O.C. Facilities Tighten Their Security

Public utilities, military installations and John Wayne Airport all reported tight security measures today, as Orange County and the rest of Southern California braced for potential terrorist reaction to the outbreak of war in the Persian Gulf.

Despite the heightened concern, there were no signs that the much-discussed threat of terrorism had materialized.

“We met with the FBI, and they certainly confirmed our belief that water facilities are an important target for terrorism,” said Carl Boronkay, general manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, which operates a major treatment plant in Brea. “We’re adding people, working them on all shifts, and increasing our patrols.”

The district also has stepped up aerial patrols over its 242-mile aqueduct bringing water from the Colorado River to Southern California, Boronkay added.

Heightened security was evident at government offices as well, including the Federal Building in Santa Ana, where 12 anti-war protesters were arrested after they attempted to enter the building, then blocked traffic by standing hand-in-hand in a crosswalk while chanting peace slogans.

“They won’t let us in the Federal Building,” complained Tim Carpenter, moments before he was arrested at the door of the complex. “We have business to conduct. . . . We have a war to stop today.”

At the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station south of San Clemente, armed security patrols were on heightened alert, said Keith Sheldon, a spokesman for Southern California Edison, which operates the plant.

Military installations clamped down on security immediately after the start of bombing Wednesday afternoon, and those measures remained in place today. Security patrols were increased, and military police were armed with M-16 rifles and shotguns.

At John Wayne Airport, pink and blue warning signs, newly posted, read: “Due to heightened tensions in the Middle East, only ticketed passengers will be allowed past screening points.” The airport loudspeaker repeatedly broadcast this additional warning: “Attention. Do not leave any bags unattended.”

About 1,200 of the airport’s 8,400 parking spaces near the new passenger terminal were cordoned off under orders of the Federal Aviation Administration. Notices stated the closure was due to “security reasons.”

Because of the measures, airport and airline officials advised travelers to arrive at the airport early in order to leave time for dealing with the additional security precautions. Despite some delays, however, few travelers appeared fazed.

“People don’t seem to mind,” said Jim Morrison, a security agent.