Independence Day looks a little different in Southland this year.
Californians hoping for the weekend of July 4 to have some summer fun again will find closed beaches, restaurants limited to outdoor service in most areas of the state, and more enforcement of the state order than requires people to wear masks in public places.
A party traditionally marked with the crackling fireworks in the night sky will see much less color as cities postpone or cancel concerts, parades, and other festivities after a steady increase in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations.
Los Angeles County announced a fireworks ban, along with the closure of all area beaches, earlier this week to avoid what officials feared was “dangerous crowding.” But Lancaster city officials appear ready to challenge that ban and approve plans to continue its fireworks display.
Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris said council members will meet in a emergency meeting on Saturday Consider your request for authority to issue a permit and sign a contract with a fireworks vendor for the show, which is scheduled for 9 p.m.
There will also be an element of protest this July 4th.
In Los Angeles, activists plan to launch a “we want green cards” campaign to enlist the support of Congress to change the immigration laws of the United States to grant legal residence to those who have worked illegally here for the pandemic. Protesters in Leimert Park will demonstrate for justice for Andres Guardado, the 18-year-old shot to death by Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies last month.
Other protests against police brutality and racism are planned in downtown Olvera Street, Pan Pacific Park near Hancock Park, Hollywood and elsewhere.
Protesters also organized a march called Farce of July to recognize Tongva “claim, guide and lead to overcome white supremacy and regain our interdependence and connection with Mother Earth.”
California officials have pleaded with the public to avoid crowds and maintain physical distance in hopes of preventing more outbreaks that may overwhelm the state’s hospitals. The changes to the plans occur when the statewide death toll from coronavirus has exceeded 6,300. The state has seen a 58% increase in hospitalizations in the last two weeks
In Big Bear, officials have postponed the city’s famous “spectacular fireworks show,” an event that generally draws hundreds of families to the lakeshore, where crowds sit in beach chairs or pull out their boats to see the colorful show.
Visitors have been asked not to bring their own fireworks, according to the city’s tourism website. Lighting fireworks in a national forest is a federal crime.
The Burbank Starlight Bowl canceled its 2020 summer concert season, including the 4th of July celebration and fireworks display, “to ensure the health and safety of our public, staff, volunteers and our Burbank neighbors” .
To adapt to social distancing patterns, some events have been moved online. The 27th annual July 4 Run, Walk and Kids’ Dash, normally held in Redondo Beach, will take place practically. Participants plan to run their courses separately, at home or in public, while following safety protocols.
Then there is the “July 4th Party at Grand Park + the Music Center: Home Edition”. Vocalist San Cha, rapper D Smoke, singer Ginger Root, dancehall artist Amindi, and Filipino comedy group AF are among the featured artists in a free virtual edition of this annual event in downtown Los Angeles. Also included: profiles of local artists, chefs and others. 7-8 pm Saturday at abc7.com and in the public access of Los Angeles County Channel 36; continues 8-10 pm on Saturday youtube.com.
AmericaFest’s 94th Annual Rose Bowl celebration is also held online this year and includes a live flyover on vintage planes. Also planned: a daytime light show and a performance by cellist Cécilia Tsan. Local newscaster Pat Harvey presents. 2 pm on Saturday. Free. facebook.com/RoseBowlStadium
