Security gets second look

Deepa Bharath

Managers of several high-profile areas and buildings in the area are

taking precautions during wartime against terrorist attacks or other

acts of aggression.

South Coast Plaza has “a plan in place for all contingencies,”

spokeswoman Debra Gunn Downing said.

“We have enhanced security with orange alert,” she said. “Our

specific security measures are confidential, but we have very strong

relationships with local, state and federal law enforcement

agencies.”

Gunn Downing said informational sessions for tenants is also part

of South Coast Plaza’s comprehensive plan.

Fashion Island management declined to talk about security

measures.

“Security is certainly a top priority for us,” spokeswoman

Jennifer Hieger said. “But we don’t think it’s appropriate to talk

about it.”

Hoag Hospital made several changes in its security arrangements

after Sept. 11, hospital spokeswoman Debra Legan said.

“We increased security staff and made changes in the way we access

the hospital,” she said. “We haven’t increased it now after the war

started. We’re comfortable with what we did back then and believe it

would keep the hospital safe and secure.”

Legan said security is also tight at the Toshiba Senior Classic,

the golf tournament run by Hoag Hospital.

“We’ve increased security this year,” she said. “We also check

bags that are brought in and tell spectators they can’t bring large

bags or backpacks.”

Such checks are likely to slow down admission during the weekend,

when several hundred people are expected to attend, Legan said.

“We’re also working closely with our own contracted security firm

and the Newport Beach Police Department,” she said.