Port of Long Beach bows out of sponsorships for events using ...

The Long Beach harbor commission this week decided against providing sponsorships or advertising funds for firework displays beginning in 2025.

The policy, which passed unanimously on Monday, Oct. 30, will take effect on Jan. 1, 2025.

The Port of Long Beach has previously supported both the Big Bang on the Bay and the city’s Fourth of July fireworks show near the Queen Mary.

The move wasn’t unexpected following discussions about the effects fireworks can have on the environment, people, wildlife and pets.

Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero said he grew up “in a generation in which July 4 and fireworks were used in one sentence.”

But there comes a time, he said, when weighing the pros and cons of those traditions is needed.

“Our staff came to the conclusion that if we are to lead by example,” Cordero said, “we have to take on some of these tough issues.”

Commissioner Sharon Weissman began raising the issue a year ago.

“This is a controversial item,” she said, “and I did not make the decision to introduce it lightly.”

Fireworks, she said, “needlessly” pollute the air and water.

The port’s decision to pull its sponsorship and usually modest funding doesn’t mean the programs won’t go on, although the use of fireworks is being debated as some cities and organizations — including Disney Theme Parks, the Super Bowl and the Dodgers — have started using drones and light shows instead.

“I personally believe it’s the right thing for us to do,” said Commissioner Steven Neal, though he also noted the city, like many others, continues to wrestle with individual use of illegal fireworks.

“My neighborhood is a war zone,” he said.

Cordero said it comes down to the port leading by example.

“I do believe it is the shape of things to come,” he said, “and we’ll see fireworks used at celebrations diminished.”