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Desert Hot Springs council keeps 2026 fireworks, directs staff to explore drone shows for 2027
Summary
City Council approved the budgeted $35,000 fireworks display for July 5, 2026, after staff presented drone-show proposals ranging from $28,000 to $90,000; council also directed staff to research and pilot drone options for 2027, with the final motion passing over one dissent.
The Desert Hot Springs City Council voted to proceed with a budgeted traditional fireworks show for the city’s 2026 Independence Day celebration and asked staff to continue researching drone-light alternatives for 2027.
Staff told the council that the city holds a contract with Pyro Spectaculars for a 15–20 minute fireworks display reserved for July 5, 2026, at a cost of $35,000. Recreation and community services director Roberta Cernick summarized three drone proposals staff obtained: “Skyworks, a 300 drone show for $90,000; Sky Elements, a 300 drone show for $57,165; and Grizzly Entertainment, a 350 drone show for $28,000.” She said production and traffic-control costs would be similar regardless of display type.
Council members debated timing and cost. Council member Pitts urged exploring drones but said safe-and-sane local sales would continue: “A lot of local businesses do that. That will stay the same.” Council member Pai cautioned against rushing a change that could affect the budget and youth programming, saying the city should incorporate the transition into strategic planning. Mayor Mattis said he had seen a drone show and found it impressive but favored a measured approach that gives residents a chance to see a demonstration first.
After discussion about piloting a smaller drone show at a community event, the council considered a motion to execute the budgeted fireworks contract for 2026 and to have staff research and develop a plan for a potential drone show in 2027. The final motion passed with one dissent: “Motion passes with Mayor Mattis opposed,” the clerk announced.
The move preserves the city’s long-standing fireworks tradition for this year while directing staff to pursue bids, vendor conversations and possible pilot events (for example, a smaller show during Desert Nights on the Boulevard) so council can consider a full transition in a future budget cycle. Staff noted that if a 2027 drone show estimate exceeded administrative spending authority it would return to the council for final approval.
Council instructions and staff follow-up are expected to return to the council during the next budget cycle and in subsequent staff reports.
(Provenance: staff presentation and pricing were discussed during the administrative-calendar item; the motion and vote are recorded in the council debate and vote at the same agenda item.)
