Noise Pollution

The commentary by Samuel H. Pillsbury (Op-Ed Page, June 30) regarding sound pollution at the beaches was indeed a welcome sight. The beaches, however, are not the only places bombarded with unwelcome noise.

Cars and vehicles equipped with thunderous stereos turned up full volume and playing rock music and “rap” music, some of it now laced with obscenities, at all hours cruise the city party located across the street from where I lie. The city sees fit to allow fireworks demonstrations all summer long late in the evening, much to the detriment of people of all ages, including children and pets, who are sensitive to noise. Inconsiderate neighbors do not control their barking dogs, or do not lower their voices when jogging by my home at 5:30 a.m. Restaurants are surely owned and managed by people who are hard of hearing, thus forcing their customers to talk even more loudly and bolt their food instead of being allowed to eat in a relaxed fashion.

Noise, unlike overdeveloped neighborhoods and jammed freeways, is immediately controllable. Noise is a stress factor which can be immediately eliminated. The insistence on sound in this society is pervasive; it seems to be an escape-avoidance technique for the prevention of constructive human interaction.

JULIA HUNTSMAN

Long Beach