Elevator Ordeal at Arts Center

I was one of the 19 people trapped in a Performing Arts Center elevator between the second and third floors from 7:55 to 9:15 p.m. Aug. 9. This was my first doctor-approved venture out after major abdominal surgery, and I had my 84-year-old, cane-dependent mother with me.

Those of us trapped in the elevator attempted to communicate through the phone system with management personnel but were constantly told that nobody of any authority was available. Also, various individuals who communicated wouldn’t identify themselves or said they were an usher or equivalent and couldn’t do anything.

The only encouragement given was that the Westinghouse service man was called and might take one-half hour, but they didn’t know how long on a Sunday evening. We asked through the phone that the Costa Mesa Fire Department be called and were told “it’s no use calling them because they can’t do anything--we know from past experience.”

It was extremely hot with little ventilation. After one-half hour, we demanded that the Fire Department be called. Thankfully the Fire Department responded quickly.

In about one hour of very little ventilation, the Westinghouse service man arrived to tell how a simple switch would open the outside door to provide air. No one in the Center knew how to do that.

Rather than risk climbing down ladders, the Costa Mesa Fire Department and Westinghouse representative decided to try moving the elevator between floors but to do that necessitated closing the doors. After 15 minutes of no action and air, I collapsed on the floor. A nurse in the elevator demanded that the doors be opened and thankfully the Fire Department was there to administer me oxygen and ice packs. We were then removed from the elevator through the services of the Costa Mesa Fire Department.

Throughout this time we were unable to communicate with anyone in authority. As I see it, the Center has several serious problems:

In a “packed” multimillion-dollar facility, there were no personnel with authority available or capable of making a management decision. No maintenance personnel were available to handle the simplest mechanical or electrical problems.

The Center’s public relations attitude is abysmal. The attitude throughout our ordeal was “no problem” and “the most we are authorized to do is refund your ticket price if you act immediately.” While the Center has the name, address and telephone number of everyone trapped in the elevator, I for one have not received an inquiry about my health, my mother’s health or any apologies of concern for the situation.

I believe that the public should be aware of the hazards and attitudes of a major public facility in the community. The Center may solicit funds for a monumental edifice to its egos and glorification of the community, but until it provides the management and safety necessary in a public facility, it is endangering rather than entertaining the public.

BEVERLY J. JOHNSON

Newport Beach