Petitioners Urge Circus Noise Remedy

Residents who say they are bothered by sound levels outside the Cirque du Soleil tent at the Orange County Fairgrounds have 389 signatures on a petition urging fair directors to remedy the problem.

Most of the signatures are from Costa Mesa residents whose homes are near the tent on Fairview Road, fairgrounds officials said. Another 20 are from residents of other Orange County cities.

Fair officials confirmed that they received the document last week. Copies also were sent by the residents to Gov. Pete Wilson, County Supervisor William G. Steiner, Costa Mesa Mayor Peter Buffa and other local and state officials.

Residents near the fairgrounds, particularly those in College Park, began complaining about noise from the circus when rehearsals started in January.

Shows are to continue six days a week until April 13 unless the Fair Board takes action.

Circus officials say they have worked closely with some of the best sound experts in the state to remedy the problem, but neighbors are still bothered, saying not enough has been done to reduce the volume of music, sound effects and audience noise on their neighborhood.

In response to the petition, the Fair Board has scheduled a meeting for 4:30 p.m. March 26.

The fairgrounds are at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa.

Information: (714) 708-1543.