OJAI : Fourth of July Panel to Get City Support

Pleas to keep Ojai’s Fourth of July celebration from fizzling this year have won quick support from city officials.

The City Council on Tuesday agreed to consider sponsoring the nonprofit Ojai Independence Day Committee after an organizer said its members were “burned out” from putting on the traditional parade, picnic and fireworks for 27 years.

Encouraged by the city’s interest, committee members said they will meet Tuesday to decide whether to fire up their annual donation campaign.

“With Operation Desert Storm, it’s very important this year of all years . . . to show our people in the armed services we do care and appreciate them,” committee Chairman Lawrence O. Jensen said.

Jensen said the committee, down to five residents from a dozen in past years, was starting to disband without its historical backing by the Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber board decided last year that it could not afford liability insurance and other support that it gave the celebration for five years, said former chamber President Frances Merkley.

The patriotic events draw 2,500 to 10,000 people each year and cost about $8,000, organizer Walt Reimer said. The city contributes $3,700 in services such as street sweepers and police overtime but no cash, he said.

Jensen said the committee will raise the necessary funds, but it needs meeting space in City Hall, office equipment and mailing lists for soliciting donations.