To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: LAURIE KOIKE, INTERIM COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
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DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION, AND DIRECTION REGARDING WHETHER TO PROCEED WITH A 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS DISPLAY OR FIREWORKS SPECIAL EVENT
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Historically, the City of Redondo Beach ("the City") has hosted an annual 4th of July fireworks display as part of its Independence Day Celebration at Seaside Lagoon. The ticket-based special event would typically include a Deejay that plays popular and event-themed music, interactive arts and crafts as well as games for the family. The fireworks are launched from a barge located immediately outside of the breakwall.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and prohibition of all gatherings in March 2020, and as part of both the City Manager Proclamation of a Local Emergency and the Countywide Order by the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health ("LACDPH"), Redondo Beach did not host a 4th of July fireworks event in 2020.
On April 5, 2021 LA County moved into the less restrictive Orange Tier. On April 6, 2021 Governor Newsom announced that, based on California's low rate of positive COVID-19 case rates and increasing vaccination rates, schools and businesses would be able to fully re-open at their pre-pandemic capacities starting June 15, 2021. The State has indicated they are going to allow outdoor events and private gatherings starting April 15, 2021 but the County is still in the process of clarifying protocols.
For Council's consideration is a range of options for the 4th of July that includes:
1) Skipping the event for another year;
2) Barge-launched fireworks display with no event at Seaside Lagoon;
3) Barge-launched fireworks display combined with an event at Seaside Lagoon; or
4) Land-based fireworks launched from area near the small hand launch
The City would contract with ExpoShows, Inc., ("ExpoShows") the City's fireworks vendor.
In order for Redondo Beach to secure a fireworks displ...
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