Costa Mesa : City Votes to Pay Bond in Pacific Noise Case

The City Council voted on Monday to back the $20,000 surety bond required by a Superior Court judge last month when he granted a preliminary injunction limiting noise levels at the Pacific Amphitheatre.

City Atty. Tom Wood said the three council members at the special meeting unanimously decided to back the bond needed by Concerned Citizens of Costa Mesa, residents near the outdoor concert hall who have been complaining of excessive noise. The group filed the lawsuit against the facility’s operators.

Wood said the bond is required for the protection of the defendant, Ned West Inc., to cover any losses in case the amphitheater operator ultimately wins the lawsuit. The city would be required to come up with the funds “only if the plaintiffs lose the case, which isn’t likely,” Wood said.

Under the injunction, a special master will monitor concerts at the amphitheater to determine whether noise standards are being violated, Wood said. If the sound level exceeds the limits, the special master is empowered to direct the management to lower the noise, the city attorney said.