TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Philippe Eskandar, City Manager
BY: Eddie Covarrubias, Interim Community Services Director DATE: January 14, 2026
SUBJECT: AWARD OF 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS DISPLAY
AGREEMENT TO PYRO SPECTACULARS, INC. WITH YEAR
1 CONTRACT AMOUNT OF $44,000.00
STRATEGIC PLAN CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS
Engaged and Connected Residents
Fiscally Responsible and Transparent City Government
BACKGROUND
Since 1965, the City of San Marino has been celebrating the 4th of July holiday with a community parade, picnic, and fireworks show at Lacy Park. Since 2006, the Recreation Division has been spearheading the event-day activities inside the park, including the fireworks show.
The last contract for fireworks displays expired after the conclusion of the 2025 event. To allow for another competitive bidding process, the Department conducted a formal RFP. The purpose of the RFP was to identify a vendor to provide the City with a 20-minute fireworks display for the 2026, 2027, and 2028 4th of July events. The RFP was posted on the City’s OpenGov page on October 9, 2025, and closed on November 6, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. In addition, five vendors were emailed to inform them of the bidding opportunity.
DISCUSSION
One bid was received in response to the RFP from Pyro Spectaculars, Inc.
Three vendors responded with “no bid.” Of the three, two do not have availability on July 4 and one is unavailable for shows in California.
Tony Chou, Mayor
Calvin Lo, Vice Mayor
Hunter Chang, Council Member
John Chou, Council Member
Gretchen Shepherd Romey, Council Member
Pyro Spectaculars, Inc.’s proposal included pricing for Year 1 ($44,000) with pricing for Years 2 and 3 as “to be determined.” The vendor explained that due to tariffs, it is difficult for them to lock in pricing for 2027 and 2028. As those dates get closer, Pyro Spectaculars, Inc. will provide pricing, which could be up to a 20% increase per year; the vendor informed staff that pricing will be available by October for the upcoming 4th of July event (ex. for the 2027 event, the City will be informed of pricing by October 2026). However, it will be up to the City’s discretion to move forward with Years 2 and 3. For reference, the price increase for each year of the prior three-year contract with Pyro Spectaculars, Inc. was 10%.
Pyro Spectaculars is qualified having years of experience providing this service not only for San Marino, but also hundreds of other municipalities. Most recently, Pyro Spectaculars has served San Marino in 2017, 2018, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. Additionally, staff have shared that the vendor is responsive and easy to work with. Therefore, the Department recommends awarding the three-year contract to Pyro Spectaculars, Inc., with Years 2 and 3 being at the discretion of the City based on the pricing received for the shows for those years.
FISCAL IMPACT & PROCUREMENT REVIEW
The proposed agreement is for a 3-year contract, with Year 1 totaling $44,000.
Due to the timing of 4th of July in relation to the fiscal year, the deposit (50% payment) for the 2026 show will be paid with the FY 2025-26 budget, and the remaining balance (50%) will be paid with the FY 2026-27 budget. The adopted FY 2025-26 budget includes $22,000 in Account #104-66-4150-0000 to cover the deposit for the fireworks display for Year 1 (2026). The FY 2026- 27 budget that will be developed early next year will include the remaining balance due for Year 1 (2026). Remaining costs for Years 2 and 3 will be incorporated in future budgets should the City choose to utilize the options of the contract.
The Finance Director has reviewed this report and determined the procurement is in accordance with S.M.C.C. 02.06.05.B.5.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney's office has reviewed and approved as to form.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Council award the three-year agreement for 4th of July fireworks displays to Pyro Spectaculars, Inc. If the City Council concurs with staff’s recommendation, an appropriate motion would be:
“I move to award a three-year agreement for 4th of July fireworks displays to Pyro Spectaculars, Inc., with the City Manager being authorized to execute the agreement and any future amendments on behalf of the City.”
ATTACHMENTS
1. Production Agreement
2. Pricing Proposal from Pyro Spectaculars, Inc.