As the most patriotic day of the year approaches, Santa Monica officials are reminding residents to lay off one component of the holiday. In Santa Monica, fireworks are not permitted in the city, and fireworks experiences will be siphoned into public events for the Independence Day season.
The rule comes from the City of Santa Monica Fire Code, which states that "all fireworks shall be illegal in the City of Santa Monica including California State Fire Marshal ‘Safe and Sane’ fireworks." Additionally, the code says that "no person shall possess, transport, sell or offer for sale any such fireworks."
According to Santa Monica Fire Department Public Information Officer Cathy Taylor, fireworks may not be used in the city even if they are legal in the city in which they are purchased. Possession of fireworks is considered a misdemeanor and may be punishable by a fine up to $1,000 and/or six months in jail.
"Please remember that discharging firearms into the air is also a felony and is punishable by a year in state prison," Taylor added.
For those that want to see the light shows around the city, the sparks will fly at Santa Monica College’s Corsair Field on Saturday, with a fireworks show set for 9pm provided by Pyro Spectaculars. The event will also feature live music by the Westside Crew. Gates to Corsair Field will open at 5pm, with $5 parking at the entrance at Pico Blvd and 17th St. Animals, alcohol, smoking and chairs with pointed legs are prohibited at the event.
On Independence Day weekend, The Beach Club at 201 Palisades Beach Road will be hosting a members-only fireworks show beginning at 9pm on July 6. The club’s parking lot is technically in the City of Los Angeles, with the club obtaining a permit to hold a display.
Also on the Westside, the annual Marina Del Rey fireworks spectacular can be viewed in the Marina, at Venice Pier, in Playa Vista and at Dockweiler Beach. The 20-minute display that begins at 9pm will have two locations, Burton Chace Park and Fisherman’s Village, that have music synchronizations to the show.
In Pacific Palisades, fireworks are launched at Palisades Charter High School at 9pm, with gates opening at 6pm. Featuring food trucks and music from DJ Lee Dyson, the event costs $10 for adults, with free admission for children. To purchase tickets, visit palisades4th.ticketleap.com.
While fireworks are one of the first things people think of when it comes to Independence Day, the objects contain potential dangers to both people and the environment. According to Taylor, burns account for 44% of the 9,100 injured treated in emergency rooms in July, and half of fireworks injuries in emergency rooms are damages to extremities such as hands, fingers and legs. Additionally, more than 19,500 reported fires are started by fireworks annually.
Alternatives to fireworks shows include the city’s annual Fourth of July Parade, which will begin at 9:30am at Pico and Main Street. The parade route and adjacent streets will be closed to vehicle traffic from 6am to 12pm, with the parade organizers recommending walking, biking or scooting to watch the parade.
