Judge’s Order Blocks Demolishment of Irvine Meadows

An Orange County Superior Court judge has issued a temporary restraining order to prevent a businessman from demolishing Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre.

Attorneys representing the operators of Irvine Meadows requested the restraining order on Nov. 13 after Harry Shuster announced plans to raze the 15,000-seat outdoor concert stage.

Irvine Meadows subleases the land where the amphitheater sits from Shuster and his company, Lion Country Safari Inc.

Shuster leases the property, which totals 500 acres, from Irvine Co. under a 29-year agreement that expires Feb. 28. Irvine Co. officials have notified Shuster that the lease will not be extended.

The restraining order, issued by Judge Ronald J. Kline, also prevents the city of Irvine from granting Shuster a permit to tear down the facility.

Ronald Brown, the Newport Beach attorney who represents Irvine Meadows, would not comment Tuesday.

In court documents, Irvine Meadows, a popular concert venue, states that it would suffer financial hardship if Shuster were to carry out his threat.

Several artists, including Phil Collins and rock group KISS, have canceled upcoming concerts at the amphitheater after learning that it could be demolished, the documents state.

Neither Shuster nor his attorney could be reached Tuesday for comment.

Irvine Co. officials contend that Shuster owes back rent on the property and therefore does not have authority to demolish structures on the land because he is in violation of the lease agreement.

Irvine City Atty. Patrick Munoz said the city could issue Shuster a permit to demolish the amphitheater as long as building and safety codes are met and the court withdraws the restraining order preventing the city from doing so.

“The city is caught in the middle,” Munoz said. “We know this big dispute is going on . . . but we’re not a court.”