Overview
- The state coastal regulator denied the permit for the Alamitos Bay fireworks, ending a decades-long charity show this year.
- Commission staff cited protecting bay waters and nesting birds and cleared organizers to stage a drone display instead.
- Organizer John Morris disputes the environmental risk and says years of water testing and bird monitoring found no issues.
- He says a drone show would cost about $200,000, roughly four times his fireworks budget of about $50,000.
- SeaWorld received approval for up to 40 fireworks nights in San Diego, prompting complaints about inconsistent permitting.