Amid scorching temperatures in the heart of Silicon Valley, a city is exploring innovative technologies to recreate a timeless Fourth of July tradition.
Sunnyvale has opted for a safer and eco-friendly alternative to fireworks with a drone light show at Baylands Park. According to city officials, this will help reduce the risk of wildfires and prevent the noticeable decrease in air quality that is usually associated with fireworks. The drone show is scheduled to take place at 6:30 p.m. and promises to be an exciting and visually stunning experience for all attendees.
During his visit to the United States Conference of Mayors last year, Mayor Larry Klein witnessed his first drone show and was impressed by its resemblance to fireworks but with greater control. Sunnyvale has not had fireworks for its Fourth of July celebrations for many years, and Klein hopes that the drone show will become a new annual tradition for the city.
According to Klein, drones come with a range of environmental advantages, including the ability to minimize loud noises and air pollutants.
According to Klein, the fireworks show not only aligns with Sunnyvale’s sustainability and environmental objectives but also serves as a means for people to gather and enjoy the traditional July 4th celebration. As reported by San José Spotlight, he stated, “It provides a way for the community to get together and experience what a standard fireworks show would bring.”
According to Jennifer Garnett, the spokesperson for the city, the event was allocated a budget of $100,000, out of which the drones amounted to approximately $65,000.
According to Klein, this year’s drone show in Sunnyvale is a groundbreaking event and potentially one of the first of its kind in the county. After speaking with other mayors, he believes that more cities will follow suit and host drone shows next year.
According to Councilmember Linda Sell, drones offer a more sustainable option as they can be reused, unlike fireworks which are single-use only. This not only reduces waste but also helps minimize the risk of wildfires, especially during hotter summers when wildfires are becoming more frequent.
According to Sell, who is a co-founder of the nonprofit Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action, the drone show incorporates innovative technologies that have the potential for further advancements in the future. Additionally, she emphasized that not all communities can safely conduct firework displays, making drone shows a more viable and inclusive alternative.
According to Alice Kaufman, the policy and advocacy director for Green Foothills, the use of fireworks involves heavy metals that are responsible for creating various colors. However, burning fireworks can also release contaminants that can potentially harm our lungs and cause irritation.
During a news conference on Monday, Santa Clara County Fire Chief Suwanna Kerdkaew emphasized that the risk of fires has significantly increased over the past decade. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has previously issued warnings regarding fireworks. However, illegal Fourth of July fireworks exacerbate the strain on safety infrastructure.
Kerdkaew warned that the upcoming Fourth of July holiday is expected to bring about scorching temperatures and dry weather conditions.
Nicole Sasaki, an attorney for San Francisco Baykeeper, has expressed concerns about the contamination of waterways due to fireworks. Falling debris and fireworks falling off boats are both issues that can lead to pollution. In response to debris washing up on Bay Area shores after celebrations around Super Bowl 50, SF Baykeeper began organizing around firework shows. Sasaki worked with local officials to implement a permitting system aimed at controlling firework pollution.
