To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: LAURIE KOIKE, INTERIM COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
TITLE
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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 display and barge, ExpoShows needs confirmation shortly after the April 20, 2021 City Council Meeting.
If unforeseen circumstances occur that would prohibit the fireworks display from taking place, such as another Covid-19 surge, the City would not be penalized by ExpoShows for the cost of the fireworks display, as long as the event is re-scheduled. The majority of the barge costs ($25,000) comes from Pacific Tugboat Service and may only be partially refundable depending on the cancellation period prior to the event. At this time, staff is looking for direction from Council regarding a potential fireworks display or event at the harbor for the 4th of July.
BACKGROUND
On April 5, 2021 LA County moved into the less restrictive Orange Tier. According to the LACDPH website, COVID-19 case rates, hospitalizations, and deaths continue to fall, but community spread still remains moderate. 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 should 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;
• $62,000 for traditional show in the harbor; includes $31,000 in total barge costs
• $79,500 for larger offshore show with increased spectator visibility; includes $31,000 in total barge costs
3) Barge-launched fireworks display combined with an event at Seaside Lagoon;
• $62,000 for traditional show in the harbor; includes $31,000 in total barge costs
• $79,500 for larger offshore show with increased spectator visibility; includes $31,000 in total barge costs
• Plus estimated $7,500 of additional costs for DeeJay, interactive arts and other activities
4) Land-based Lagoon fireworks launched from area near the small hand launch with no event.
• Cost: $29,500 (no barge costs)
The City would contract with ExpoShows, Inc., the City’s fireworks vendor. At this time ExpoShows is working with multiple nearby municipalities; many are waiting to see how the County protocols will impact a potential fireworks display. In order for Redondo Beach to secure a fireworks display, ExpoShows needs confirmation shortly after the April 20, 2021 City Council Meeting.
If unforeseen circumstances occur that would prohibit the fireworks display from taking place, such as another Covid-19 surge or revised County guidelines, the City would not be penalized by ExpoShows for the cost of the fireworks display, as long as the event is re-scheduled. The majority of the barge costs ($25,000) comes from Pacific Tugboat Service and may only be partially refundable depending on the cancellation period prior to the event:
COORDINATION
The Community Services Department coordinated this report with the City Manager’s Office. If a 4th of July fireworks display or event is approved, Community Services will work with public safety and the Waterfront and Economic Development Department.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for the July 4th fireworks event is historically funded from the current fiscal year budget. If Council decides to move forward with a fireworks display or event, a FY2020-2021 budget modification appropriating funding from the Tidelands Fund to the Community Services Department may be required.
APPROVED BY:
Joe Hoefgen, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
Proposal for 2021 4th of July Fireworks Display - Exposhows, Inc.