To what extent do you think SMC’s fireworks show satisfies the public’s desire for the Fourth of July festivities that Santa Monica used to have?
Joy Peterman: “I think that that kind thing goes along the lines of age groups. Teenagers like the pier. Families really like SMC because they can sit on the lawn and they can play. It took me a long time to get used to SMC, but it is more family oriented that way, which cuts down on vandalism and that stuff.”
What do you think about the fireworks held at SMC?
Emily Newmark: “I would say that it really symbolizes the whole community comig together. It’s fun, and I can see them from my own neighborhood. But it would make it a lot better if it were on the beach.”
Is it worth it for a city to take drastic safety measures, even if it comes at a sacrifice?
Manouch Galdjie: “It’s becoming ridiculous. It seems like there is no Fourth of July anymore. Before there were fireworks, and now it seems like we aren’t celebrating at all.”
What is the best part of the Fourth of July?
Sam Blechman: “I think it’s different for everybody, but for me, I would say that there’s no better way to commemorate American independence than with pyrotechnics. Imitation is the highest form of praise.”
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 1, 2005. Read the original PDF.