Publisher’s Notebook

• Do Malibu and Private Pyrotechnics Mix? •

ANNE SOBLE

Some local residents have been voicing concern that their neighbors may increasingly regard offshore pyrotechnic displays as a way to celebrate special events. We’ll save the questions related to the adverse impact on the marine environment of sending large quantities of gunpowder and other chemicals into the local brine for another discussion. For now, we’re just looking at the issues of notice, noise and smell.
While residents are prepared for fireworks around the Fourth of July, they do not anticipate them on July 18 and July 25, as recently occurred, or other days of the year. When it comes to fireworks for the Fourth, blowing things up is part of the American psyche. Faux warfare with not-so-faux noise, light and the smell of gunpowder is inherent in the national celebratory process. Because holiday displays are a given, appropriate precautions can be taken, especially by the many residents with dogs and horses who have to deal with the adverse impact of fireworks on those animals.
The city appears to be cognizant of these concerns. The Los Angeles County fire department, the permitting agency for fireworks displays, has been reminded that an adequate timetable should be built into the permit process so that the city can announce the dates and times of these private displays well in advance.
In the future, a time should be set aside to address whether pyrotechnics that cause animals and people so much distress and have adverse impacts on the marine environment are appropriate for the public image associated with Malibu, especially when the city has an uphill battle to prove its credibility with many organizations in the environmental vanguard.
Perhaps the true meaning of the Fourth of July holiday might be better honored with a Malibu community parade, such as the wonderful event on Point Dume, or another public event that is locally oriented and complements residents’ own private festivities.
As for the use of pyrotechnics in public waters by private parties for personal reasons other than the nation’s birthday, there may be cause to consider whether this is a policy that needs to be revisited. We agree with the city council member who urged “irresponsible [Malibuites] to think twice before they spend thousands of dollars for a few minutes of personal pleasure that cause [so much distress to others].”
A timely policy of public notification that can be disseminated by local media is a beginning. But dogs leaping from windows and running loose in traffic, horses rearing in terror and risking serious injury, and infants and small children having to be kept indoors are problems that cannot be dismissed lightly.