Santa Ana : Law Targets Profanity, Noise at Stadium Shows

Noisy rock concerts and profane lyrics at Santa Ana Stadium are illegal, according to a newly approved ordinance outlining conditions for use of the facility.

Former City Manager Robert C. Bobb called for the restrictions after he had to step in and shut down a daylong show June 28 that featured six heavy metal bands. Bobb said that about 70 complaints were logged at the city’s Police Department and that angry residents also called or knocked on the doors of council members to demand some action.

Bobb finally ordered the electricity cut off about 11 p.m. and police moved in to disperse the crowd of about 2,300.

The ordinance, tentatively approved Monday, calls for any concert promoter to provide a list of the bands and their prior performances so background checks can be made. A cash deposit of as much as $3,000 will also be required.

In addition, any contract signed for use of the stadium, located southwest of Civic Center Drive and Flower Street, will allow the city to “immediately discontinue the concert” if the volume exceeds noise standards or profane language is used. If a show is shut down for either of those reasons, no refund will be made.