Readers Respond -- Skies will be too dark for many

As a boat owner at the Dunes and 45-year resident of Newport Beach, I

was shocked to hear that the Dunes was not going to host this year’s

Fourth of July tradition (“Fourth of July fireworks fizzle at Dunes,”

Saturday).

It would appear that there are at least three ways to mitigate the

liability exposure away from the Dunes so that we can continue with this

historical event.

Here are my three ideas, I am sure other readers will come up with

more.

1. Have each boat owner sign a waiver holding the Dunes harmless for

damage from the sparks to their boats.

2. There are single-event insurance policies, which may be purchased

by Lloyds and other insurance carriers who can provide protection from

this event. If the city of Newport Beach wants to be a “good neighbor” to

the Dunes, perhaps it could shoulder the cost of this policy.

3. Move the event off the ocean’s coast on a barge, much like the city

of Long Beach does for its event.

Let’s not miss this tradition as this is truly one of the most

important years to celebrate our freedom.

DAVID HARPER

Newport Beach

We were very saddened to hear that the Dunes will not have its annual

fireworks show. We live in the neighborhood just above the Dunes (Harbor

Cove) and for the past five years have immensely enjoyed the show.

We usually have a party of about 60 to 70 people who also enjoy the

show. We sure hope that the current owners quickly change their mind or

that the new owners will resume the cherished event. It is too bad that

of all years (i.e. post Sept. 11) that they discontinued the show.

SUSIE ALLEN

Newport Beach

Wow, can’t believe there will be no Dunes fireworks this year. We

really loved seeing the fireworks.

Is there some way the city or a fund can be set up to help? I’m sure a

lot of the local community would assist in raising some money to make it

happen.

DENNIS BRESS, JR.

Newport Beach

I read with great dismay that the fireworks will not happen at the

Dunes this year. As a lifelong resident of the peninsula, I don’t think

there are too many of the 43 years of displays that I have missed.

I remember as a small child sitting at the end of the street with my

parents cheering and yelling as the fireworks went off, as did all our

neighbors and the local kids -- along with all the visitors that come to

see it.

I remember sitting with my children for years watching the same show,

from the exact same spot -- and for the past eight years, sitting with my

grandchildren watching the same tradition from the exact same spot.

That’s four generations of watching from the same spot, and I would love

to make it five generations or more.

Maybe something can be done to help defray the cost of the liability,

some waivers are signed or maybe the additional cost could be contributed

by local residents and businesses that wish to see the tradition

continue. I know that I would gladly make a contribution to help with the

cost, as would many of my neighbors and local businesses.

If we all get together and help, I’m sure something can be done. Let’s

see what we can do to keep the tradition alive.

ALLEN MAXFIELD

Balboa Peninsula

Well, guess everything comes to an end. We have lived on Spyglass Hill

for the past 30 years, have had Fourth of July parties for most of them,

with about 50 guests, and the Dunes display was a big part of the

entertainment, so they will be very much missed at our house.

Maybe we will just give up on having our party from now on. We are

getting kind of old anyway, so would you notify all the people that have

been coming here forever.

ROBERT AND VEE VEE WREISNER

Corona del Mar

I was making a special trip out to Orange County to watch the

fireworks from the Dunes. This has been a yearly tradition for us and

we’re very disappointed that they have been canceled this year. Please

reconsider your decision for the future.

GENE McGOVERN

Cary, N.C.