(12:30) SANTA CRUZ – New noise restrictions have been proposed in Santa Cruz County. Last year around 5,000 calls were made to the Sheriff’s Office regarding peace disturbances. Around 2,000 of those calls had to do with noise. It was proposed by Sheriff Jim Hart to determine if noise is considered offensive. With this law, noise after 8 a.m. will be considered offensive if it is louder than 75 decibels at the end of the property, and at night it can not be louder than 60 decibels or be detectable 100 feet from the property. Officers will also consider pitch, the length of the sound, and other buildings that may be in the area. With this rule, first time offenders would get a warning. The board approved the law in concept but said it was complicated and asked the staff to return in September. (M.K.)
