Los Angeles activists push to cancel Marina del Rey fireworks

A coalition of residents plans a July 3 protest in Marina del Rey to urge Los Angeles County to cancel July 4 fireworks over concerns for endangered birds and other wildlife. Organizers say the display threatens nesting species in the Ballona Wetlands area and should be replaced with drone or light shows.

Why it matters: - The July 4 fireworks in Marina del Rey could affect endangered and protected wildlife nesting in one of Southern California's most sensitive coastal habitats. - Activists say the event also raises broader questions about whether large fireworks shows still belong in densely populated, ecologically fragile areas. - Organizers are pushing Los Angeles to adopt drone and light shows instead of fireworks.

What happened: - A coalition of concerned citizens plans a news conference and protest at the Marina del Rey jetty at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 3. - The protest targets fireworks scheduled for 9 p.m. Saturday, July 4, over the same area. - The group is calling on Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell and the LA County Department of Beaches and Harbors to halt the event. - The coalition is also urging California Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Meghan Hertel to use her authority to protect wildlife in the area. - UnchainedTV says it will be live at the protest.

The details: - Organizers say the fireworks would impact nesting species in the adjacent Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve and the Endangered Bird Habitat for the California Least Tern. - The group says the display overlaps with active nesting seasons for the California Least Tern, Belding’s Savannah Sparrow, Least Bell’s Vireo and the nearby Western Snowy Plover. - Advocates say fireworks create shockwaves, smoke and bright flashes that can cause birds to panic, abandon nests, cool eggs and fledge too early. - Attorney Christina Ku said baby birds have fallen from nests after fireworks blasts and, when found, have been taken to wildlife rescue centers, though many do not survive. - The coalition says the display also disturbs pelicans, cormorants, egrets and sea lions in and around the marina. - Signs near the area already warn residents not to bring dogs onto the beach between April 15 and September 30 because of the nearby California Least Tern habitat. - The protest location is the North Jetty near Pacific Avenue and Via Marina in Marina del Rey, with 5514 Pacific Avenue listed as a nearby street address for reference. - Press contact: 310-210-6696.

Between the lines: - This is not just a local fireworks dispute. It is also a test of how Los Angeles balances holiday traditions against wildlife protections and climate-era environmental pressures. - Organizers are framing the issue as a public-safety and animal-welfare problem, not only an environmental one. - Jane Velez-Mitchell of UnchainedTV said fireworks are “like dropping a bomb on ground zero for Southern California wildlife,” and said the outlet previously held an emergency town hall after last July's fireworks.

What's next: - Protesters will gather Friday morning and try to pressure county and state officials to cancel the weekend show. - Organizers say they want Los Angeles County to move toward drone and light shows for future celebrations. - If officials do not act, the fireworks are still set to go ahead Saturday night.

The bottom line: - Activists are making a last-ditch push to stop a July 4 fireworks show they say endangers protected birds and wildlife in Marina del Rey.