City Plans Fireworks for Fourth of July

To fill a void felt last year with the demise of the fireworks show at Pierce College, Calabasas is adding pyrotechnics to its annual Fourth of July festivities.

After agreeing to several restrictions imposed by the Las Virgenes Unified School District, the Calabasas City Council gave final approval Wednesday night for the fireworks to be held at Calabasas High School.

The school board was concerned that Independence Day revelers would damage the Mulholland Highway campus.

City officials agreed to limit attendance to 2,500 people and to encourage pre-sale of tickets.

Attendees will sit on the grass on the upper field rather than in the bleachers and alcohol and tobacco will be banned on campus.

Greg Johnson, the city’s community services director, talked to residents about the increased traffic and noise expected near the school on that day, and outlined the city’s plans for parking and security.

“We’re trying to be as sensitive as we can to those who live close to the high school,” Johnson said. “I’ve had calls from some people who think it’s great and plan to watch it from their backyards, and who think it will be a wonderful cap to their own parties.”

Stuart Hoffman, president of the Greater Mulwood Homeowners Assn., said the association board had not yet taken an official position on the event.

The city expects to spend about $20,000 on the show. Johnson said the city will wait until after the event to determine if it will become a regular part of the annual festivities--which include a free swim party and boat races at other venues.