An environmental group said a fireworks show in La Jolla will harm beaches and the ocean. It is going to court Wednesday to stop the event. But a fireworks foundation doesn't think it's doing anything wrong.
The Coastal Environmental Rights Foundation or CERF is asking for a temporary restraining order in San Diego Superior Court to stop the Fourth of July show at the La Jolla Cove.
The group has filed suit against the City of San Diego, the La Jolla Community Fireworks Foundation and Promote La Jolla.
Marco Gonzales with CERF said discharging fireworks from a coastal bluff will harm sensitive coastal resources including the La Jolla Ecological Reserve.
"And that's part of a 6,000 acre underwater park and it's immediately offshore, a couple hundred yards from where they would shoot off these fireworks," said Gonzalez. "And then, a couple blocks down the road we have the Children's Pool/Seal Rookery, where we have protected marine mammals."
Gonzalez said shooting fireworks near the seals is harassment under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
He said the event promoters have an obligation to apply for a Coastal Development Permit.
But Adam Harris with the La Jolla Community Fireworks Foundation said it has obtained all the necessary permits from the city.
He also said the pyrotechnic company is sensitive to environmental concerns.
"If it were to fall into the ocean it could be easily removed, meaning scraps from the casings and whatnot," said Harris. "But there's no definitive evidence backing the environmental pollution claims. We're very positive that we're not doing any harm."
Harris said Gonzalez is trying to cancel the Fourth of July in the city of San Diego.
But Gonzalez said several fireworks shows around San Diego county, including one along San Diego Bay, provide plenty of options.
