Procopio Attorneys Successfully Defend San Diego Bay Fireworks Display

San Diego, CA - The law firm of Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP successfully represented pro bono client San Diego Armed Services YMCA (“SDAS”) against threats from a local environmental group to shut down the annual San Diego Bay Independence Day Fireworks display. As one of the largest pyrotechnic displays in the nation, the “Big Bay Boom” draws 750,000 people each year and generates around $40,000 in proceeds for the SDAS. In addition, the event provides substantial social and economic benefits to the community as a whole.

The Coastal Environmental Rights Foundation (“CERF”), has claimed that any fireworks displays over water require a permit and California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) analysis. In October of last year, CERF’s legal threats led to the cancellation of a San Diego Bay fireworks display scheduled for New Years Eve. In late June, CERF filed complaints against the City of San Diego alleging that their La Jolla fireworks display would violate state environmental law. CERF threatened the same for the SDAS’ July 4th Big Bay Boom.

The Procopio team that represented SDAS included Partner Robert G. Russell, Senior Counsel Walter E. Rusinek and Associate Kevin M. Davis and was led by Procopio Partner John J. Lormon.

“John Lormon was the key person in our successful reviews by the Regional Water Quality Control Board and our “exemption” from the California Coastal Commission,” said Sandy Purdon, Executive Producer and Founder of the Big Bay Boom. “If it hadn’t been for John and Procopio, we could be facing a far different circumstance with the Big Bay Boom July 4th Fireworks Show. If I had to name a MVP for this effort to save the July 4th fireworks show for San Diego Bay it would be John Lormon.”

Even with the exemption in place, for business reasons the SDAS sought to resolve all possible legal exposures. Therefore, on June 24th, Lormon negotiated a settlement with CERF that provided the client with the certainty needed to keep in-kind volunteers in place and the show on schedule. Lormon also obtained concurrence from the Port District that the Imperial Beach Pier portion of the show was excluded from Port coastal jurisdiction.

About Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP

With more than 110 attorneys in San Diego and Carlsbad, Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP is one of the largest full-services business law firms in Southern California. We are a local law firm with a global network that gives us the ability to serve our clients’ interests throughout the world. Procopio is dedicated to understanding the businesses and industries of our clients and collaborating with them to develop tailored strategies. We advise companies at every stage in the corporate life cycle, helping them to plan, finance and operate their businesses. Since 1946, our success has been derived from our commitment to our clients and our ability to maximize the value we provide to them. Our goal is to continue building long-term relationships with our clients through a steady, team-oriented approach. For additional information, please visit www.procopio.com.