A dozen neighbors on Jan. 15 claimed the parties saturated the neighborhood with noise, citing music, loud children, car alarms and generators as the problem. Neighbors said parties frequently go beyond the 10 p.m. curfew and that guests throw beer bottles and trash into their bordering yards.

De Anza Way resident Fran Conte, whose home borders the legion building, has rallied the neighbors into action. Conte has been writing to the legion and complaining since 2002.

However, Commander Garry McLeod said he has tried to respond to concerns, but many early letters came to him anonymously, and he had difficulty getting ahold of neighbors.

For the post, renting out the building is a revenue source that helps fund Willow Glen High School scholarships. Although the legion rents out the space throughout the week, neighbors said weekend parties are the big problem.

"This is our bread and butter. If there's problems we can address, we can try to solve it," McLeod told the neighbors.

But the neighbors make it quite clear what they didn't want.

"No jump houses, no bands, no P.A.s, no music," said Conte, referring to the weekend parties that often last all day.

Neighbors further suggested adding sound-absorbing materials to the legion hall, which was built in 1941. And they took issue with the 10 p.m. curfew, claiming it disturbs sleep for children and seniors in the community.

McLeod told the neighbors he could not promise them answers until he spoke with other legion members.

"We are not trying to ignore you. At the same time it'll have to be a compromise," he said. "We'll sit down and discuss it."

Both parties said they hoped to resolve issues without resorting to mediation or a legal battle.

In other areas of Willow Glen, residents are able to rely on businesses abiding by their conditional use permits, which set restrictions on operating hours. Such restrictions balance business interests with neighborhood quiet. These restrictions are enforceable by the city, which could levy fines or close a business if it's not in compliance.

However, the post's building predates conditional use permit regulations, according to McLeod, who works for the San Jose code enforcement division. The building was constructed in 1941 on county land. At the time there were no surroundings homes.

The legion rents its space 26 weekends a year for weddings, birthdays and anniversary parties. McLeod said half the rentals are from neighbors.

Several neighbors, however, disputed the numbers, pointing out that there are many quinceañera celebrations that they doubted came from the neighborhood.

"I can't discriminate because of Hispanic background," McLeod said.

Legion neighbor Russ Tugh responded, "There's no discrimination in 'no music.' "

Erin Werthmann suggested the legion consider other avenues of revenue, and Willow Glen Neighborhood Association past president Helen Solinski asked if the legion thought of moving. McLeod said the post could not afford to relocate.

McLeod took notes, telling the neighbors he would discuss these suggestions with the committee that runs the building on Jan. 25. McLeod said he would meet with neighbors again on Jan. 26.

"I'm looking for us to get some peace," Conte said. "I don't think it's a code issue. It's about being civil to each other, about being neighbors."