Lawsuit, lack of financial support threatening fireworks
By Adam Harris
La Jolla residentI am writing to you as a member of our community and not as the president of the La Jolla Community Fireworks Foundation. Up until last year, I was not aware that La Jolla’s annual fireworks show was not sponsored by the city or community foundations. What struck me was that one generous individual — George Hauer — initiated, sponsored and identified underwriters to produce this patriotic event, enjoyed by more than 20,000 San Diegans and visitors. Last year, when the annual Fourth of July celebration was in jeopardy, many residents and businesses in La Jolla joined the effort to Save the Fireworks, culminating in the establishment of a nonprofit foundation to perpetuate the annual event.
Currently, there are two threats to preserving this community tradition: a purported lawsuit by CERF and lack of monetary support by the community. While the lawsuit is unsettling, the foundation is committed to moving forward with all of the necessary permits to hold the show — especially given the lack of definitive evidence that a 20-minute fireworks show held one time each year damages the coastal environment. On the other hand, the event cannot take place without the monetary support of the community. It would be wonderful if all of the residents and businesses of La Jolla who enjoy the annual event would make a donation — however modest. With 45,000 residents, even a modest donation from each family would help the foundation pay for the event and develop an endowment fund to pay for future programs.
I hope that others like me and the members of my family who appreciate the opportunity to gather as a community and celebrate the unparalleled freedom that we enjoy in this country will visit our website at
www.lajollafireworks.org
and make a donation to support the 4th of July celebration at the La Jolla Cove.