A summer tradition in Oceanside has fallen victim to budget cuts. KPBS reporter Katie Orr has details.
Oceanside has shot off fireworks nearly ever fourth of July since 1903. This will be only the second time the event has been cancelled. City Councilman Jerome Kern says the display costs 40 thousand dollars, an expense that seemed frivolous during a recession.
Kern: We had to look at some pretty hard realities. We’re looking to cut about three and a half million dollars out of our budget this year, and maybe the same amount next year. So, some of these extras we need to cut back on.
Kern says he didn’t feel good about the decision. But he says he hopes the display can return when the city’s financial situation improves. Oceanside is still expecting about 150 thousand people to head to the beach on Fourth of July.
Katie Orr, KPBS News.
