We need your support for another PETITION PROTECTING OUR BEACHES FROM ADDITIONAL CONTAMINATION! 

Visit:  bit.ly/nobeachfireworks  or Petition Click Here

On July 5, 2025, The Beach Club plans to hold a professional fireworks display, only a few hundred yards away from the burn zone, despite the devastating events of the Palisades and Eaton Fires.

Los Angeles beaches are still reeling from the environmental damage, ash contamination, and hazardous conditions resulting from these catastrophic urban wildfires. Ongoing concerns about contamination and public health remain paramount within our community.

Investigations continue to point toward fireworks as the likely ignition source of the Palisades Fire.

Permitting a fireworks show in this location would be dangerously insensitive, environmentally harmful, and directly contradict the City of Santa Monica’s stated commitment to public safety and environmental health.

The City of Santa Monica legally prohibits the use of all fireworks due to the devastating impact they can have on a community.

The members-only Beach Club in Santa Monica circumvents the law by using a parking lot that sits over the SM City boundary in Los Angeles County. 

By doing so, using a Santa Monica address, The Beach Club receives a permit to launch fireworks over the public beach of Santa Monica, without warning or notice to the surrounding residents, a city where fireworks are illegal. 

As a private club, they are not required to issue a public notice.

Not only are they a fire risk, but people with disabilities, veterans, and animals suffer immensely from fireworks.

These fireworks are also deeply personal issue.

On July 3, 2021, my beloved dog Darwin was tragically killed as a direct result of The Beach Club's private fireworks show. The sudden explosions startled Darwin, who panicked, broke free from her leash, bolted onto Pacific Coast Highway, and was struck by a passing car.

Fireworks create serious environmental, public health, and community risks.

Environmental Damage: Fireworks release hazardous substances such as aluminum, barium, copper, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), polluting air, water, and beaches.

These contaminants severely impact marine ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and public recreational spaces.

Public Health Risk: Fireworks significantly degrade air quality, exacerbating respiratory conditions, particularly dangerous after wildfire events that already compromise air quality.

Wildlife Disturbance: Explosive fireworks disrupt and endanger wildlife, including marine animals and birds, causing panic and distress.

Community Trauma: Fireworks cause severe distress for veterans, individuals suffering from PTSD, pets, and residents traumatized by recent wildfires.

Safer and Sustainable Alternative: Drone light shows provide an equally breathtaking, safe, and environmentally friendly alternative. They produce no air pollution, eliminate fire risks, and significantly reduce stress to wildlife and community members. Communities nationwide have successfully adopted drone technology to continue celebratory traditions safely.

We respectfully request:

• Immediate cessation of future fireworks permits for events adjacent to Santa Monica beaches, particularly following the destructive Palisades Fire.
• Closure of jurisdictional loopholes allowing such events.
• Transition to drone light shows for future celebrations.

Please join us in protecting our coastline, residents, wildlife, and environment and honoring Darwin’s memory.

Sign and share this petition to support safer, healthier, and more responsible celebrations in our community.

Visit:  bit.ly/nobeachfireworks  or Petition Click Here

OPEN LETTER TO THE BEACH CLUB:

Dear Members of The Beach Club,

In the spirit of community and our collective responsibility for the coastline we cherish, we respectfully urge you to reconsider hosting a professional fireworks display this year.

Our beaches and coastal communities have endured significant hardship in the aftermath of the Palisades and Eaton Fires. Burned structures and hazardous debris remain scattered along the Malibu shoreline, and ash continues to accumulate on Santa Monica and Palisades beaches, creating persistent concern for public health. Moreover, Will Rogers Beach recently served as a toxic sorting facility for hazardous materials.  As stewards of our coastline, it is crucial that we all contribute actively to its recovery.

Recent investigations into the devastating Palisades Fire indicate fireworks as a probable ignition source. Given the dryness, wind-prone conditions, and heightened vulnerability of the Santa Monica mountains and coastline, allowing fireworks, even once, would be both reckless and insensitive.

Fireworks release hazardous heavy metals, such as strontium, barium, and perchlorates, contaminating our air, water, and soil. These pollutants harm marine wildlife, birds, and delicate coastal ecosystems, the very environment we strive to protect. Subjecting our shores to chemical residue for entertainment is incompatible with our shared values of coastal stewardship.

Furthermore, fireworks cause significant distress, panic in pets, trigger PTSD in veterans, and affect individuals with sensory sensitivities.

Fortunately, advancements in drone and light show technology offer stunning and environmentally responsible alternatives. These solutions honor tradition without compromising the environment or causing distress to our community members.

We are not advocating an end to celebration; rather, we propose evolving these traditions responsibly.

With gratitude and hope,

The Coastal Alliance