Spectacle in the sky

My father was a big fan of fireworks and we kids inherited his enthusiasm. Each year, my dad would bring home one or more giant boxes of “safe and sane” fireworks for him and — once we were old enough — us kids to light off. After all the excitement, my father then handed us flashlights and trash bags, instructing us to scour a wide swath of beach for trash of any kind. We always made sure to leave the beach cleaner than when we started.

For all the fun we had, my dad kept an eye on things to make sure we remained safe. Given our close proximity to Mexico, more powerful illegal fireworks were relatively easy to obtain — but our family stuck to the items the regulating bodies had deemed safe. Of course, others didn’t have the same standards and I admit to secretly marveling at the fireworks some folks elsewhere along the beach used to shoot off.

Even though the beach is one of the safest places one can set off fireworks — there is nothing to burn, as long as the fireworks are aimed properly and winds are taken into account — San Diego County eventually outlawed all personal displays, bringing that part of our family’s tradition to an end. We otherwise continued our celebrations, however, and to this day the county continues to put on an impressive fireworks show at the local fairgrounds.

Having grown up in the Santa Monica Mountains and having witnessed firsthand numerous wildfires, I understand the danger that fire — and fireworks — can pose. While I know that the “safe and sane” class of fireworks can indeed be safe if used with proper care, I’m also aware that not everyone exercises that level of care. And some prefer the “unsafe and insane” kind. For years, for example, our next-door neighbor in Redwood City was one such person — he loved to run out into the street and set off loud, impressive fireworks that had me concerned for the safety of my house and left our dog cowering in fear.

It’s sad that my own kids didn’t have the same kind of experience growing up, but I understand. My wife and I at least ensured that our kids saw plenty of professional fireworks shows — whether they were in San Diego, Tahoe City (one of our favorite vacation spots when our kids were young) or, most often, in Redwood City. While we viewed the Redwood City fireworks from the port on multiple occasions, we soon discovered several alternate locations from which to view the show. For a while we went to the REI store parking lot, but eventually discovered the topmost floor of the county parking garage along Middlefield Road near Veterans Boulevard. From there we had an unobstructed view without the traffic and parking hassles one can encounter at the port.

Sadly, Redwood City has chosen — for this year at least — to replace its fireworks show with one made up of drones. If there is anything my 30-plus-year career in tech taught me, it’s that technology doesn’t solve every problem — and I believe this is one such case. Yes, a drone show is certainly safer from a fire standpoint (although Redwood City’s fireworks show seems pretty safe, given that it occurs over the waters of Redwood Creek) and is apparently cheaper to put on — but Tahoe City’s show was entirely funded by donations, I believe, thereby costing the city nothing. Having seen one or two, I don’t regard a drone show as a fitting substitute. Although drones can do things fireworks cannot, they can’t match the sheer spectacle of a professional firework exploding high in the sky. And although I have yet to view a drone show from anywhere other than the designated viewing area, they seem to have a limited viewing angle. From west of the freeway I’m guessing Redwood City’s show won’t look at all as intended — and any accompanying audio won’t be heard.

Drone shows can be fun, but they don’t scream “celebration” the way a good fireworks display does. I’m not asking to let us shoot off our own fireworks again, but allow me to add my voice to those clamoring for Redwood City — and other cities around the Bay — to bring back traditional fireworks next year and thereafter.