I'm moved by what appears to be swift action by the city as well as a continuing stream of letters from concerned citizens about barking dogs. It gives me hope that my own neighborhood problems will be addressed as well.

As the proud father of three boys, one of whom is only 3 months old, I'm frustrated by the nuisance caused by my neighbor's children just a few doors down and their constant partying and playing of loud music.

It's frustrating for me to have to endure the loud thumping of the extremely loud music while the neighborhood kids party in their garage. As parents of a newborn, it's extremely tough for my wife and me to get back to sleep after a late-night feeding on those Fridays and Saturdays when the neighbors are having a party.

Like some of those who have written letters over the past weeks, I've strongly considered asking the parents to strap bark collars on their party animal kids. I figure their proximity to the loud music will most certainly trigger the collar to deliver a much-needed electrical jolt to these obnoxious high schoolers.

I've ruled out anonymous letters taped to the front door or garage door. Unlike dogs, most teenagers can read, and I'd worry they would find the message before the parents do. If all else fails, I may have to approach the City Council for assistance. If the city is unable to remove these loud partiers from their homes, I may be forced to move out of the neighborhood.

Or will I? In all honestly, I took a different approach entirely.

The last time they had the music blaring at an unreasonable hour, I marched right over and asked them to turn the music down so my family could sleep. Yes, as teenagers do, they muttered unintelligible remarks under their breath and seemed visibly put off by my request, but they complied.

Are dog owners more unreasonable than loud, obnoxious teenagers? I know every situation is unique in some ways, but I really hope those who are having trouble with barking dogs can find a way to approach the dog owners first.

Even if the complaint doesn't seem well-received, I think most people prefer not to be a neighborhood nuisance. Mike Chandler Simi Valley