Insomnia Is a Poor Neighbor

Clearly, Robert Sheahen (“Leave Valley Nightspot Alone,” Times Valley Edition Letters to the Editor, Sept. 2) neither lives near Insomnia Cafe nor knows the reality of the situation.

Insomnia is separated by only an alley from what was a quiet residential community coexisting peacefully with neighboring businesses for 40 years. It is open 7 days a week from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. and, among other legal issues, does not provide the required parking.

Since it opened, two businesses in the area (including Insomnia) have been broken into and robbed; homes and businesses have had property damage, vandalism and an increase in graffiti. Neighbors on the adjacent streets have reported kids drinking alcohol, taking drugs, screaming, racing, urinating and having sex on private property. Despite restricted parking, residents watch kids park anyway and tear up the tickets.

Yes, when they’re run properly, coffee houses are a superior alternative for young people. But in this case, young teen-agers have taken advantage of the lack of supervision and the late-night hours. No one wants to see Insomnia go out of business; what we want is for the owners to comply with the law and respect the rights of others.

We very much appreciate Councilman Yaroslavsky’s help in enforcing the law, and the assistance we’ve received from an unquestionably understaffed Police Department.

ANN DOUGLAS. Douglas is co-chairman of the Insomnia Review Committee of the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Assn .