Directories
Quick Searches
Find a Job
Quick Search
For Employers
Yahoo! HotJobs Local Search
REGION: North County celebrates July Fourth
By North County Times | ∞
Spectators watch the Fourth of July fireworks at Grape Day Park in Escondido on Friday. The display capped off a day of festivities in and around the park. (John Koster - For the North County Times) 
Alex Doumik, 18, left, and Will Carr, 20, sitting next to the Oceanside Municipal Pier on Friday, were among thousands of people who weren't able to see Oceanside's fireworks display because of fog and low clouds. (Hayne Palmour IV - Staff Photographer) Patriots, revelers and sun worshippers packed North County beaches and parks by the thousand on Friday, marking the 232nd anniversary of the nation's founding before the night was lit up by rockets' red glare.
In Vista's Brengle Terrace Park, families and groups of friends sat on blankets draped across grassy hillsides, set up canopies and awaited the night's fireworks.
In Oceanside, the annual O'Fest celebration was the highlight of a day mostly obscured by fog. Authorities noted a respite from the dangers that sometimes arise at crowded waterfronts, but the fog also obscured the fireworks display, which at least one family had awaited since dawn.
At Grape Day Park in Escondido, magicians and circus performers entertained children, as a giant Uncle Sam waved a flag from atop a pair of stilts. Several thousand people had converged on the park as sunset approached.
In Rancho Bernardo, several hundred heard excerpts from the Declaration of Independence and the ringing of a "Liberty Bell" patterned after the original in Philadelphia.
As of 8 p.m., public safety agencies had reported no grave mishaps at the organized events.
A piece of history
Vista's Independence Day celebration included food booths, a fundraising barbecue, and musical entertainment in the Moonlight Amphitheatre. Cousins Lynda Garcia and Eva Salazar of Vista said they preferred the park's easygoing atmosphere to crowded beaches. Salazar said the annual event also brought back memories of their childhoods.
"We used to come here when we were little, and we were reminiscing about how the playground has changed," she said.
San Diego resident Hope Peterson said the Vista celebration was a new tradition for her family, but "my husband's family has been coming here since they were kids."
Peterson passed the afternoon playing cards with relatives in the Moonlight Amphitheatre, but said she was mainly looking forward to the evening's fireworks.
"It's one of the best in San Diego that I've seen, and I've been here my whole life," she said.
Setting the patriotic tone Friday was a display of World War II military vehicles, including a 1942 Cadillac Light Tank.
Gary Harper, of Ramona, said his company Harperhaus, which provides military weapons and equipment for TV shows and motion pictures, regularly displays vehicles at events to remind people of the nation's history.
"You can't get that from a book or the TV," he said.
Thunder, no lightning
The mood in Oceanside was sunny for O'Festers who lounged on picnic blankets and shoppers who traipsed among numerous stands at the festival as they waited for the fireworks display over the ocean.
Longtime resident Esther Newman said she has celebrated the Fourth of July in Oceanside for the last 55 years.
"I haven't missed one," said Newman, who wore a jacket resembling an American flag. "It's Oceanside; we're paradise here."
She said the celebration symbolizes what she loves most about the city. "Everyone smiles, and they are just so happy here," she said.
The event included entertainment for all ages, including children's activities and musical performances at the Oceanside Amphitheater.
For Maryann Haro, who had traveled 50 miles from Perris, the rock music made the day. Haro said her family arrived at the crack of dawn to grab a spot by a fire pit that her daughter, Angelisa, scouted the day before.
She said O'Fest has become a beloved family tradition, bleary-eyed arrivals and all.
Oceanside resident Lorraine Sherwood called the crowds unappealing. She said her family came to the event for the shopping but planned to watch the fireworks from home.
She probably didn't see much. Councilman Rocky Chavez, who watched the display from a walkway near the pier, said late Friday evening that he had been able to see only the largest and the brightest of the bursts.
"It wasn't spectacular," Chavez said. "I heard 20 minutes of fireworks, but you couldn't see anything."
Lifeguard Dieter Swank said the city's beaches had been plenty crowded, but tame currents hadn't required any serious rescues there.
In Encinitas, senior lifeguard Larry Giles said the day had been somewhat busier than most. One body surfer, a 48-year-old man, was taken to a hospital after striking his head on a sandbar.
A police officer in Carlsbad said no serious incidents had occurred there by late afternoon.
'Freedom is even sweeter'
At Escondido’s Grape Day Park, Tina Inscoe said she appreciates an atmosphere that kids and parents can all enjoy. Inscoe is the director of annual giving at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, one of the event’s sponsors.
Marine Chief Warrant Officer C.E. Harris, now stationed at Camp Pendleton, said that after two recent tours, he was not as eager to see the fireworks as he had been as a child. Harris's father, a former Marine who served in Vietnam, was also there.
"My favorite part is family and barbecues and seeing other people enjoy their Fourth," Harris said. "I’ve always loved the Fourth of July, but coming home, freedom is even sweeter."
Joe Watt, commander of American Legion Post 149 in Escondido, said patriotism had coursed through the city's annual celebration for the 45 years the post has been a sponsor.
"The patriotism comes out every time, whether it’s wartime or not," he said.
"Still independent"
At an all-day event at Webb Park in Rancho Bernardo, volunteer community fair director Bill Angus welcomed a "rare opportunity for neighbors to get together. With the numbers of military and veterans in San Diego County, it’s very hard for us not to remember the Fourth of July," he said.
Angus said more than 5,000 people were expected to visit the fair, an afternoon parade and evening fireworks show.
Retired Navy Lt. Bill May and his wife, Rose May, of Mira Mesa arrived dressed in colonial-era garb. He was in the uniform of the Continental Army. Rose May said she and her husband educate younger generations about the Revolutionary War.
"When we’re in parades, the kids will yell, 'Look, Pirates of the Caribbean,' and their parents are so embarrassed," she said. "We’re here to promote patriotism."
Staff writer Chris Bagley and freelance writers Renee Haines and Shannon Wingard contributed to this report. Contact Bagley at (760) 740-5444 or cbagley@nctimes.com.
Advertisement
Oceansider wrote on Jul 4, 2008 11:32 PM:Of course the $500hundred grand fireworks were obscured. Let's stop this madness and quit putting them on! Now! And get rid of Feller and Chavez who keep voting for this stuff. Ridiculous.
Pirate wrote on Jul 5, 2008 12:43 AM:This is what Esther Sanchez wants to cancel? Despite the fog, Oceanside had a wonderful 4th.
Angel wrote on Jul 5, 2008 12:55 AM:Couldn't see aany fireworks at all in O'side because of the fog.
No Car wrote on Jul 5, 2008 6:30 AM:The group I was with parked our cars and took the Sprinter to the pier. The service was extended into the evening so people could return - Good Job Sprinter!
lady wrote on Jul 5, 2008 7:35 AM:I too WAS at the harbor ALL day,since 10am. Haze/fog ALL day but 2 hours,then the worst fog I have ever seen came in right before the fireworks. WE were so,so disappointed!! WE will never do that again,will go inland. Such a shame!!!
Citizen X wrote on Jul 5, 2008 9:01 AM:The weather can't be controlled, hard to blame the Oside City Council for the fog. But its easy to thank the Oceanside Police Department for thier terrific work making The Strand and the beach a great place to be! Their heavy police presence and zero tolerance led to the most pleasant 4th of July in recent Oceanside history. Great Job OPD!!
The fog sucked wrote on Jul 5, 2008 9:04 AM:I was very disapponted with the firework. Unfortunately we can't control mother nature. On a different note, big thank you to the Sheriff for come in our city. I kept hearing gang members saying stuff like, "The Sheriff are here" I don't know what kind of reputation they have with gangsters, but the gangster behaved for the most part. One again thank you and you are welcome to come next year :)
Best Ever wrote on Jul 5, 2008 9:21 AM:Just like others have said since when does the City Control the weather? I think that the traffic control plan was perfect. Walking on the strand was so nice since I didn't have to dodge the bikes. Bring it back next year and hopefully we will be able to see the fireworks.
to citizen x wrote on Jul 5, 2008 9:23 AM:I agreed OPD did a great job but I have to say the few Sheriffs that were there stole the show. I don't think the gangsters were to thrill to see them in Oceanside. Seeing the Sheriffs carrying pellet gun and riot gear was great. I have to say thank you OPD for bringing the Sheriffs. Great teamwork and we (oceansider) hope to see this again! Again thank you OPD and Sheriff. Thank you to CHP and Probation as well.
lady wrote on Jul 5, 2008 9:29 AM:TO : To lady
Don't worry " I won't" ,I'm VERY aware no one can control the weather,DUH! YOU must behaving another bad day!! With your rude responses on here. BE HAPPY don't worry :)) Hope your day gets better!!!
god wrote on Jul 5, 2008 10:13 AM:Sorry folks, that I ruined your day by having the fog roll in. Didn't realize that you had such a terrible time having fun, relaxing all day.
I was watching over the deployed military in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Arabian Gulf, making sure they were safe. I thought you could deal with a bit of the fog for the first time in years on the 4th of July.
If you really want fireworks, that can be arrange. Enlist in the military. "Fireworks" go off at all times in spite of the fog.
Folks, how about a thank you, for all the things you've been given instead of a complaint?
TOO much wrote on Jul 5, 2008 10:30 AM:To god
GOD is not TO be used for your "complaints",nor is anyone saying "we" don't thank ALL military FOR doing their job!!! Sounds LIKE you have a major chip to deal with on your own with "god". IF WE ALL wanted to be in the military WE would!! I DO thank GOD everyday!!
HOPE you have a BETTER day!!!
Radman wrote on Jul 5, 2008 10:44 AM:The was a great event. The police have figured out how to control the crowds and the people all had a great time. Thanks to the OPD for a fantastic job! I've never seen the beach so crowded and everyone having fun. Where are the bloggers now that were saying it was to dangerous too attend.
bah hum bug wrote on Jul 5, 2008 11:10 AM:Did the fog stop Santa? NO! So there was fog one year. There have been many years before that did not have fog. Bah hum bug to all of you that want to complain about the fog ruining your fireworks... Be thankful what you do have & what the day meant. FREEDOM! Yay!
paul wrote on Jul 5, 2008 11:15 AM:Move the fireworks inland to the airport. Maybe June K. will attend.
Thank you God wrote on Jul 5, 2008 11:24 AM:for squelching out all of these whiners. Interesting in that reading this story, one would think there would be more military referenced in Oceanside than in Escondido. Seems like we inland folks know a bit more about the spirit of the holiday than the whiners and complainers out on the coast.
Zeus wrote on Jul 5, 2008 11:24 AM:Don't listen to that false "god" above. I, Zeus, brought the fog. I actually called for Thor, the Norse God of Thunder but he was busy hanging out with Superman and Joey Ramone enjoying bratwursts and deep-fried Oreos on the Strand.
Hmmm... wrote on Jul 5, 2008 11:57 AM:VERY INTERESTING...
The SHERIFF shows up and it's the smoothest 4th of July EVER!!!
Kind of make people wonder...
WHY DON'T WE HAVE THEM PROTECTING OCEANSIDE EVERY DAY?!?
Also... wrote on Jul 5, 2008 12:01 PM:Good move city council...you threw $500K into the ocean WITH NO BENEFIT WHATSOEVER!!!
Let's see what else you'll waste money on this year and the next!
Then again we can vote them out this fall. Start making those resumes Mr. Wood.
Or you could save yourself by contracting with the Sheriff and SAVING a few MILLION DOLLARS a year. Outsourcing with a set contract ALWAYS saves money!
Late wrote on Jul 5, 2008 12:03 PM:Why did the Grape Day Park firworks start at 9:30pm? All reports showed they were to start at 9:00pm. If I remember correctly, they were 20 minutes late last year too.
to God wrote on Jul 5, 2008 12:38 PM:You forgot to watch over all the military drunk drivers we are going to have this weekend. Are you also watching over all police officers, fireman, nurses, doctors, etc who are deployed year round?
La Costa is where it was at wrote on Jul 5, 2008 1:19 PM:La Costa had two wonderful shows of fireworks. One at Four Seasons and one at La Costa Resort and Spa - needless to say the best in the county! No rif raff like Oceanside!
art in the dido wrote on Jul 5, 2008 3:51 PM:I paddled out at Wisconson street 7:00pm Got some of the best waves in a while !That early and I saw a bunch of cops !I spent many a 4th at the beach, its better go early surf and split!!! Watch the works inland !GOD BLESS THE USA
The Cops wrote on Jul 5, 2008 3:51 PM:We had a great police presence this year. WOW, OPD and other police Depts. that joined in the effort made the Oceanside 4th of July a pleasant and safe day. I want to thank the PD for a fine job yesterday.
art in the dido wrote on Jul 5, 2008 3:57 PM:Fireworks are lame enjoy the surf and the people watching
dispuddycat wrote on Jul 5, 2008 4:22 PM:for years we pay taxes for city to put on a show and eat drink be merry enjoy FREEDOM while our Military personal fight a war...for gas and riches You all should be ashamed of your selves It's about freedom enjoy it while WE have freedom enjoy it you'll never know if didn't have it. you could live in IRAQ ! thank you OPD sherrifs
Ditto Late wrote on Jul 5, 2008 4:58 PM:I agree, the music played too long in Escondido. The fireworks started just after 9:27 pm and lasted 20 minutes, 45 seconds. The fireworks show was great. But the wait is hard on the little kids.
Mazz Oside wrote on Jul 5, 2008 6:23 PM:I believe the fog hiding the fireworks is called IRONY.
Closing the streets seemd to keep the rifraff out of the neighborhood. I live on Myers, by Tyson. It was rather peaceful, compared to the last 15 years.
Oceansider and the other detractors of course will knee jerk or just be jerks and call for the cancellations, especially since it was just 1 bad show out of the last 15. Even the council was worried, or should I say the lazy OPOA who doesn't want to trust the officers to enforce the law was worried about violence that never happened.
Let's do it all again next year. (And I will donate again to help make it happen.) Forget the carnival, keep the fair and the fireworks.
Dcat is right wrote on Jul 5, 2008 8:12 PM:Enjoy the freedom we have because when Obama and Hilliary get into office life as we know it will be over.
Vote independent.
OPOA wrote on Jul 5, 2008 8:35 PM:OPD Union must be hating the Sheriff right now, because with the Sheriff's help OPD was able to preserve the peace like never before! Good job OPD and Sheriff your teamwork was the key that made us safe!
Your guys showed the OPD Union that it could be done!
I agreed with Mazz this is an Oceanside tradition and it should be kept. WE CAN'T BOW DOWN TO THE CRIMINAL ELEMENTS!
Ross wrote on Jul 5, 2008 9:28 PM:My family drove from the coast to Vista (Brengle Terrace). The fireworks were spectacular, the music was great and the crowds were pleasant. The fireworks started at 9:00 as advertised.
Allen wrote on Jul 6, 2008 1:00 AM:This was my first time in Oceanside for the fireworks. Coming from the coastal area 20 mles to the south, I was pretty shocked with the number of police and some of the crowd members I saw.
While I appreciated the police presence, it was frightening to know that the police felt it was necessary to show such force. What happens in Oceanside? The crowd was pretty sketchy and I would never bring my family to this event.
Were the gangbangers homegrown or did the come in on the Sprinter?
I definitely will NOT go to Oceanside again!!
god wrote on Jul 6, 2008 10:54 AM:I did not forget the cops and nurses and firefighters. I purposely left them out because WITHOUT a uniformed military serving at home and abroad, they would not not have employment here in the states.
Did you forget that cops and nurses and firefighters are/can be drunkards, too?
Osider wrote on Jul 7, 2008 11:56 AM:Despite not being able to see the fireworks at the pier, I sure was able to see all the fireworks at Oside Blvd that came in from Vegas. NOW THAT WAS A SHOW!!! Good job local boyz by making up what we couldn't see!
to God wrote on Jul 7, 2008 8:39 PM:that's funny because I was employed before we invaded Iraq! People like you make our military look very arrogant!
Yes Cops, nurses, firemen get dui's and that's exactly my point military are not better than those people mention above. Cops, firemen, nurses, etc are deployed 365 days a year not 6 or 8 months so please don't minimize their sacrifice.
- Burst pipe causes 70-foot-deep sink hole in Carlsbad (2501)
- REGION: State green power plan will cost consumers billions (1487)
- HOUSING: Fraud victims struggle to regain cash, credit (1412)
- REGION: Talk of new immigration bill gets mixed reaction (1130)
- VISTA: Grocer brothers suspected of threatening former butcher (1049)
Advertisement