City OKs Funds to Hold 4th of July Event on Pier

With an eye toward reviving business on its newly built pier, the Redondo Beach City Council approved $19,200 to host a Fourth of July celebration this year, which will include a fireworks show and live music, officials said.

Independence Day festivities were called off by the city indefinitely in the 1970s. “There were problems with people throwing sparklers and a lot of drunks,” said Jim Hall, executive director of the Redondo Beach Pier Association.

But now city officials hope to renew the public’s interest in shops and restaurants on the pier.

“We’ve had a series of natural disasters and a terrible recession, and we know the celebration really reminds people that the pier is open for business and better than it ever was,” Hall said.

However, he cautioned, there are still a few kinks to be worked out. “Parking is very limited and traffic is horrible,” he said.

Of the funds approved by the City Council, $12,000 will be donated by the Chamber of Commerce and local pier and harbor associations, while $7,200 for additional police and fire protection will come from the city, said Redondo Beach Mayor Gregory Hill.

Music is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m., and fireworks are set to go off at 9 p.m.