What is Gilroy’s noise ordinance? My neighbors are big holiday
celebraters. They play excessively loud, window-shaking,
wall-vibrating music until 3 or 4 a.m. on all holidays.
“What is Gilroy’s noise ordinance? My neighbors are big holiday celebraters. They play excessively loud, window-shaking, wall-vibrating music until 3 or 4 a.m. on all holidays. My previous inquires to the police department led to the officers confirming that the music was ‘excessively loud.’ They said they can ask the resident to keep the noise down, but that the resident was not obligated to comply or follow the officer’s direction. (Usually the neighbors turn the volume back up five minutes later). I can file a formal complaint, (which I am willing to do) but that takes weeks to go to court and does nothing to solve the immediate or future problems. I realize that our police have more serious crimes to address on these busy holidays, but what about the other citizens’ rights? I am all for having a good time, but the public nuisance should come to an end by 1 or 2 a.m. With Super Bowl post parties nearing, I am concerned that I will have another night of sleeplessness.”
Dear Family Provider, Some people actually do have to get up in the morning. Fortunately, the Super Bowl is on Sunday afternoon so at least some of your neighbors may have to get up early also. Due to the limited resources the police have, your best option is to file a citizen’s arrest for disturbing the peace (PC 415), said Gilroy Police Sgt. Jim Gillio.
“Unfortunately the way that our laws are written, we must have the citizen who’s peace is being disturbed sign the citation in order for us to take enforcement action,” Gillio said. “We can continue to warn the violator and attempt to recover the cost of our services to respond to the call after the first warning.”
Disturbing the peace is defined as “any person who maliciously and willfully disturbs another person by loud and unreasonable noise” and carries a penalty of 90 days in prison and/or a fine of up to $400. If it’s any comfort, just be glad you aren’t in New Orleans this weekend.
Signs should be turned around
“I’m curious as to why the pavement directional arrows and the yellow ‘less lanes ahead’ sign on northbound Santa Teresa Boulevard between Longmeadow and Sunshine are in reverse of what they should be? Am I missing something?”
Dear Confused Driver, It can indeed be confusing, and technically the left lane does merge into the right lane – contrary to what the sign may appear to indicate. Since both lanes merge into one lane, the sign was designed to show which lane has the right of way for the cars that are usually going 40 to 50 mph, said City Engineer Don Dey.
“It is safer to merge from right to left to have curb lane move to fast lane,” he said. “The intention of the merge is to assign responsibility. It’s about who we give priority to. And we give it to the fast lane because it’s a safer merge.”
So there you have it. Hopefully that helps you to be safe realizing you are merging into the fast lane.
