Pyrotechnics exploding in the sky will not ease traffic congestion (in fact it may, temporarily, create bumper-to-bumper gridlock on narrow thoroughfares and parking lots).
Glaring red rockets bursting in air won’t create long-term livable wage jobs that cut someone’s work commute by 50 percent.
And it’s debatable which is louder and more enjoyable —the sonic booms that accompany colorful explosions at night, the steady rhythm of chirping crickets or croaking frogs, or the heavy hum of complete silence.
Off the top of my head I can’t think of much useful value to hosting or attending a fireworks show. But not everything of value has to be tangibly useful, which is why the return of the Independence Day fireworks display to Chula Vista is welcome.
While it may be lacking in practicality, the Chula Vista City Council’s vote to spend up to $20,000 on a July 4 fireworks show is … nice.
In partnering with Local Media San Diego and allowing them to carry out the heavy lifting and spending, the city of Chula Vista can give residents an opportunity to create what some families and new residents have missed — a civic affair to look forward to.
In the years to come, as the economy continues to recover and discretionary income is greater among businesses and civic groups, the city should minimize it’s financial role in subsidizing grand civic affairs such a Independence Day shows and holiday parades.
It’s not government’s job to create memories and touchstone moments for the people it serves but, when a chance to bring people together presents itself, the opportunity should be grabbed.
I don’t particularly care for fireworks. Over the years as research reveals their effects on the environment my indifference has morphed into curious concern — I don’t know enough to want them to be banned but I also don’t know enough to dismiss them as harmless. If alternatives such as laser shows and concerts can be viable alternatives then hopefully those become the norm rather than the exception.
But for now I see the value behind a giant and loud sky rocket show celebrating a country’s independence.
I see the value of a city, that for a while had to tighten its belt and forego the “fun things,” spending resources to celebrating improving economic times.
I see the value of creating an event that serves as a rallying point for people in a community.
I see the value of spending a little money — when times are good — to give people a chance to create memories of a summer night with friends and family watching bright lights rip through a dark sky.
I see that a fireworks show may not have a practical use but, for now, it does present some positive value in that it can light up a city’s morale.
