SeaWorld’s new show

Fireworks are a thrill – from time to time. But nightly over the course of an entire season? That might be too much of a good thing.

Many of the folks who live around SeaWorld have said it for years, complaining about the noise and environmental impacts of constant summer fireworks. And they weren’t just worried for themselves and their family and friends – the noise unsettled their pets too.

It’s an era when we both embrace and eschew technology, yet modern tech most certainly has come to the rescue in this case.

The California Coastal Commission on Wednesday approved a one-year pilot project for drone shows and laid out the details pretty plainly. The popular San Diego attraction may present up to 110 shows over the one-year period using up to 1,000 drones.

SeaWorld’s president called the shift to drone shows “a natural evolution,” and San Diego City Council President Joe LaCava thanked the park for the switch. A rare win-win? We’ll know this summer.

Let’s turn to Bill Walton. If you, like many locals, remember the basketball legend (and Deadhead) fondly, you’ll be happy to know that efforts to honor the late La Mesa native and longtime San Diego resident are continuing. La Mesa struck first this week. We have more on San Diego’s next steps too.

Thoughts? Opinions? Share them with us at news@timesofsandiego.com.