Nevada City Council 2009-05-30 voted to ban fireworks sales, but not use, in accordance with a written request from its Fire Chief.
Nevada City Fire Chief Sam Goodspeed had the good sense to detect which way the wind in Nevada County was blowing, and support the trend toward greater public safety. Allowing fireworks detonation within Nevada City limits is a good idea, one that he should be commended for. It is far, far lower risk to have fireworks detonated on asphalt near fire stations and medical response, than out in the rural county near dry grass, with someone's half-full beer bottle as the only available extinguisher.
Unfortunately, Nevada City Mayor Barbara Coffman still doesn't get it. Fortunately, her opinion didn't carry the day. “The council realized that maybe next year we’ll reconsider sales,” Mayor Barbara Coffman said Friday afternoon. “If you can use them, why can’t you sell them? We can use the tax dollars here. Next year, I want it on the calendar earlier so we can consider sales.” It was hard to support banning such a longstanding fundraising effort, Coffman said. “Fireworks on the Fourth of July are a Nevada City tradition,” she said. Coffman did not see selling fireworks as a liability issue, noting, “As in the past, vendors would have to tell people where they can use them legally.”
Mayor Coffman just doesn't realize that fireworks sold in Nevada City don't necessarily stay in Nevada City - they migrate to dangerously dry rural areas of the county. She somehow thinks that vendors displaying a piece of paper or telling buyers where to use fireworks legally, actually affects where they are detonated, and by whom. Barbara, I have a dirty little secret to share with you: kids don't stop playing with matches because they were told once not to. And another little secret: People still drink and drive and throw burning cigarettes out their car windows, even though they know it is illegal. Because "It won't happen to me."
Mayor Coffman just doesn't get that alternative fundraising methods are not only possible, but working for local charities. Perhaps next year (when she is no longer Mayor), she will have had time to get up to speed on these issues. To sense which way the wind is blowing. To put public safety first.
Now, if only the CA agricultural inspection stations would inspect for illegal fireworks being brought from out of state...
Now, if only Nevada County would actually enforce provisions related to curbing fireworks use in the rural county...
Smokey The Bear states that 90% of wildfires are caused by humans. Let's reduce that by changing California Law to enable wet weather sales of fireworks, so charity groups could sell fireworks for New Year's celebrations (wet years only), with agreement from local jurisdictions...
Grass Valley CA bans fireworks sales, use & possession permanently
In an apparent reversal of last year's vote, Grass Valley CA City Council 2009-05-12 voted to ban fireworks sales permanently, by modifying city ordinance as follows:
Section 8.44.010 – Fireworks – Prohibition. Every person, firm, or corporation is prohibited from using, selling, discharging, or possessing any fireworks as defined in Section 12511 of the Health and Safety Code of the State of California within the territory of the City of Grass Valley. This provision shall not apply to Pyrotechnic Operators licensed by the State of California engaged in the preparations for or performance of a public fireworks display, providing that the Operator possess any applicable city permits regulating the use, discharge or possession of fireworks, nor shall it apply to the use of exempt fireworks, as defined by Section 12508 of the Health and Safety Code of the Sate of California, when authorized by a permit(s) granted by the city.
Former Grass Valley Fire Chief Jim Marquis, who resigned during winter 2008-2009 to take a position in NV (notorious for lax regulation of fireworks), was replaced by a Fire Chief Tony Clarabut, who has a very different position on the matter.
Various High School Music Groups which complained long and hard in 2008 that funding for their band uniforms and trips would be insufficient without profits from fireworks sales, held a number of non-fireworks related fundraising events during winter 2008-2009 that generated many thousands of dollars for their programs. These groups were left with no $ from 2008 fireworks sales after (despite the City Council vote to continue fireworks sales) the Grass Valley Fire Chief cancelled fireworks sales at the last minute. At the time of his decision, there was high wildfire danger, nearby wildfires burning, high air pollution, and record hot weather.
Just days before the Fire Chief's June 2008 cancellation of sales, smog and smoke was visibly apparent on Grass Valley Streets. One afternoon, with the temperature well over 100 degrees, this author observed two men smoking cigarettes, buzzing through an intersection in an old car with all the windows down, tapping the ashes out into the breeze.
"I think it's a great tradition and I'd like to see it continue," Mayor Mark Johnson said of June and July fireworks sales, during a city council meeting in Spring 2008.
It is hard to decide which of these two examples better personifies how out of touch with reality some in Grass Valley remain...
Perhaps the latest City Council action, a permanent ban on fireworks sales, is a signal that at least some can see through all the smoke to get at the heart of the matter: Public Safety.
Public safety is important to residents of towns and rural county alike, and especially to homeowners. Public opinion was strongly in favor of banning dry weather fireworks sales. Fireworks sold in town don't necessarily stay in town.
Now, if only the CA agricultural inspection stations would inspect for illegal fireworks being brought from out of state...
Now, if only Nevada County would actually enforce provisions related to curbing fireworks use in the rural county...
Now, if only the California Legislature would see fit to enable wet weather sales, so charity groups could sell fireworks for New Year's celebrations (wet years only), with agreement from local jurisdictions...
Section 8.44.010 – Fireworks – Prohibition. Every person, firm, or corporation is prohibited from using, selling, discharging, or possessing any fireworks as defined in Section 12511 of the Health and Safety Code of the State of California within the territory of the City of Grass Valley. This provision shall not apply to Pyrotechnic Operators licensed by the State of California engaged in the preparations for or performance of a public fireworks display, providing that the Operator possess any applicable city permits regulating the use, discharge or possession of fireworks, nor shall it apply to the use of exempt fireworks, as defined by Section 12508 of the Health and Safety Code of the Sate of California, when authorized by a permit(s) granted by the city.
Former Grass Valley Fire Chief Jim Marquis, who resigned during winter 2008-2009 to take a position in NV (notorious for lax regulation of fireworks), was replaced by a Fire Chief Tony Clarabut, who has a very different position on the matter.
Various High School Music Groups which complained long and hard in 2008 that funding for their band uniforms and trips would be insufficient without profits from fireworks sales, held a number of non-fireworks related fundraising events during winter 2008-2009 that generated many thousands of dollars for their programs. These groups were left with no $ from 2008 fireworks sales after (despite the City Council vote to continue fireworks sales) the Grass Valley Fire Chief cancelled fireworks sales at the last minute. At the time of his decision, there was high wildfire danger, nearby wildfires burning, high air pollution, and record hot weather.
Just days before the Fire Chief's June 2008 cancellation of sales, smog and smoke was visibly apparent on Grass Valley Streets. One afternoon, with the temperature well over 100 degrees, this author observed two men smoking cigarettes, buzzing through an intersection in an old car with all the windows down, tapping the ashes out into the breeze.
"I think it's a great tradition and I'd like to see it continue," Mayor Mark Johnson said of June and July fireworks sales, during a city council meeting in Spring 2008.
It is hard to decide which of these two examples better personifies how out of touch with reality some in Grass Valley remain...
Perhaps the latest City Council action, a permanent ban on fireworks sales, is a signal that at least some can see through all the smoke to get at the heart of the matter: Public Safety.
Public safety is important to residents of towns and rural county alike, and especially to homeowners. Public opinion was strongly in favor of banning dry weather fireworks sales. Fireworks sold in town don't necessarily stay in town.
Now, if only the CA agricultural inspection stations would inspect for illegal fireworks being brought from out of state...
Now, if only Nevada County would actually enforce provisions related to curbing fireworks use in the rural county...
Now, if only the California Legislature would see fit to enable wet weather sales, so charity groups could sell fireworks for New Year's celebrations (wet years only), with agreement from local jurisdictions...
Grass Valley bans fireworks
From: The Union
http://www.theunion.com/article/20090513/NEWS/905129951
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Despite impassioned pleas to keep Fourth of July fireworks bursting in Grass Valley, the City Council approved a year-round ban on sales, use and possession of them Tuesday night.
Wildfire concerns were the major reason Fire Chief Tony Clarabut brought a new ordinance before the council calling for the wholesale ban, while acknowledging that blocking city limits sales could harm the fundraising of various civic, church and youth groups in Nevada County.
Although Clarabut admitted that less than 1 percent of wildfires are started by fireworks, “The risk of catastrophic fire in the community,” was too large to allow future fireworks sales.
He was echoed by former city fire chief and current county Supervisor Hank Weston and Calfire area Unit Chief Brad Harris.
“Don’t ban fireworks because we really need them,” said Tiana Thomas, a member of the Chicago Park 4-H Club that has sold fireworks in Grass Valley in recent years as a successful fundraiser. “We go out and use the money for community services,” like Adopt-A-Family, and donations to the Red Cross and the Fire Safe Council of Nevada City.
“It’s a big revenue in a short period of time,” said Scott Harms of Rough and Ready who has benefited from fireworks sales in the past. “They make a huge impact on what they can do.”
Nevada County resident Shamus Brown said the personal fireworks previously allowed in Grass Valley made for good gatherings. He also said Clarabut’s claim that 12 fires were started by fireworks from 2003 to 2007 included illegal fireworks as well as the “Safe and sane” fireworks sold in Grass Valley and was thereby misleading.
The only council member to vote against the ban was Dan Miller, who said, “You can’t regulate stupidity,” and that a vast law-abiding majority should not be punished for what a few foolish people may do with fireworks.
That didn’t deter Mayor Lisa Swarthout who said the council was not professional firefighters but should take the word of those who are for everyone’s safety.
“These are the ones who run into the burning buildings,” Swarthout said. “It would be remiss of us not to listen.”
If a large fire was traced to fireworks sold in Grass Valley, “The city would be responsible and liable,” said Councilwoman Jan Arbuckle, who joined Swarthout and other council members Chauncey Poston and Yolanda Cookson to authorize the ban.
http://www.theunion.com/article/20090513/NEWS/905129951
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Despite impassioned pleas to keep Fourth of July fireworks bursting in Grass Valley, the City Council approved a year-round ban on sales, use and possession of them Tuesday night.
Wildfire concerns were the major reason Fire Chief Tony Clarabut brought a new ordinance before the council calling for the wholesale ban, while acknowledging that blocking city limits sales could harm the fundraising of various civic, church and youth groups in Nevada County.
Although Clarabut admitted that less than 1 percent of wildfires are started by fireworks, “The risk of catastrophic fire in the community,” was too large to allow future fireworks sales.
He was echoed by former city fire chief and current county Supervisor Hank Weston and Calfire area Unit Chief Brad Harris.
“Don’t ban fireworks because we really need them,” said Tiana Thomas, a member of the Chicago Park 4-H Club that has sold fireworks in Grass Valley in recent years as a successful fundraiser. “We go out and use the money for community services,” like Adopt-A-Family, and donations to the Red Cross and the Fire Safe Council of Nevada City.
“It’s a big revenue in a short period of time,” said Scott Harms of Rough and Ready who has benefited from fireworks sales in the past. “They make a huge impact on what they can do.”
Nevada County resident Shamus Brown said the personal fireworks previously allowed in Grass Valley made for good gatherings. He also said Clarabut’s claim that 12 fires were started by fireworks from 2003 to 2007 included illegal fireworks as well as the “Safe and sane” fireworks sold in Grass Valley and was thereby misleading.
The only council member to vote against the ban was Dan Miller, who said, “You can’t regulate stupidity,” and that a vast law-abiding majority should not be punished for what a few foolish people may do with fireworks.
That didn’t deter Mayor Lisa Swarthout who said the council was not professional firefighters but should take the word of those who are for everyone’s safety.
“These are the ones who run into the burning buildings,” Swarthout said. “It would be remiss of us not to listen.”
If a large fire was traced to fireworks sold in Grass Valley, “The city would be responsible and liable,” said Councilwoman Jan Arbuckle, who joined Swarthout and other council members Chauncey Poston and Yolanda Cookson to authorize the ban.
GV fire chief seeks law to ban fireworks
From The Union:
http://www.theunion.com/article/20090512/NEWS/905119966
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
A law banning the possession, sale and use of fireworks in Grass Valley has been recommended for passage by Fire Chief Tony Clarabut at tonight’s City Council meeting.
Although a number of school, church and civic groups have sold fireworks within the city limits as a successful fundraiser in recent years, the ban would bring that to a halt.
According to Clarabut, the fireworks brought in $68,000 to the organizations in 2007.
Meanwhile, those groups are scrambling to develop other fundraisers — most to fund youth activities — in a poor economy where business sponsors have had to cut back on their contributions to such groups.
Grass Valley and Nevada City banned the sale and use of fireworks last year just before Independence Day as smoke filled the air from wildfires in the Yuba River and American River areas. Fireworks have been illegal in the unincorporated area of Nevada County since 1977, Clarabut said.
In a memo to the City Council, Clarabut said he would like the ban based on 12 fires in the county caused by fireworks from 2003 to 2007, and overall fire dangers.
Although few wildland fires are caused by fireworks, Clarabut said fire officials want the ban “to prevent that one fire that may become a major fire.”
“If they ban (fireworks), we’ve lost our fundraiser,” said Sue Ramey, fireworks coordinator for the Chicago Park 4-H Club, which makes about $10,000 each year selling them.
“We’ve tried other things, but they haven’t been successful,” Ramey said. “(We) use those funds for all kinds of community service projects.”
When then-chief Jim Marquis stepped in and stopped fireworks sales and use last year, “It was a good call,” Ramey said. “The fire chief always has the ability to close it down if conditions were like last year.”
But a full ban is not needed in normal years, Ramey added.
“We would have to find a new fundraiser,” said Jason Wood, the pastor of student ministries at Calvary Baptist Church. “We have things in the works, but nothing as profitable. I wish they would take it on a year-by-year decision based on fire danger.”
The Nevada Union Choir Boosters already have moved on from last year’s situation, preferring to go a different direction with fundraisers. The group benefited from the recent Nevada County’s Top Talent competition, and has a “fun run” set for June.
“Last year’s situation was part of it,” said Kimette Neufeld, the boosters’ president. “The public opinion is so negative, we thought it was counterproductive for our organization,” to keep selling fireworks.
“We’ve actually had people come up and yell at our volunteers” while they were working a fireworks booth, Neufeld said.
Even though they have taken fundraising in a different direction, Neufeld said the boosters still don’t support a ban on fireworks in the city.
http://www.theunion.com/article/20090512/NEWS/905119966
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
A law banning the possession, sale and use of fireworks in Grass Valley has been recommended for passage by Fire Chief Tony Clarabut at tonight’s City Council meeting.
Although a number of school, church and civic groups have sold fireworks within the city limits as a successful fundraiser in recent years, the ban would bring that to a halt.
According to Clarabut, the fireworks brought in $68,000 to the organizations in 2007.
Meanwhile, those groups are scrambling to develop other fundraisers — most to fund youth activities — in a poor economy where business sponsors have had to cut back on their contributions to such groups.
Grass Valley and Nevada City banned the sale and use of fireworks last year just before Independence Day as smoke filled the air from wildfires in the Yuba River and American River areas. Fireworks have been illegal in the unincorporated area of Nevada County since 1977, Clarabut said.
In a memo to the City Council, Clarabut said he would like the ban based on 12 fires in the county caused by fireworks from 2003 to 2007, and overall fire dangers.
Although few wildland fires are caused by fireworks, Clarabut said fire officials want the ban “to prevent that one fire that may become a major fire.”
“If they ban (fireworks), we’ve lost our fundraiser,” said Sue Ramey, fireworks coordinator for the Chicago Park 4-H Club, which makes about $10,000 each year selling them.
“We’ve tried other things, but they haven’t been successful,” Ramey said. “(We) use those funds for all kinds of community service projects.”
When then-chief Jim Marquis stepped in and stopped fireworks sales and use last year, “It was a good call,” Ramey said. “The fire chief always has the ability to close it down if conditions were like last year.”
But a full ban is not needed in normal years, Ramey added.
“We would have to find a new fundraiser,” said Jason Wood, the pastor of student ministries at Calvary Baptist Church. “We have things in the works, but nothing as profitable. I wish they would take it on a year-by-year decision based on fire danger.”
The Nevada Union Choir Boosters already have moved on from last year’s situation, preferring to go a different direction with fundraisers. The group benefited from the recent Nevada County’s Top Talent competition, and has a “fun run” set for June.
“Last year’s situation was part of it,” said Kimette Neufeld, the boosters’ president. “The public opinion is so negative, we thought it was counterproductive for our organization,” to keep selling fireworks.
“We’ve actually had people come up and yell at our volunteers” while they were working a fireworks booth, Neufeld said.
Even though they have taken fundraising in a different direction, Neufeld said the boosters still don’t support a ban on fireworks in the city.
Santa Barbara CA: permanent fireworks ban
Now sparklers, snakes, and other non-explosive fireworks deemed safe and sane by the current state fire code are off limits in the unincorporated areas of Santa Barbara County. The Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday, June 17, 2008, to support an ordinance introduced by the County Fire Marshal making the possession, sale, and use of all fireworks illegal in areas within the County's jurisdiction. "We want fireworks used only by trained, professional pyrotechnics display operations," said Santa Barbara County Fire Department spokesman Captain Eli Iskow. "'Safe and sane' fireworks are extremely dangerous." Second District Supervisor Janet Wolf noted that many fires—causing property damage and personal injury—have been caused by sparklers and snakes over the years. ...more... See the original article in full, as published here
Fireworks destroy historic train depot Tehachapi CA
Two men shot off illegal aerial fireworks which started the fire early Friday and caused more than $1 million in damage to the landmark, said Kern County Fire Department spokesman Sean Collins. Tehachapi police have not named or arrested the men, Collins said, but the case has been sent to the district attorney's office to decide whether to press charges. "Alcohol was a contributing factor at that time early in the morning," said Collins. All fireworks are illegal in Tehachapi, according to the Fire Department. ...more... See the original article in full, as published here
Grass Valley CA 2008 bans Fireworks sales, detonation
The city of Grass Valley decided late Thursday to ban the sale and use of consumer fireworks this year because of the fire danger.
The decision comes amid mounting criticism from some residents, businesses and officials, including the governor's office, about the wisdom of allowing the sale of fireworks while cities such as Grass Valley are blanketed in thick smoke from ongoing fires.
"How do you suppose it looks to an Idaho firefighter, who is sleeping in a tent at the fairgrounds and fighting fires 12 hours a day on our behalf, only to see us supporting and placing fireworks stands within our cities while we have all these fires going," said Walt Wilson, property manager of the Fowler Center, in an email seen by The Union.
City officials, led by Fire Chief Jim Marquis, will seek to issue an emergency order prohibiting the use of consumer fireworks within the city. ...more... See the original article in full, as published in The Union
The decision comes amid mounting criticism from some residents, businesses and officials, including the governor's office, about the wisdom of allowing the sale of fireworks while cities such as Grass Valley are blanketed in thick smoke from ongoing fires.
"How do you suppose it looks to an Idaho firefighter, who is sleeping in a tent at the fairgrounds and fighting fires 12 hours a day on our behalf, only to see us supporting and placing fireworks stands within our cities while we have all these fires going," said Walt Wilson, property manager of the Fowler Center, in an email seen by The Union.
City officials, led by Fire Chief Jim Marquis, will seek to issue an emergency order prohibiting the use of consumer fireworks within the city. ...more... See the original article in full, as published in The Union
CA Governor: Don't buy fireworks this year
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Wednesday asked Californians to avoid buying Fourth of July fireworks in the wake of hundreds of fires throughout the state and unusually dry conditions this summer. The Republican governor issued the unique request during a press conference in Big Sur, near the Basin Complex Fire where 19,100 acres have already burned.
"I know that the people that are selling all this stuff are going to go crazy now when I say this, but don't buy any of the fireworks," Schwarzenegger said. "Don't go out and do fireworks this year. "You would help the fire department and the state and law enforcement and everyone a tremendous amount, if you want to contribute and make sure that those fires go away and we don't have more fires coming up," Schwarzenegger continued. "So be careful. Don't buy the fireworks, don't go out and play with fireworks, because it's just too dry and too dangerous to do those things."
Schwarzenegger was joined Wednesday by Monterey County Sheriff Mike Kanalakis, who said even "safe and sane" fireworks are "adding to the problem." Kanalakis asked Californians to attend organized community events rather than light their own fireworks. ...more... See the original article in full, as published here
"I know that the people that are selling all this stuff are going to go crazy now when I say this, but don't buy any of the fireworks," Schwarzenegger said. "Don't go out and do fireworks this year. "You would help the fire department and the state and law enforcement and everyone a tremendous amount, if you want to contribute and make sure that those fires go away and we don't have more fires coming up," Schwarzenegger continued. "So be careful. Don't buy the fireworks, don't go out and play with fireworks, because it's just too dry and too dangerous to do those things."
Schwarzenegger was joined Wednesday by Monterey County Sheriff Mike Kanalakis, who said even "safe and sane" fireworks are "adding to the problem." Kanalakis asked Californians to attend organized community events rather than light their own fireworks. ...more... See the original article in full, as published here
Watsonville CA 2008 bans Fireworks sales
WATSONVILLE -- Watsonville put its more than 40-year-old tradition of fireworks sales on hold this year.
After three major wildfires in Santa Cruz County in the past month -- the most recent on the city's doorstep -- the City Council decided unanimously Wednesday that the risk is too great to go forward with the annual sales that benefit nonprofit groups. "We've never seen a fire that big that close to city limits," Councilman Manuel Bersamin said of Friday's Trabing Fire, which raged through a neighborhood just north of the city limits. "This is an exceptional year."
Fire and police officials from inside and outside the city were among those urging the council to suspend sales. Watsonville Fire Chief Mark Bisbee called the situation a "clear and present danger" due to unprecedented conditions. The three wildfires so far have cost millions to suppress, and in-yet-to-be-totalled losses to property, and left firefighters and other emergency workers exhausted, he said. The more than 700 still-burning fires across the state have only made matters worse. A five-engine team from the county, including an engine from Watsonville, deployed to Chico on Wednesday morning, leaving fewer firefighters here to tackle problems. "You have the choice to detonate or defuse the situation," Bisbee said.
Some in the crowd knew firsthand what Bisbee was talking about. Luis Ramirez, 20, lived on Carson Lane in the Larkin Valley Road area until his family's home burned Friday in the Trabing Fire. He said he enjoyed fireworks as a kid, but recognizes some children won't have adult supervision. "I don't want anybody to go through what I went through," he said. "Our house is gone."
Some city residents feared fireworks could bring a similar fire to their neighborhoods. Mary Armstrong said she opposes the fireworks that turn her neighborhood of Laurel and Madison into a "war zone" each year, but the dry conditions make the issue more critical this year. "To think we would sell fireworks for money and put people's lives in danger, I think that's insane," she said. ...more... See the original article in full, as published here
After three major wildfires in Santa Cruz County in the past month -- the most recent on the city's doorstep -- the City Council decided unanimously Wednesday that the risk is too great to go forward with the annual sales that benefit nonprofit groups. "We've never seen a fire that big that close to city limits," Councilman Manuel Bersamin said of Friday's Trabing Fire, which raged through a neighborhood just north of the city limits. "This is an exceptional year."
Fire and police officials from inside and outside the city were among those urging the council to suspend sales. Watsonville Fire Chief Mark Bisbee called the situation a "clear and present danger" due to unprecedented conditions. The three wildfires so far have cost millions to suppress, and in-yet-to-be-totalled losses to property, and left firefighters and other emergency workers exhausted, he said. The more than 700 still-burning fires across the state have only made matters worse. A five-engine team from the county, including an engine from Watsonville, deployed to Chico on Wednesday morning, leaving fewer firefighters here to tackle problems. "You have the choice to detonate or defuse the situation," Bisbee said.
Some in the crowd knew firsthand what Bisbee was talking about. Luis Ramirez, 20, lived on Carson Lane in the Larkin Valley Road area until his family's home burned Friday in the Trabing Fire. He said he enjoyed fireworks as a kid, but recognizes some children won't have adult supervision. "I don't want anybody to go through what I went through," he said. "Our house is gone."
Some city residents feared fireworks could bring a similar fire to their neighborhoods. Mary Armstrong said she opposes the fireworks that turn her neighborhood of Laurel and Madison into a "war zone" each year, but the dry conditions make the issue more critical this year. "To think we would sell fireworks for money and put people's lives in danger, I think that's insane," she said. ...more... See the original article in full, as published here
FEMA: fireworks cause 23200 fires + 9300 injuries / year
An estimated 23,200 fireworks fires in 2002 caused approximately $35 million in property loss and almost 60 percent of those fires occur during the month of July around the Independence Day holiday, according to a new report from the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Children under age 15 suffered 45 percent of the 9,300 injuries from fireworks. See the FEMA report here
This is just another report refuting California OES statistics. Grass Valley is hiding from the problem. Claims that fireworks sold in Grass Valley do not cause fires in rural Nevada County are simply unbelievable!
GV City Council: No Change (= No Improvement)
At special meeting of the GV City Council held 2008-04-02, the council voted unanimously for "no change" in the existing ordinance, which means no improvement in reducing wildfire risk to outlying areas. From their statements, it appears that for councilmembers value revenue to service clubs from fireworks sales more highly than lowering wildfire risk to rural homeowners. But if this is their logic, why not vote to give service clubs even opportunity for fireworks profits? Why not vote to enable December fireworks sales and detonation for New Year's celebrations (when wildfire risk is low?) so Grass Valley would be ready when CA state law is changed to permit this? Why not make a statement with an ordinance change, that could be used as proof of commitment to that concept, so lobbyists at the state level have another example of a city wanting December fireworks? Or is asking for logic from this council expecting too much? See The Union article here.
Attend Wed 2008-04-02 final GV fireworks mtg !!!
A special meeting of the GV City Council will be held 2008-04-02 Wed 6-8 pm as final consideration of public input on this fireworks ordinance. Plan to attend this meeting, as it is your last chance to influence this process.
Fire Chief Marquis' recommendations have been released, and are summarized as: "restrict sales of fireworks in GV to GV residents only". Full text of both his recommendations and the proposed ordinance can be seen within the agenda for the 2008-04-02 meeting
This proposed ordinance incrementally improves the fireworks risk to rural landowners, but stops short of motivating large improvements. It fails to encourage Dec 31 fireworks sales and use. It facilitates a "wink, wink" lack of enforcement. It will be easy for permitted vendors to sell fireworks to the many non-GV residents, on whose ID cards appear the words "Grass Valley, CA". (The municipal boundaries of GV are much smaller than the US Postal Service boundaries of Grass Valley, with the latter including hundreds of rural wildfire-prone residences). The ordinance *removes* the existing requirement for buyer street addresses to be recorded, so there is no paper trail to audit the effectiveness of the ordinance. But the good news is that the ordinance provides for the immediate shut-down of offending sellers, so it should be fairly easy for citizens to create a "sting" by purchasing fireworks with an ID that has a Grass Valley postal address which is outside the GV city limits, then demanding that GV enforce its own law, by shutting offending vendors down immediately.
If you cannot attend the GV City Council on 2008-04-02, consider sending your written comments to the City Council via: Kristi Bashor, City Clerk, kristib@cityofgrassvalley.com 530-274-4310 (written comments should arrive no later than end 2008-03-31).
Firework Sanity Mission Statement
Citizens advocating more restrictions on fireworks sales to amateurs. Reduce wildfire risk in rural Nevada County, California, USA. Keep July 4 fireworks shows by professionals! Continue Grass Valley's July 4 citizen amateur fireworks play area (at the safe location that has worked for years). Allow firework sales to amateurs near Christmas and New Year's. Comments and editorial content may be directed to:
4improvement (at) gmail (dot) com
4improvement (at) gmail (dot) com
Reduce July sales in GV (GV detonation OK)
A city council-mandated process is reviewing Grass Valley, CA (GV) ordinances related to fireworks sales. Citizen comments run 10:1 in favor of more restrictions on fireworks, as a tactic to reduce wildfire risk (such as the Angora fire, which devastated So Lake Tahoe in June 2007). Local service clubs and youth organizations rake in revenue from fireworks sales, and are resisting any change in current fireworks ordinances
Advocates of reducing risk of wildfire from fireworks have recently participated in workshops, ably conducted by GV Fire Chief Jim Marquis to obtain public opinion on the effect of reducing via tighter control of fireworks sale and detonation. Recommendations follow:
July 4: GV should continue to allow detonation of all types of fireworks in GV by private citizens, for a few hours in certain safe GV locations only. This is designed to reduce the likelihood that people will detonate fireworks in unsafe, wildfire-prone areas outside GV city limits. But GV should reduce fireworks sales in GV over the next few years, down to no sales in 2011.
Dec 31: Nevada County should allow detonation of all types of fireworks in Nevada County by private citizens anywhere in the unincorporated county. (This is a matter for county and state government to permit)
Local service clubs and youth organizations have shown resistance to any change in current fireworks ordinances. They are slow to embrace replacement of the revenue they now derive from fireworks sales. Despite many suggestions of alternate products and services that can be sold without elevating community risk from wildfire, leaders of these organizations advocate "no change" instead of evolving to increase public safety. They will advocate their views at upcoming Grass Valley City Council meetings, complete with fresh-faced 4H youth, high school band members, etc in uniforms purchased with fireworks profits at upcoming Grass Valley City Council meetings. PR firms for fireworks distributors will also make appeals claiming that statistical risk of wildfire from fireworks is low, that safe and sane fireworks pose no risk, etc. Such advocacy will have significant appeal. However, restrictions on fireworks sales to enhance public safety do not equate to lack of goodwill for the social mission of these organizations.
Letters to the editor in local media, and citizens participating in recent GV workshops continue to run 10:1 in favor of more restrictions on fireworks. The public perceives fireworks to be an optional activity that poses significant risk to lives and property. The public wants GV to demonstrate some responsibility toward protection of non-city property owners. The public believes forests, property, livestock, and lives will continue to suffer needless risk from fireworks detonated outside Grass Valley until fireworks sales and detonation in dry times of year are prohibited, and prohibitions are vigorously enforced.
Fire Chiefs, OES personnel, Fire Marshals, Forest Service fire officers support allowing fireworks sales and detonation only during wet times of the year when wildfire risk is minimal, such as for celebration of the New Year. Changes to state law have been proposed that would enable local government to allow fireworks sales in December, adoption of such laws will take more time.
Here is a detailed look at the issues, positions, and arguments related to reducing risk and damage from fireworks:
Hundreds of thousands of tax $ are being spent in Nevada County on fuels reduction. Yet, very little is being done to reduce wildfire risk from fireworks insanity - something that would cost almost *no* tax dollars!
Plenty of people do *not* follow the county law prohibiting lighting of fireworks in the unincorporated county. So claiming that what is sold in GV stays in GV is to ignore the problem. People buy fireworks in GV, take them outside the city limits, and light them off in hazardous areas. Judging from evidence left laying on the ground, and from personal observation of fireworks in action all summer, many agree that fireworks are used in dry brush, forests, and rural areas. Homeowners have confronted people in rural Nevada County actually firing off roman candles - propelling burning phosphor balls into the brush from their driveway on more than one July 4. In summer, homeowners hear strings of many firecrackers exploding in the woods, even those locations rated "Severe fire danger" by CalFire. Bicycle riders see fireworks casings on rural roads in summer, and on rural trails in the woods. These are fresh casings, not old casings that have been wet, crushed, or covered by leaf debris! The easy purchase of fireworks in Grass Valley facilitates this illegal and anti-social activity.
Some reduction in fireworks-induced wildfire risk in better than none. Banning sales in GV may not completely prevent people from lighting GV-purchased fireworks outside GV. But some improvement is better than none. Some portion of fireworks (aerial types) lit in rural areas are illegal-in-CA fireworks - not legally sold here. Nevertheless, some reduction of risk will be achieved by banning sales in GV.
"Safe and Sane" is anything but! Virtually all fireworks sold in the US are made in China, where manufacturing is renowned for shoddy quality control. Recent news reports, and FDA investigations confirm that Americans cannot trust Chinese-made toys to be free of lead paint, Chinese-made animal feed to be free of pet-killing toxics, or Chinese-made prepared food containers to be free of pesticides, or Chinese blood thinning drug components to be free of allergens. Why should we trust our fire safety and risk of personal injury to careless foreign workers? Smoky the Bear's slogan is "It only takes a spark". Does anyone really believe that Chinese-made fireworks provide no sparks? That those detonating fireworks create no sparks with their matches, lighters, and cigarettes?
Eventually ban sale of fireworks in Grass Valley in all months except Decembers in which brush and forest moisture content is above some sensible amount as reported by CalFire from local measurements. The GV City Council will be seen as remaining supportive of service club fundraising, because it allows sales of fireworks for New Years celebrations. Gradually reducing permitted sales over a multi-year period will give service clubs time to adapt their fund raising methods. While this statute would not address risk of personal injury, it will reduce risk to buildings, land, and forests, and hence would be some improvement from present practice. Service clubs can buy fireworks at lower "off-peak" prices for December, resulting in higher profit margins.
Service clubs have no right to endanger the lives and property of others merely to fund their programs. One scholarship or one charitable donation won't compensate for a home or life lost in a wildfire, or even the cost of fighting one. There is no need to compromise with service club habits regarding fireworks. But we can help service clubs evolve by continuing to advocate they shift to making sales of products and services that do not facilitate fireworks insanity. The appeal of cute kids trotted up on front of public meetings notwithstanding, fireworks equate to risk of fire in the minds of the public (local letters-to-editor run 10:1 in favor of more restrictions on fireworks).
Service club community benefit is dwarfed by the cost of structure and wild fires. The small economic boost to service clubs from fireworks sales is dwarfed by the cost of even a single structure lost to fire. And it is dwarfed by the cost to taxpayers of having firefighters respond to even a small wildfire. Fireworks equate to risk of fire in the minds of the public (local letters-to-editor run 10:1 in favor of more restrictions on fireworks).
Service clubs are too small to reduce fuels significantly. The appeal of cute kids trotted up in the city council chambers is heartwarming. Their offer of volunteer brush clearing to reduce risk of wildfires is an undersized compensation. With their small budgets, and modest membership size, they have no hope of making a significant dent in fuels reduction. This is nothing but a "feel good", yet ineffective offer.
Service clubs can adapt to changing market conditions by revising the products they sell to raise money. 'One product' markets are an archaic fantasy. Service clubs can use product diversification to teach kids real-world business skills, and retain more of the revenue in the community. Teaching kids to profit by adding risk of injury and property loss to locals (however willing those locals are to buy fireworks) is the wrong lesson. At the very best, it is akin to hiding one's head in the sand. More realistically, it is profiting from the misery of victims. Would these same service clubs be proud to profit from sales of other products that risk harming people? Red-white-and-blue cigarettes? Chewing tobacco? Cigars? Slingshots? Pellet guns? Knives? Why aren't they concerned about being sued for fireworks injuries or property damage? Ref: http://www.stop-fireworks.org/fireworks_lawsuits.htm
Fireworks vendors are actually siphon local money out of the county. Fireworks vendors from out-of-town hired by local service clubs retain a hefty cut of sales, and don't spend it here.
When service clubs sell sane non-burning products in July and fireworks in December, they can generate even more revenue than when they supported fireworks insanity. Service clubs formerly dependent on fireworks sales may have to revise their fundraising methods. Diversifying their income sources will be beneficial in the long run. It will also teach their members more about modern business practices. Here are some options for the service clubs to make just as much July revenue from sane celebration products as from fireworks insanity. The Nevada County Fire Safe Council has offered hands-on demonstrations of non-burning products to service clubs. Available alternatives include:
Electronic LED devices (blinky lights)
Flash Lights
Flags, poles, brackets, LED versions
Food items (cookies, beverages, sweets, fresh farm produce, wine, beer)
Costumes
Hats
Sporting goods
Magazine subscriptions
Cookies, Candy, foodstuffs
raffle tickets
Service club profit margin will be higher from sales of items other than fireworks. Service clubs don't sell fireworks directly - they pay carpetbagger companies from outside Nevada County huge commissions. These carpetbaggers employ outsiders, not just local people. If service clubs want to serve the local community, why not pay local people to sell products with higher profit margins?
This proposal is not a call to end public displays of fireworks lighted by professionals at any time of year. So this would not affect the July 4 fireworks show staged at the Nevada County Fairgrounds.
This proposal is not a call to end private displays of fireworks lighted by private citizens within the GV city limits. The citizens of Nevada County (rural, and within-city-limits) would rather, if fireworks must be lit, that they are lit in areas where wildfire ignition potential is low, and fire and medical assistance is standing by. The existing locations and permitted time interval within GV are adequate (GV claims they have a good safety record). This is designed to reduce the likelihood that people will detonate fireworks in unsafe, wildfire-prone areas outside GV city limits.
Law enforcement is overwhelmed with complaints about fireworks on July 4, and cannot possibly respond. Law Enforcement has little hope of finding the perpetrators of illegal fireworks ignition, or wildfire perpetrators. Thus more emphasis has to be placed on prevention. On more than one July 4, in response to direct observations of illegal fireworks use in high fire danger areas, my neighbors have requested law enforcement and fire department come to deal with fireworks violators. Officers were unable to respond in a timely manner; some years, no enforcement responded to the scene at all, and some years dispatchers admitted they could not possibly do so. This is understandable, because despite their best efforts, agencies are so deluged with calls, that they cannot possibly sent personnel to each scene. Even if agencies could somehow swarm the scene of a reported violation, they would be unlikely to get there soon enough to put out a brush fire. Due to the speed with which wildfire spreads in July's dry vegetation, it is insufficient to react to fireworks-ignited fires violations. We simply must do more to prevent the occurrence of fireworks-caused fires.
Statements by fire officials, OES website, etc, that "there is no proof that fireworks has caused wildfire" are not credible. This claim defies common sense, and personal observations. Statistics can obscure common sense: who really believes OES claims that there were *no* wildfires caused by fireworks in northern California in 2007 - an area in which over seven million people live and play? Sure, one can play with figures from OES and other organizations, and claim that tobacco smoking and faulty residential electrical systems are attributed as the cause of more fires than fireworks. But key differences include: amateur fireworks are an *optional* activity (unlike citizen's dependence on electrical appliances), that fireworks get detonated in the woods where electrical appliances are not located, and fireworks are not chemically addicting (as is tobacco). People can view fireworks displays by professionals, instead of placing themselves and others at risk. There is no need to even argue about the quantity of fires for which there was "no cause determined" or were attributed to "human cause." Claims that there "is no problem from fireworks" are signs of a large credibility problem; such claims are preposterous. Fireworks equate to risk of fire in the minds of the public (local letters-to-editor run 10:1 in favor of more restrictions on fireworks).
Claims by fireworks wholesale trade group publicists that "other communities that banned fireworks did not see reductions in fireworks-caused damage" are not applicable here. If the OES website is right, and there were *no* wildfires caused by fireworks, how could the fireworks marketers claim to have reduced them? Second, those cities listed as having experimented with bans on sales of fireworks are all on major freeways, where citizens could easily drive to the next town to buy fireworks. This is much less true of Grass Valley, which is a long drive from other cities which may continue to sell fireworks.
Fireworks scare people and animals, including livestock and pets. Many citizens in the recent GV workshops reported run-away pets as a result of fireworks noise. The newspaper classifieds for lost pets always increase right after July 4.
Advocates of reducing risk of wildfire from fireworks have recently participated in workshops, ably conducted by GV Fire Chief Jim Marquis to obtain public opinion on the effect of reducing via tighter control of fireworks sale and detonation. Recommendations follow:
July 4: GV should continue to allow detonation of all types of fireworks in GV by private citizens, for a few hours in certain safe GV locations only. This is designed to reduce the likelihood that people will detonate fireworks in unsafe, wildfire-prone areas outside GV city limits. But GV should reduce fireworks sales in GV over the next few years, down to no sales in 2011.
Dec 31: Nevada County should allow detonation of all types of fireworks in Nevada County by private citizens anywhere in the unincorporated county. (This is a matter for county and state government to permit)
Local service clubs and youth organizations have shown resistance to any change in current fireworks ordinances. They are slow to embrace replacement of the revenue they now derive from fireworks sales. Despite many suggestions of alternate products and services that can be sold without elevating community risk from wildfire, leaders of these organizations advocate "no change" instead of evolving to increase public safety. They will advocate their views at upcoming Grass Valley City Council meetings, complete with fresh-faced 4H youth, high school band members, etc in uniforms purchased with fireworks profits at upcoming Grass Valley City Council meetings. PR firms for fireworks distributors will also make appeals claiming that statistical risk of wildfire from fireworks is low, that safe and sane fireworks pose no risk, etc. Such advocacy will have significant appeal. However, restrictions on fireworks sales to enhance public safety do not equate to lack of goodwill for the social mission of these organizations.
Letters to the editor in local media, and citizens participating in recent GV workshops continue to run 10:1 in favor of more restrictions on fireworks. The public perceives fireworks to be an optional activity that poses significant risk to lives and property. The public wants GV to demonstrate some responsibility toward protection of non-city property owners. The public believes forests, property, livestock, and lives will continue to suffer needless risk from fireworks detonated outside Grass Valley until fireworks sales and detonation in dry times of year are prohibited, and prohibitions are vigorously enforced.
Fire Chiefs, OES personnel, Fire Marshals, Forest Service fire officers support allowing fireworks sales and detonation only during wet times of the year when wildfire risk is minimal, such as for celebration of the New Year. Changes to state law have been proposed that would enable local government to allow fireworks sales in December, adoption of such laws will take more time.
Here is a detailed look at the issues, positions, and arguments related to reducing risk and damage from fireworks:
Hundreds of thousands of tax $ are being spent in Nevada County on fuels reduction. Yet, very little is being done to reduce wildfire risk from fireworks insanity - something that would cost almost *no* tax dollars!
Plenty of people do *not* follow the county law prohibiting lighting of fireworks in the unincorporated county. So claiming that what is sold in GV stays in GV is to ignore the problem. People buy fireworks in GV, take them outside the city limits, and light them off in hazardous areas. Judging from evidence left laying on the ground, and from personal observation of fireworks in action all summer, many agree that fireworks are used in dry brush, forests, and rural areas. Homeowners have confronted people in rural Nevada County actually firing off roman candles - propelling burning phosphor balls into the brush from their driveway on more than one July 4. In summer, homeowners hear strings of many firecrackers exploding in the woods, even those locations rated "Severe fire danger" by CalFire. Bicycle riders see fireworks casings on rural roads in summer, and on rural trails in the woods. These are fresh casings, not old casings that have been wet, crushed, or covered by leaf debris! The easy purchase of fireworks in Grass Valley facilitates this illegal and anti-social activity.
Some reduction in fireworks-induced wildfire risk in better than none. Banning sales in GV may not completely prevent people from lighting GV-purchased fireworks outside GV. But some improvement is better than none. Some portion of fireworks (aerial types) lit in rural areas are illegal-in-CA fireworks - not legally sold here. Nevertheless, some reduction of risk will be achieved by banning sales in GV.
"Safe and Sane" is anything but! Virtually all fireworks sold in the US are made in China, where manufacturing is renowned for shoddy quality control. Recent news reports, and FDA investigations confirm that Americans cannot trust Chinese-made toys to be free of lead paint, Chinese-made animal feed to be free of pet-killing toxics, or Chinese-made prepared food containers to be free of pesticides, or Chinese blood thinning drug components to be free of allergens. Why should we trust our fire safety and risk of personal injury to careless foreign workers? Smoky the Bear's slogan is "It only takes a spark". Does anyone really believe that Chinese-made fireworks provide no sparks? That those detonating fireworks create no sparks with their matches, lighters, and cigarettes?
Eventually ban sale of fireworks in Grass Valley in all months except Decembers in which brush and forest moisture content is above some sensible amount as reported by CalFire from local measurements. The GV City Council will be seen as remaining supportive of service club fundraising, because it allows sales of fireworks for New Years celebrations. Gradually reducing permitted sales over a multi-year period will give service clubs time to adapt their fund raising methods. While this statute would not address risk of personal injury, it will reduce risk to buildings, land, and forests, and hence would be some improvement from present practice. Service clubs can buy fireworks at lower "off-peak" prices for December, resulting in higher profit margins.
Service clubs have no right to endanger the lives and property of others merely to fund their programs. One scholarship or one charitable donation won't compensate for a home or life lost in a wildfire, or even the cost of fighting one. There is no need to compromise with service club habits regarding fireworks. But we can help service clubs evolve by continuing to advocate they shift to making sales of products and services that do not facilitate fireworks insanity. The appeal of cute kids trotted up on front of public meetings notwithstanding, fireworks equate to risk of fire in the minds of the public (local letters-to-editor run 10:1 in favor of more restrictions on fireworks).
Service club community benefit is dwarfed by the cost of structure and wild fires. The small economic boost to service clubs from fireworks sales is dwarfed by the cost of even a single structure lost to fire. And it is dwarfed by the cost to taxpayers of having firefighters respond to even a small wildfire. Fireworks equate to risk of fire in the minds of the public (local letters-to-editor run 10:1 in favor of more restrictions on fireworks).
Service clubs are too small to reduce fuels significantly. The appeal of cute kids trotted up in the city council chambers is heartwarming. Their offer of volunteer brush clearing to reduce risk of wildfires is an undersized compensation. With their small budgets, and modest membership size, they have no hope of making a significant dent in fuels reduction. This is nothing but a "feel good", yet ineffective offer.
Service clubs can adapt to changing market conditions by revising the products they sell to raise money. 'One product' markets are an archaic fantasy. Service clubs can use product diversification to teach kids real-world business skills, and retain more of the revenue in the community. Teaching kids to profit by adding risk of injury and property loss to locals (however willing those locals are to buy fireworks) is the wrong lesson. At the very best, it is akin to hiding one's head in the sand. More realistically, it is profiting from the misery of victims. Would these same service clubs be proud to profit from sales of other products that risk harming people? Red-white-and-blue cigarettes? Chewing tobacco? Cigars? Slingshots? Pellet guns? Knives? Why aren't they concerned about being sued for fireworks injuries or property damage? Ref: http://www.stop-fireworks.org/fireworks_lawsuits.htm
Fireworks vendors are actually siphon local money out of the county. Fireworks vendors from out-of-town hired by local service clubs retain a hefty cut of sales, and don't spend it here.
When service clubs sell sane non-burning products in July and fireworks in December, they can generate even more revenue than when they supported fireworks insanity. Service clubs formerly dependent on fireworks sales may have to revise their fundraising methods. Diversifying their income sources will be beneficial in the long run. It will also teach their members more about modern business practices. Here are some options for the service clubs to make just as much July revenue from sane celebration products as from fireworks insanity. The Nevada County Fire Safe Council has offered hands-on demonstrations of non-burning products to service clubs. Available alternatives include:
Electronic LED devices (blinky lights)
Flash Lights
Flags, poles, brackets, LED versions
Food items (cookies, beverages, sweets, fresh farm produce, wine, beer)
Costumes
Hats
Sporting goods
Magazine subscriptions
Cookies, Candy, foodstuffs
raffle tickets
Service club profit margin will be higher from sales of items other than fireworks. Service clubs don't sell fireworks directly - they pay carpetbagger companies from outside Nevada County huge commissions. These carpetbaggers employ outsiders, not just local people. If service clubs want to serve the local community, why not pay local people to sell products with higher profit margins?
This proposal is not a call to end public displays of fireworks lighted by professionals at any time of year. So this would not affect the July 4 fireworks show staged at the Nevada County Fairgrounds.
This proposal is not a call to end private displays of fireworks lighted by private citizens within the GV city limits. The citizens of Nevada County (rural, and within-city-limits) would rather, if fireworks must be lit, that they are lit in areas where wildfire ignition potential is low, and fire and medical assistance is standing by. The existing locations and permitted time interval within GV are adequate (GV claims they have a good safety record). This is designed to reduce the likelihood that people will detonate fireworks in unsafe, wildfire-prone areas outside GV city limits.
Law enforcement is overwhelmed with complaints about fireworks on July 4, and cannot possibly respond. Law Enforcement has little hope of finding the perpetrators of illegal fireworks ignition, or wildfire perpetrators. Thus more emphasis has to be placed on prevention. On more than one July 4, in response to direct observations of illegal fireworks use in high fire danger areas, my neighbors have requested law enforcement and fire department come to deal with fireworks violators. Officers were unable to respond in a timely manner; some years, no enforcement responded to the scene at all, and some years dispatchers admitted they could not possibly do so. This is understandable, because despite their best efforts, agencies are so deluged with calls, that they cannot possibly sent personnel to each scene. Even if agencies could somehow swarm the scene of a reported violation, they would be unlikely to get there soon enough to put out a brush fire. Due to the speed with which wildfire spreads in July's dry vegetation, it is insufficient to react to fireworks-ignited fires violations. We simply must do more to prevent the occurrence of fireworks-caused fires.
Statements by fire officials, OES website, etc, that "there is no proof that fireworks has caused wildfire" are not credible. This claim defies common sense, and personal observations. Statistics can obscure common sense: who really believes OES claims that there were *no* wildfires caused by fireworks in northern California in 2007 - an area in which over seven million people live and play? Sure, one can play with figures from OES and other organizations, and claim that tobacco smoking and faulty residential electrical systems are attributed as the cause of more fires than fireworks. But key differences include: amateur fireworks are an *optional* activity (unlike citizen's dependence on electrical appliances), that fireworks get detonated in the woods where electrical appliances are not located, and fireworks are not chemically addicting (as is tobacco). People can view fireworks displays by professionals, instead of placing themselves and others at risk. There is no need to even argue about the quantity of fires for which there was "no cause determined" or were attributed to "human cause." Claims that there "is no problem from fireworks" are signs of a large credibility problem; such claims are preposterous. Fireworks equate to risk of fire in the minds of the public (local letters-to-editor run 10:1 in favor of more restrictions on fireworks).
Claims by fireworks wholesale trade group publicists that "other communities that banned fireworks did not see reductions in fireworks-caused damage" are not applicable here. If the OES website is right, and there were *no* wildfires caused by fireworks, how could the fireworks marketers claim to have reduced them? Second, those cities listed as having experimented with bans on sales of fireworks are all on major freeways, where citizens could easily drive to the next town to buy fireworks. This is much less true of Grass Valley, which is a long drive from other cities which may continue to sell fireworks.
Fireworks scare people and animals, including livestock and pets. Many citizens in the recent GV workshops reported run-away pets as a result of fireworks noise. The newspaper classifieds for lost pets always increase right after July 4.
Wean service clubs of fireworks revenue
Short term action: (by end April 2008): announce impending regulations to reduce volume of legal fireworks summer sales in Grass Valley, and encourage organizations holding sales of fireworks to find alternate sources of revenue, including sales of non-igniting products. Reduce volume of legal fireworks summer sales in Grass Valley by reducing the number of permits available for sales booths in July to 75% of 2007 levels. Announce that GV will allow public lighting of *all* fireworks (during the same hours, and in the same locations as permitted in 2007), on July 4 only. This means that owners of non "safe and sane" fireworks will be allowed to light them off in GV, and not be harassed by enforcement personnel. Continue to allow professionally managed displays of fireworks on July 4, such as at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. Pass ordinance allowing fireworks sales December 26-31 in Grass Valley, permitting the same number of sales booths as in July of 2007. (Would require state law change enabling December sales to result in actual sales). Lobby CA state legislature to amend state law to allow municipalities to individually permit fireworks sales and displays December 26-31, when vegetation is sufficiently moist, so as to make chance of wildfire minimal.
Medium term action (by end April 2009): reduce volume of legal fireworks summer sales in Grass Valley by reducing the number of permits available for sales booths in July to 50% of 2007 levels. Continue to allow public lighting of *all* fireworks (during the same hours, and in the same locations as permitted in 2007), on July 4 only. Continue to allow professionally managed displays of fireworks on July 4, such as at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. Lobby CA state legislature to amend state law to allow municipalities to individually permit fireworks sales and displays December 26-31, when vegetation is sufficiently moist, so as to make chance of wildfire minimal.
Medium term action (by end April 2010): reduce volume of legal fireworks summer sales in Grass Valley by reducing the number of permits available for sales booths in July to 25% of 2007 levels. Continue to allow public lighting of *all* fireworks (during the same hours, and in the same locations as permitted in 2007), on July 4 only. Continue to allow professionally managed displays of fireworks on July 4, such as at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. Lobby CA state legislature to amend state law to allow municipalities to individually permit fireworks sales and displays December 26-31, when vegetation is sufficiently moist, so as to make chance of wildfire minimal.
Long term solution (by end April 2011): disallow legal fireworks sales in Grass Valley during summer entirely. Allow legal fireworks sales in December only in Grass Valley. Allow public lighting of *all* fireworks (during the same hours, and in the same locations as permitted in 2007), on July 4 and Dec 31 only. Continue to allow professionally managed displays of fireworks on July 4, such as at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. A change in existing state law could allow for the option for local governments to permit fireworks sales during a brief period: celebration of the New Year: December 26-31. Such changes were proposed in 2005: AB 923 and AB 1295. They imposed small increases in government costs. They allowed for, but did not mandate local government to change local law. They apparently died in committee, probably due to fiscal matters that were included unnecessarily.
Medium term action (by end April 2009): reduce volume of legal fireworks summer sales in Grass Valley by reducing the number of permits available for sales booths in July to 50% of 2007 levels. Continue to allow public lighting of *all* fireworks (during the same hours, and in the same locations as permitted in 2007), on July 4 only. Continue to allow professionally managed displays of fireworks on July 4, such as at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. Lobby CA state legislature to amend state law to allow municipalities to individually permit fireworks sales and displays December 26-31, when vegetation is sufficiently moist, so as to make chance of wildfire minimal.
Medium term action (by end April 2010): reduce volume of legal fireworks summer sales in Grass Valley by reducing the number of permits available for sales booths in July to 25% of 2007 levels. Continue to allow public lighting of *all* fireworks (during the same hours, and in the same locations as permitted in 2007), on July 4 only. Continue to allow professionally managed displays of fireworks on July 4, such as at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. Lobby CA state legislature to amend state law to allow municipalities to individually permit fireworks sales and displays December 26-31, when vegetation is sufficiently moist, so as to make chance of wildfire minimal.
Long term solution (by end April 2011): disallow legal fireworks sales in Grass Valley during summer entirely. Allow legal fireworks sales in December only in Grass Valley. Allow public lighting of *all* fireworks (during the same hours, and in the same locations as permitted in 2007), on July 4 and Dec 31 only. Continue to allow professionally managed displays of fireworks on July 4, such as at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. A change in existing state law could allow for the option for local governments to permit fireworks sales during a brief period: celebration of the New Year: December 26-31. Such changes were proposed in 2005: AB 923 and AB 1295. They imposed small increases in government costs. They allowed for, but did not mandate local government to change local law. They apparently died in committee, probably due to fiscal matters that were included unnecessarily.
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