Amphitheater Again Fails to Meet Noise Limits

Concerts by the Beastie Boys and Huey Lewis were too loud, leaving the Pacific Amphitheatre with a record of 0-5 in complying with county noise limits in its summer season.

That was the conclusion of noise experts who have monitored concerts for a judge who has decided that neighbors of the Costa Mesa facility are entitled to more peace and quiet.

Last month, Superior Court Judge Gary L. Taylor ordered amphitheater operator Ned West Inc. to comply with county noise limits. Attorney Richard L. Spix, who represents residents in the neighborhood, has said a contempt-of-court citation might ultimately result, but he declined comment Wednesday.

The concerts on June 12, 13 and 20 violated noise limits for each hour they occurred, according to the report.

Combined with the monitoring of two earlier concerts, the county Health Care Agency concluded that use of the amphitheater sound system would allow compliance with the noise ordinance without any loss of entertainment value.

Many performing artists bring their own sound systems, and some might not perform if they are forced to use a different system, amphitheater operators have suggested in earlier court hearings.

Lawyers for the amphitheater could not be reached for comment Wednesday.