Dear Council Members,
I am writing in support of Elizabeth McCarthy and Derek Owen's request to not allow amplified music to be played in front of Café Zoe (1929 Menalto Ave, Menlo Park, CA).
I live on the same property and Ms. McCarthy and Mr. Owens. I should let it be known that I am not directly across the street from the care, but rather in back of Mr. Owen's cottage. I do not hear the music as loudly as they do, but if I did live closer, I would be complaining about the annoyance of the loud music. I do have related issues regarding Café Zoe's music that occurs during daytime hours on some weekends that begin as early as 9:30 AM and will address that in this email.
I do want to say that Ms. McCarthy does work on weekends and has a position in healthcare that requires her to alert and well rested for her job. Ms. McCarthy has functioned in the capacity of a First Responder and I feel the Willows neighborhood should honor such heroes. Mr. Owen holds more than one job and works weekends as well. His hours are long. I can totally understand his complaint of not being able to concentrate or spend his limited down time relaxing when there is loud music taking place across the street from where he lives.
I have had my share of loud neighbors who rented housing on the property next to mine (1932 Menalto Ave and adjoining property, 116 Oak Ct.). I spent many nights not getting any sleep. My continual calls to report the noise to the Menlo Park Police were only a band aid to getting the music to stop. At that time, I did have a part time job on the weekends in San Francisco (as well as a very busy full time job). I worked as a healthcare provider, had a very difficult time at my job when these parties occurred. The then owner of the property was not cooperative whatsoever.
It should be noted that this property recently sold. Waiting for new tenants to move in is more anxiety ridden for me due to the past issues I have had to deal with. So, again, I understand the issues Ms. McCarthy and Mr. Owens are raising.
For my issue, even though I can hear the Friday night live music amplified music from Café Zoe, I appreciate the fact that such events end at 8:00PM. What I am opposed to are the weekend day-time events that Café Zoe offers to those who want to pay for an outdoor party/concert for events such as birthday parties. Some of these events have started as early as 9:30 AM. After hearing amplified music on Friday night, on Saturday morning, I'd like to hear something else - such as the birds communicating through their specific bird calls. I work up to 12 hours a day and sometimes on weekends. So, I feel that one loud concert on Friday nights is my limit.
I do want to say that I applaud Kathleen Daly and what she as well as her daughter have established through their dedication to the Willows. They have truly created an establishment that has brought a sense of community to this neighborhood. I am grateful to be a 22 year resident the Willows. Kathleen and Zoe Daly are a part of my love of the neighborhood.
I do feel there are easy solutions to the issues I have addressed above. First of all, the music should not be amplified. The instruments need to be strictly acoustic. I think, when at all possible, the concerts need to be offered in the café. As far as renting out space for weekend day-time events, these events should also be acoustic and start after noon. If at all possible, it would be better to have such events on the cafe's patio which is located in the rear of their lot.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Respectfully,
Jane Price
1928 Menalto Ave
