Big Bang on the Bay Fireworks Canceled, Drone Shows Pushed

0:00It's April 18th. This is California News today, your AI-powered local news. The Big Bang on the Bay Fireworks extravaganza over Alamedo's Bay on July 3rd is officially canceled this year. Organizers planned a massive display to mark America's 250th birthday, but the California Coastal Commission shut it down unanimously after staff recommended against it back in January. John Morris, the longtime organizer and owner of the Boat House on the Bay Restaurant, made a desperate seven-hour drive to appeal in person. He had backing from local, state, and even federal politicians, but commissioners stuck to their guns, saying last year was the final fireworks. Go ahead and pushing hard for eco-friendly or drone shows instead. Locals are reeling, with calls pouring into Morris expressing total shock since the event kicked off back in 2011. It's a huge fundraiser that's pulled in close to $2 million for Long Beach Charities over the years, and Morris figures over half his donors. Would bail on a drone alternative anyway?

1:01A drone show would cost about $140,000 more, slicing deep into those non-profit proceeds, and Morris' questions why his bay. Show gets nixed when places like San Diego keep firing off fireworks. Commission staff counter that drones pollute less and won't bud the nesting herons and eagrets nearby. Governor Gavin Newsom quickly jumped in Friday, saying through his office, this wasn't his call, and they're digging into it for Long Beach folks. With tensions boiling between Morris and the commission, looks like the bay stays dark this July 3rd, sparking bigger debates on tradition verses, green rules.