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Fireworks shows need new environmental review
Court ruling could have sweeping impact
By Mike Lee and Christopher Cadelago
Originally published 2:06 p.m., May 27, 2011, updated 4:02 p.m., May 27, 2011
What started as a battle over fireworks shows led to a sweeping legal victory Friday for environmentalists that could stymie a wide range of events needing city permits, from the Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon to birthday parties held at parks.
“According to the strictest interpretation of this, jumpy-jumps and everything else would be subject to environmental review if this ruling stands,” said lawyer Robert Howard, who represented the La Jolla Community Fireworks Foundation in the case. “It’s a breathtaking ruling.”
...
Tony Manolatos, a spokesman for City Councilman Kevin Faulconer, stood by the council’s exemption for fireworks. “I think banning fireworks on the Fourth of July is un-American,” he said, “and I think the majority of San Diegans would agree.”
Gonzalez has repeatedly said that protecting water quality and coastal species is patriotic
"I'm not even allowed to paddle my surfboard over there. I'm not allowed to boogie board there, I'm only allowed to swim over this area, but yet the city believes it's OK to turn a blind eye to the tons of chemicals that are shot off over these waters," Gonzalez said.
It's not about patriotism. It's not about who loves the country more. It's about our environmental laws and the potential impacts to our waterways and our species from these shows in certain locations," he said.