Fireworks back on at the Dunes

June Casagrande

Last July, after an unusually quiet and colorless Independence Day,

then-City Councilman Steve Bromberg made an ambitious vow: “One way

or another, we are going to have fireworks next year.”

This week, the city declared success. The skies over Newport Dunes

will again light up with Fourth of July fireworks.

“I am very pleased we were able to move forward with a commitment

for fireworks at the Dunes this year,” said Bromberg, now mayor. “The

people in this city expect the best, and while other cities are doing

away with public fireworks on the Fourth, we will move forward with

this event to be sure our residents receive the best show possible.”

The city has committed to the $20,000 cost of the 20- to 22-minute

show, but will likely seek out sponsors to offset the cost.

The show, a 43-year tradition in Newport Beach, is among the

community’s most beloved events, part of a sparkling pantheon that

includes the annual Newport Harbor Christmas Boat Parade.

The biggest problem in bringing back fireworks, though, was the

liability. Former Dunes owners Evans Hotels announced last year that

they would stop the annual pyrotechnics shows because insurance costs

had gotten too high. About 80 claims were filed against the Dunes by

boat owners who said their boat covers had been damaged by hot embers

from the fireworks show.

The canvas covers cost several hundred dollars or more each,

creating a costly problem for the Dunes’ insurers.

This year, pyrotechnics company Zambelli Fireworks International

will pay the premiums on $1 million worth of liability insurance. The

city and Zambelli will share liability for any claims above that

amount. Though past year’s claims have not come anywhere near that

amount, the city, the Dunes and Zambelli agreed it’s wise to have a

coverage plan just in case, City Manager Homer Bludau said.

“The community loves Fourth of July fireworks at the Dunes, and we

want to continue that long-honored tradition,” Bludau said.

* JUNE CASAGRANDE covers Newport Beach and John Wayne Airport. She

may be reached at (949) 574-4232 or by e-mail at

june.casagrande@latimes.com.