Neighbors Complain About Noise at Club

When Martin Montague moved from a Panorama City apartment to Canoga Park in November, he thought he was buying into peace and quiet.

After all, the neighboring structures were other single-family homes, two churches and, right next door on the corner of Valerio Street and Jordan Avenue, the Canoga Park Women’s Club.

As is common with such groups, the club rents out its facilities for activities ranging from iris club meetings to square dancing. Montague said what he discovered only after moving in are the Saturday-night functions with live bands. He has complained to police and other city officials about the noise, traffic and unruly behavior.

Officers of the club, whose 88 members average age 70, said revenues from hall rentals are the lifeblood of their many philanthropic projects, which include scholarships, a battered women’s shelter and local libraries.

Rental rates vary, but the club can net $800 for a Saturday event such as a baptism or quinceanera party. Theresa Wessig, the club’s president, said they rarely have more than two such events a month.

Rental agreements require music to stop by 11:30 p.m. with the premises and adjoining parking lot vacated by midnight. But neighbor John Hassan said this rule and another requiring doors and windows to be closed to minimize noise are not enforced.

He also complained of excessive noise from the parking lot during and after events, behavior “that all comes with serving liquor.”

Wessig said club members have solicited input from neighbors and received only “one or two” minor complaints.

Montague and Hassan said they have not spoken directly to club members about the problem. Hassan said he hopes the matter can be resolved because he understands that fund-raising through the hall “is their business. But I’m not getting any sleep on Saturday nights.”

City zoning officials have asked the club to respond to the complaint by Friday.