Salinas considers ‘multiple response’ ordinance

The Salinas City Council is looking at an ordinance that would penalize homeowners who host loud parties and get called on multiple times.

Three council members, Gloria De La Rosa, Scott Davis and Tony Barrera, say they are pushing this forward because they have gotten a lot of complaints from residents.

The police call crackdown could lead to fines and possibly charges for people who host these parties.

“We want to make sure we want to honor everybody in the neighborhood,” said Barrera.

The council is considering a multiple response ordinance, hoping to curb loud and disruptive house parties on the private property in the city.

“When you’re bringing a sound system and live music and you’re disrupting the rest of the neighborhood, sometimes even for three blocks,” said Barrera.

“It doesn’t seem to have been a big issue in this part of town, but I can’t say we’re immune to it,” said Michael McCormick, a Salinas resident. “I know it’s an issue in other parts of the county, so I’m thinking it’s probably a step in the right direction.”

The ordinance would fine people up to $1,500 if they continue getting noise violations within a year. The city can also impose fees for police and fire fighter responses if it is the same house within a 12-hour.

“It’s a way for the city to recoup expenses when they shouldn’t have to expend those expenses. They shouldn’t have to pay for that,” said McCormick.

Police only have to determine if the gathering is unruly, meaning there is 20 or more people on the property and the activities are negatively impacting the neighborhood.

“It’s okay for you to have a party but we don’t all have to listen to your music. Turn it down. Sometimes it’s gotten out of hand, it really has,” said Barrera.

Barrera says he gets complaints every week of people playing music too loud. If violations keep happening, someone could even face a misdemeanor charge.

“Well, a misdemeanor charge is probably something they need to have put in there so that people really understand they’re serious,” said McCormick. “I hate for it to have to come to that, but I’d really prefer that people would be more responsible and understanding.”

The city council meeting starts at 4 p.m. on Tuesday at Salinas City Hall.