset. You have no right to disturb it at all. Period.
• “They called the cops before coming over first!â€
Why is it my responsibility to be your chaperone? And do you seriously think that a frustrating confrontation with me would have had a positive result? Think about it: If I’d come over and said your music is too loud why would you respect that when you certainly had no respect after the LAPD told you the same thing.
Look, here’s the bottom line. I have little confidence that this communication will make any difference. I’ve been through this all before, and if anything this letter will make you even more obstinate and belligerent. But by submitting it I’m at least giving you the courtesy and consideration you’ve already demonstrated you’re unwilling to give me.
So here’s where we stand: you’re in charge. If you want to get pissed off at me and keep disturbing my peace, I’ll just keep calling the peace officers and documenting each incident with audio recordings until I’ve established enough of a pattern and case that criminal charges can be brought against you.
On the other hand, if you keep the volume of your parties and your music quiet and respectful of those around you then you’ll never hear from the police or me again and we’ll all get along just fine. Believe it or not, that’s all I really want.
Like I said, you’re in charge. The choice is yours.
William Campbell
Follow