SAN CLEMENTE : Restaurateur Stakes Fireworks Program

The city is $25,000 short in funding its annual fireworks program, but a restaurant owner on Monday said he will assume financial responsibility so that the Fourth of July event can go on.

Rick Anderson, owner of the Tropicana Grill, stepped in and volunteered to take over the project after the City Council, faced with a large budget deficit, canceled the event in March.

The council said that the $8,000 needed for fireworks and more than $20,000 needed to pay for extra security was more than the city could afford this year. Rather than see the annual tradition die, Anderson, 37, volunteered to foot the bill and said Monday that he will sign a promissory note at Wednesday’s council meeting.

“I’m going to guarantee the council that I’m going to come up with the money,” Anderson said. “Now I need people to start getting their groups and organizations to help donate so I can pay for this thing.”

So far, Anderson said he has received about $5,000 in donations, with checks from individual residents ranging from $2 to $100. The largest donations have come from the Reef Gate West Homeowners Assn., which donated $3,500, and the San Clemente Employees Assn., which donated $1,000.

“The fireworks show has been a tradition for four decades,” said Howard Barhite, president of the 167-member employee group. “We thought it only appropriate that the Employees Assn. back this effort 100% and try to get this fireworks show off the ground.”

Other groups and organizations have pledged about $12,000 but have yet to submit the money, Anderson said.

More than 100 containers for contributions have been placed in businesses throughout the city. Starting next week, T-shirts emblazoned with the fund-raising effort’s slogan--”The Show Must Go On”--will also be available for $15 at various businesses, Anderson said.

Anderson’s restaurant is holding a raffle with proceeds going toward the event and is also contributing $1 from every dinner sold.

Anderson was responsible for organizing a ticker-tape parade held in the city last year to welcome home soldiers who had fought in the Persian Gulf War. He is president of the Pier Merchants Assn. and is involved in several other local civic organizations.

“The show is going to happen,” Anderson said. “We know we’re going to do it. It’s just harder than I thought. This really has become a full-time job.”

Donations for the fireworks show can be sent to: The Show Must Go On, 610 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, Calif. 92672.