Freedom From Noise! Beaumont, California

We are residents of Beaumont, California, who believe that noise in our neighborhoods is increasing rapidly and has grown out of control, and that the city's current regulations against noise are ineffective, and that they need to be greatly strengthened.

Unacceptable neighborhood noise includes loud car and home stereos, especially those which produce a booming bass, as well as the incessant barking of dogs.

Effective noise ordinances should allow police to actively limit noise and to enforce noise ordinances without requiring a citizen who complains to be involved in the enforcement process in any way, such as by a citizen's arrest warrant, or by having to go to court. For the safety and protection of the one who complains, enforcement should be solely a police function.

Enforcement would include the ability of officers to issue warnings and fines based either on a citizen complaint or on an officer's own witnessing of a noise disturbance, such as the booming bass of a passing vehicle. In the case of repeat offenders with loud audio, enforcement might also include confiscation of equipment, vehicle impoundment, or even imprisonment in extreme cases.

Other cities with similar noise problems have adopted ordinances which have proven to be both enforceable and effective in reducing neighborhood noise. As a result, the destructive downward trend in quality of life and property values associated with noise is reversed, and police spend less time on repeat noise violation calls and more time on other issues.

We urge the Mayor, the City Council and the Police Chief of Beaumont to give immediate consideration and study towards strengthening the city's noise ordinances and their enforcement.