A grassroots organization, Protect HB, has filed a lawsuit against Huntington Beach to halt a planned light show at Huntington Central Park. The group claims the city violated the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) by not conducting a thorough environmental review before approving the show. The event, called the Symphony of Flowers, would feature over 100,000 luminous flowers with 500,000 LED lights, choreographed to classical music.
Protect HB argues that the show could harm sensitive wildlife, including monarch butterflies and bald eagles. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife also expressed concerns, stating that the city did not adequately consult them or circulate the environmental study for public review. The department’s letter highlighted the potential disruption to wildlife due to the light and sound from the show.
The Symphony of Flowers is set to run for about six months each year, with shows scheduled from Thursday to Sunday evenings. The city expects to generate at least $150,000 annually from the event, which could draw up to 2,000 spectators per show. Despite the potential revenue, Protect HB co-founder Cathey Ryder emphasized the importance of preserving public parkland and wildlife habitats.
The lawsuit seeks to prevent the city from issuing permits for the show until a comprehensive environmental review is completed. Huntington Beach officials are currently evaluating the comments and recommendations from the Department of Fish and Wildlife. The outcome of the lawsuit could impact the future of the Symphony of Flowers and similar events in the area.
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