San Diego Community Newspaper Group solicited public input on social media and email about SeaWorld fireworks. SDCNG asked people if they felt pyrotechnics should be discontinued – or eliminated – at the marine mammal park due to their alleged harm to animals and the environment.

More than 100 responses were received, about evenly split on the issue, for little more than 24 hours. Those in favor felt warnings of environmental degradation and harm to hypersensitive humans and animals are too important to ignore. Those opposed felt the arguments against fireworks were exaggerated and overblown, contending attacks on fireworks displays are an attack on a time-honored American tradition.

Following is a representative sample of reactions people had to the prospect of fireworks being discontinued at SeaWorld.

Some were unsympathetic to SeaWorld’s pyrotechnic displays.

“Cancel all fireworks in San Diego County,” advised Nancy N. of University City.

“… the water skiing squirrel [was] the only thing SeaWorld had worth watching,” said Brian S. of Clairemont.

“The fireworks are not just noise and light pollution,” noted Shayna Butler of Ocean Beach. “The pollution left behind infests the air, the soil, and the water. It’s killing wildlife. Just think of what it’s doing to the residents, not to mention the suffering it causes pets and veterinarians.”

“I think moderation is the key,” pointed out Andrew Chew of Crown Point who acknowledged, “It’s hard on the environment, the wildlife, and dogs that have fireworks anxiety.”

Susan Winkie of Ocean Beach stressed the difficulties of switching from fireworks displays to drones.

“Two years ago, a group of volunteers in Ocean Beach created ‘Luminosity’ and brought a 300-drone show presentation featuring iconic imagery local to Ocean Beach instead of our canceled pier fireworks display,” said Winkie, a Luminosity steering committee member. “We faced many challenges to bring the show to the people, and 95% of those challenges were due to government permits. We hoped to have the display at the north end of Dog Beach. However, because there is a sensitive bird habitat, we could not move the needle with the governing organizations for approval.

“We pointed to the Sea World fireworks, wondering why a loud fireworks show that occurs nightly and near the sensitive bird habitat was allowed, but a less impactful, annual event would not be. It is a sore spot to those of us who tried, and continue to try, to bring a less impactful light show solution to our community for the 4th of July, but face daunting regulatory challenges,” said Winkie.

Greg Daunoras of Pacific Beach sided with the marine mammal park. “I am in favor of SeaWorld continuing the fireworks, especially during the summer,” he said. “Tourism remains an important industry here in San Diego and we need the out-of-town money coming in. I am opposed to drones because, between their laser beams and the drones themselves, they pose a grave danger to the aviation community.”

“Keep the fireworks, they are a San Diego staple,” concurred Dave Drew of PB.

Francesca Bestetti liked the idea of combining both fireworks and drones. “I am opposed to such daily displays and would like to encourage a weekly maximum summer frequency, weekends, and major holidays only. They (fireworks) are no longer spectacular, nor a novelty when they happen every day. SeaWorld should also implement a drone display to be more environmentally conscious and wildlife friendly.”

PB photographer John Cocozza believes SeaWorld fireworks are OK to stay. “Kids and families enjoy them, couples can walk the bay and see fireworks in the evenings,” he said. “In reality, this is a non-issue. There are way more important things that the council should be focused on: repairing streets sidewalks and boardwalks, preventing developers from exceeding the 30-foot height limit, getting homeless out of parks and commercial districts, getting the police to crack down on open-air drug use, and repairing and upgrading park playground equipment.”

David Clutts of Bay Ho was sympathetic to SeaWorld keeping fireworks. “We love the summer fireworks even if everyone hasn’t gotten used to them by now,” he said. “They are a signature in Mission Bay and all of the homes that have a view of them. As far as the environment, the bay is an artificial man-made body of water.”

Barb Franklin of Bay Park disagreed with leaving SeaWorld fireworks alone. “The impact fireworks make on local veterans with PTSD, pets, and wildlife demands that they stop,” she argued. “Too many people with PTSD are put into full-blown panic by the loud booms. Also, so many pets in the area are shaking in fear and inconsolable when the fireworks blasts go off. If they need to have pretty lights, a drone show would be perfect.”

Ellen Markey of Bay Park believes a compromise is possible on the SeaWorld fireworks issue. “I understand there are environmental impacts we should think about when making the decisions,” she said. “However, when we moved to Bay Park, we knew about the SeaWorld fireworks and decided to live here. I enjoy their beauty and it is a sort of a tradition around here. I also have dogs. I think there is a way to keep them (fireworks) and possibly only have them in the summer months each night with the big show on the 4th.”

Foto por Thomas Melville