Residents of Long Beach have expressed their outrage over the abrupt cancellation of the Fourth of July fireworks display. In response, Governor Gavin Newsom has announced an investigation into the matter, following a report by The California Post that highlighted the confusion and disappointment among locals as they anticipated a major celebration for America’s 250th birthday.
For the first time in 15 years, the “Big Bang on the Bay” event was canceled after the California Coastal Commission rejected the use of fireworks, citing environmental concerns about pollution. The news came as a blow to many who were looking forward to the annual spectacle.
“We’ve attended every year. Everyone we know is upset about missing it,” Long Beach resident Kimberly Oshann shared with The Post.
David Newell, another local who felt let down, remarked, “The Founding Fathers would not be pleased. We need to hold on to some traditions and pride.”
In place of fireworks, the event was replaced with a drone show, which resident Ed Lippert criticized as “disappointing.”
Typically, thousands gather to watch the fireworks over Alamitos Bay on the night of July 3. However, this year’s event, marking a significant milestone for the nation, was altered due to a five-year permit agreement made last year, which committed the city to transition to drone displays instead.
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The California Coastal Commission cited concerns that the fireworks could pollute the bay or “disrupt herons and egrets nesting nearby,” the Long Beach Post reported.
âI believe Iâm in the right, so Iâm always going to fight,â organizer John Morris, who unsuccessfully appealed the decision, told the paper.
Newsom’s office weighed in Friday, writing on X that the “vendor AGREED last year that the show would move from a fireworks show to a drone show.”
Nonetheless, the governor is “looking into the matter,” the post continued.
