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Residents press council over loud fireworks and weekend noise; police to deploy calibrated noise meters
Summary
Residents complained about loud, prolonged fireworks and weekend music; police said they purchased two calibrated noise meters and will train an officer to issue summonses after certification, and will conduct proactive enforcement of noise rules.
Several Long Beach residents used public comment at the July 1 council meeting to urge stronger enforcement of noise rules, especially around fireworks on July 4 and weekend music in commercial areas. Council and police officials said the city has purchased calibrated meters and will begin proactive enforcement once an officer is certified.
Ron Paganini (spoke as a resident) described large, loud fireworks and said powerful devices can be purchased online and transported by truck into many states, calling the blasts “too loud” and asking for clearer guidance and enforcement after a certain hour. Judith Moran said constant weekend noise from bands and DJs has made it difficult to live on her porch and requested that the council review the noise ordinance and enforcement.
Police Commissioner (name not specified) said the department has purchased two modern noise meters and that an officer must finish training and obtain certification (the officer will travel to New Jersey for certification). “Once he is fully trained, we will now have an officer who is actually able to testify and able to issue summonses with the noise meter. So we will be out doing some proactive work,” the commissioner said.
The commissioner added officers have been instructed to take a zero‑tolerance approach to fireworks after 10 p.m. during the July 4 period and urged residents to call the police if fireworks continue past that hour. Council members said the city will post guidance online so residents know how to file complaints.
Why it matters: Residents cited sleep disruption, safety concerns and a desire for predictable enforcement; calibrated meters and certified officers are prerequisites for enforceable noise citations.
What’s next: Police said they will begin proactive outreach to bars and other venues to demonstrate the meters and expect to enforce the ordinance after the certification is complete. The city will post complaint procedures online.
Ending: Officials urged residents to report violations and said the department would step up enforcement after the training and certification are finished.
