Mailbag: Resident asks city to enforce noise ordinance

I am writing this letter to address a reoccurring problem that has been plaguing our area of Costa Mesa for the past year. Repeated violations of the city noise ordinance have been an issue we have had to endure. I believe this is in part due to failure of enforcement by proper officials.

These violations have come in various forms. For example, my wife and I live directly across from Mesa Restaurant, which turns into a nightclub every Monday through Thursday. The constant thumping of music begins at 9 p.m. and runs its course through midnight.

During that time, we are subjected to rattling windows and amateur singers trying desperately to do their best “American Idol” impersonations. On various nights, the Shark Club and The Huddle let out patrons around midnight to 1 a.m. They proceed to walk down Baker Street toward Mesa restaurant, yelling obscenities and causing disturbances to residents and their property along the way.

As a result, littering and fighting are not an uncommon event. Some of these individuals cross the usually busy street near Bristol in order to retrieve their cars that are parked at the Bristol Medical Group. This happens to be directly adjacent to our complex. The sound of screeching tires and revved-up engines are enough to set off the alarms of parked cars within our complex. Other nights are less eventful, only to be awoken by the sound of skateboarders perfecting their skills in the parking lot of the aforementioned Bristol Medical Group.

My question is this: Why is there a city ordinance that specifies appropriate noise levels during set hours when no one seems to abide by them? It should not take repeated phone calls to the police department from frustrated residents in order to resolve the problem. Is it too much to ask people and businesses to be cognizant of their surroundings?

I understand the city of Costa Mesa is under a tight budget during these tough economic times, and there are other issues of higher priority. However, I propose that more should be done to enforce the rules set forth by the city of Costa Mesa.

A simple phone call from City Hall or the police department to these establishment’s owners reminding them of city ordinance laws can have a positive effect. Perhaps, patrolling police vehicles during the hours of 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. within the area would discourage unruly behavior. I believe these small requests will go a long way in establishing a safer and more peaceful environment that everyone can benefit from.

Paul A. Salas

Costa Mesa