San Luis Obispo is a lot like a dysfunctional Thanksgiving dinner: Rowdy relatives from around the country migrate to the home of a generous family member, drink to excess, drive their host crazy and leave a trail of destruction in their wake.
Only in this case, the city’s long-term residents play the gracious host, while the role of the drunken uncle defecating on the front lawn is more than adequately filled by students.
Neighborhood Services Manager Ardith Tregenza said a large percentage of civil disputes in San Luis Obispo can be traced back to underlying tension between permanent residents and the transitory student population.
In an effort to relieve this tension and cultivate a more harmonious environment for all residents, the City of San Luis Obispo Office of Neighborhood Services developed the Respect SLO Bro program. The organization provides college students who live off campus with the following resources and tips for becoming better neighbors.
Make new friends
When moving into a new residence, go next door and introduce yourself to the neighbors. Because students move more frequently than much of the general population, the concept of being part of a neighborhood can get lost in the shuffle.
“I think it’s important for neighbors to try to relate to each other positively in order to get to know and respect each other,” Tregenza said.
A little bit of face time with the elderly couple next door may help erase the stereotype of the loud, obnoxious college student and allow them to them see the hardworking, upstanding citizen you really are. It also makes it easier for them to address you instead of the police should a conflict arise.
Be respectful
Noise disturbances are the most common complaints received by the police department. Just because students may not have to be in class until noon, their neighbors don’t necessarily have that luxury.
Neighbors suffering from lack of sleep tend to be a lot less friendly than those who got their full eight hours.
Tregenza advises students to “treat their neighbors like they would want their parents or grandparents to be treated.”
This doesn’t mean parties are out of the question, just practice moderation. Music and noise should not be audible beyond their property lines. Try to keep guests inside and the stereo turned down between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. and you should be fine.
When planning a party, let the neighbors know in advance, or better yet, invite them! It is a lot less likely that they will file a noise complaint if they are having a good time with you. At the very least, encourage them to call or stop by if they have a problem with the noise. It could prevent an expensive ticket.
Don’t let conflicts get out of hand
If a problem does come up with your neighbors, don’t make it worse. No one likes living in a feuding neighborhood. Despite what the government tells us, diplomacy is always a good thing.
Try talking openly with neighbors about any problems. It may be easier than most may think to find a common ground. The most common reason for animosity between neighbors is a perceived lack of respect and understanding on the part of one, or both, parties.
If directly addressing neighbors just doesn’t work, The City of San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly, Cuesta College and Creative Mediation have teamed up to provide residents with free conflict resolution services via SLO Solutions.
According to Creative Mediation CEO Jesse Sostrin, the program helps roughly 650 people resolve disputes between neighbors, roommates, landlords and tenants.
The service has only been available for four years, but already it is seeing results.
“What we’ve noticed is that people are starting to turn to the service of SLO Solutions before things get ugly,” Sostrin said.
Choosing to seek professional mediation may be a tough step to take, but it beats living in a war zone any day.