Fourth of July fireworks fizzle at Dunes

June Casagrande

NEWPORT BEACH -- The 43-year tradition of having fireworks at the

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort won’t live to see 44.

Dunes operators have decided not to hold the annual Fourth of July

fireworks show as part of their holiday festivities this year.

“The reason is just because of the vast increase in liability,” said

Andrew Theodorou, the Dunes’ general manager. “We decided this sometime

after last year’s event. The liability is just so immense, we decided not

to do it.”

About 80 claims were filed against the Dunes last year by boat owners

whose boat covers were allegedly damaged by hot embers from the fireworks

show, according to a memo sent by city staffers to City Council members.

The canvas covers cost several hundred dollars or more each, creating a

costly problem for Dunes’ insurers.

Theodorou emphasized that all the Dunes’ other Fourth of July

activities will take place, including the carnival, parade, games,

children’s and family activities, and a disc jockey.

“It’s unfortunate that we won’t have that good neighbor providing this

wonderful community service,” said Richard Luehrs, president of the

Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce. “We’re sorry to see it go, and

hopefully we can convince the new owners to take on this terrific

community tradition.”

The Dunes property has been up for sale since last year. Negotiations

with at least one prospective buyer have been underway for several

months, but the name of that potential buyer has not been disclosed. As

of Friday, Theodorou said nothing had been finalized.

City staffers have looked into the question of whether the city should

put on its own fireworks show, but the idea lost momentum in City Hall

after the $15,000 price tag for a 20-minute show was considered alongside

the possible costs of insurance.

“That liability side is making everybody too nervous. I don’t see us

doing anything,” said City Councilman Steve Bromberg, whose district

includes the Dunes and who is also a longtime fan of the renowned

fireworks show.

“I hate to see it go away because I’m one of those people who likes

tradition,” Bromberg said. “It was always a nice show. We would go watch

it every year. It’s unfortunate it has ended. But I can understand why.

It’s not for us to tell the Dunes what to do.”

* June Casagrande covers Newport Beach. She may be reached at (949)

574-4232 or by e-mail at o7 june.casagrande@latimes.comf7 .

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