San Diego is about to approve a plan that governs SeaWorld for the next 25 years — fireworks, new animal facilities, and whether the public gets a hearing on any of it.

The Planning Commission voted to phase out the fireworks. SeaWorld's park president said he won't commit. Council decides this fall.

Here's what almost nobody is talking about: since 2002, major projects at SeaWorld have required public hearings and a mailed public notice. The new version removes both. One internal staff review — no notice, no hearing, including for new animal facilities.

This is public parkland. SeaWorld leases it from the city. The current plan has been in place 24 years; whatever passes this fall is what we live with.

Come for lunch - we will talk about what we will do to protect animals at SeaWorld.