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...