Carissa Maines

Noise complaints in San Marcos have decreased since passage of a law to extend bar hours until two a.m. A recent report issued by the City of San Marcos compared noise complaints from 2008-2009 to this past year. The numbers show a decline of 17-percent. More people apparently are going out at night -- now that bars can stay open later -- rather than partying at home. Police say apartment complexes are more neighborhood friendly now, and the number of complaints have been fewer. Another factor, according to police, is that they have made a greater effort to enforce noise control ordinances.