Idiots blowing it on 4th of July - No holds barred - noholdsbarred's Blog - Bakersfield.com

Jun 23, 2009 at 05:06 PM : I heard illegal...

I heard illegal fireworks "bursting in air" last night. They're getting an early start this year it seems. And I'm with you on not wanting the house to burn down, although in my neighborhood it's the illegal fireworks I worry most about. All the years I've lived here, there's always been someone within a couple of blocks, if not multiple someones, setting them off. So now every year my pre-Fourth ritual is to rake up pine needles and soak down the yard hoping if something does land here, it won't ignite. It's a tradition I could do without frankly.

Jun 23, 2009 at 06:06 PM : I really don't...

I really don't care which way it goes. We have a block party every year and the kid next door sells the legal ones to support her cheerleading team, so I buy one and toss it in the "pile" with everyone elses. We BBQ, have a few beers and let the older kids light the fireworks. They all get bored quickly, and most years, there are unlit(albiet doused with water)works and duds in the trash on the 5th. We clean our messes up, but many peopole around town do not. The streets are littered with used works the next day and the air is a mess for two days. Yeah..it IS kind of a pain and efinitely dangerous when illegal works are brought to bear.

My neighbors bro-in-law was fined $1,500 two years ago for illegal fireworks. HE learned his lesson. Many do not. Also, I know it wasn't on the 4th last year, but the Tehachapi Depot was burned to the ground as it was nearing complete restoration by two dipsticks with bottle rockets. I'll wager THEY learned their lesson.

So, if there is no backing to ban fireworks, so be it. I'm OK with that, but maybe making the fine for illegals or the illegal use of legal ones should carry say, $2,500 and $2,000 fines, respectively. Maybe it would help, maybe not, but one thing will always be certain, and that is that there are idiots out there, drunk and sober, who have no respect for the law and will always use illegal fireworks.

Jun 23, 2009 at 06:06 PM : I seem to...

I seem to remember Bill McDougle, of the Bakersfield City District School Board posting a blog last year in support of a ban. Of course, that was before his election. Correct me if I'm wrong..

Jun 23, 2009 at 06:06 PM : I was a kid when they...

I was a kid when they made cherry bombs illegal in Hawaii [Oooh nooo!] I celebrated the Fourth and New Years with bottle rockets and black cats [ the fire cracker ] wars with my brothers in Texas that would leave us all partially deaf for a couple of months. When I moved to California I thought that the legal fire works was a joke. I have even been a guest at some of the block parties Moto discribes. At this point in my life I agree we should do with out anything ,but stadium fire works [ Help me, I turned into my parents!!!! ] But that will take time to happen.

Jun 23, 2009 at 07:06 PM : I wonder how...

I wonder how many of th e injuries were caused by the "Safe and Sane" fireworks and not the illegal kind. Seems to me that prohibiting law abiding citizens from using legal fireworks isn't going to stop the purchase, importation and sale of the illegal kind. So you're basically penalizing everyone who buys legal fireworks for the shenanigans caused the those who break the law. Considering those people who purchase illegal fireworks are not going to stop because there is a ban of all fireworks, I wonder just how effective a ban would be at preventing the horrors described in this editorial.

I think the biggest disincentive to purchasing fireworks is their price and "bang for the buck". Paying $50 for something that will burn and fizzle out in 10 minutes is enough to send all but the richest of the rich clutching their pocketbook in horror unless they really do like burning money.

Alternatives I'd consider would be free public fireworks shows around the city that enable those with limited means to enjoy the nation's birFday. Maybe the city can use the savings from fire department and police over-time to fund them. Yeah, I doubt that's going to happen.

As for the fire hazard and air quality - well these are bad throughout the summer. Personally, I'm going to the bay area to watch the professional fireworks over the bay and to escape the heat and pollution, but I'm sure both will still be waiting for me upon my return.

Jun 23, 2009 at 07:06 PM : I usually celebrate...

I usually celebrate the 4th on a block where a number of cops live. The cops confiscate illegal fireworks all year long and they don't let them go to waste.

Jun 23, 2009 at 07:06 PM : Of all the holidays we...

Of all the holidays we celebrate the 4th is my least favorite entertainment wise. I hate ground fireworks with a passion. I don't like "startle" effect of fireworks, I don't like the stink.

I love what it stands for, just not the traditions we've adopted. I ususally go to Marks block party, contributing chili beans. and have taken to taking my leave when the kids break out the fireworks. I do love the ariels though, and have been known to pull over itno a parking lot to see them..

Jun 23, 2009 at 08:06 PM : Very difficult to...

Very difficult to locate the illegal fireworks with all the noise and visuals of the legal fireworks. If you want to stamp out most of the illegal fireworks I think you have to do away with the legal fireworks. I know the big bugaboo about eliminating these fire and accident hazards has been the hit that worthy non-profits would take by not being allowed to sell them. Here is a thought . Why not sell the stadium show, and some of the other big fireworks shows in town exclusively through these non profits, and allow them to take a slice for their organizations.

Nice to see such a show of consensus among the bloggers thus far, and the really thoughtful discussion.

Cool!

Jun 23, 2009 at 08:06 PM : i wish they would...

i wish they would ban *ALL* holidays so we wouldnt have to suffer all the negativity they incite like this blog..people hate Halloween then christmas is a bunch of bull as far as many on here feel after all its a 'christian holiday'..now i read new years..whats left memorial day ..labor day just a reason to get drunk and picnic.....opps easter another 'christian holiday' and what about thanksgivng maybe we need to start on it since theres not much left..

see what i mean somebody always has a gripe..might be better if we just forget the whole stupid holiday thing..and just let one day blend into the next...maybe then atleast everyone would be happy *RIGHT*?

Jun 23, 2009 at 09:06 PM : My dogs would love a...

My dogs would love a ban. So would I.

Jun 23, 2009 at 09:06 PM : Hohoho! ...

Hohoho! Sioux just raised the blog snark level to 8. Do I hear a 9? Anyone?

(LOL Sioux. That was really funny. : )

And, since I live in the county instead of the city, I would hate to ruin all my neighbors' smoky, noisy, polluting, littering fun by banning fireworks. They're all a bunch of rugged individualists out here (building permit? Ha!) and they often look the other way when we pull our shenanigans (so it's off by 4 feet. So what?)

I'm against dork-lit fireworks in principle, but I understand the primal need to be barefoot and beer-laden with a lighter in your hand and a brightly-lit firehazard inches from your car.

Jun 23, 2009 at 09:06 PM : cat I'm against...

cat I'm against dork-lit fireworks in principle, but I understand the primal need to be barefoot and beer-laden with a lighter in your hand and a brightly-lit firehazard inches from your car.

if there that (edit) dumb they deserve a ride to UCLA...but that was a good group of words you put together cat..

Jun 23, 2009 at 09:06 PM : Observer...

Observer has been buying dog tranquilizers.

How many of them dog tranqs have you been buy'n ?

--virgil

Jun 23, 2009 at 09:06 PM : dang it observer i...

dang it observer i almost liked you..and thought you had something to offer the blogs..i guess i am wrong every once in awhile..

PS if you gotta tranq your dogs on the 4th ya might need to think about getting a new dog

Jun 23, 2009 at 09:06 PM : ...

seriously,

Catherine can put words together ... that was funny.

--virgil

Jun 23, 2009 at 09:06 PM : I don't know...

I don't know ... it comes in a liquid, don't it ?

Let me call my brother, bob. : )

--virgil

Jun 23, 2009 at 09:06 PM : OB...

OB don't know if I can still order them without a vet's prescription.

never were able too so you were just talkin smack...tsk tsk now im losin more respect

Jun 23, 2009 at 09:06 PM : sioux says: if there...

sioux says: if there that (edit) dumb they deserve a ride to UCLA..

Shame, shame, shame on you.

Jun 23, 2009 at 09:06 PM : We can't burn a...

We can't burn a fire in the winter because of particulate matter, but fireworks are ok and only God knows how many tons of soot we thrust into the air every 4th. Where's CARB???

Jun 23, 2009 at 10:06 PM : And the Yenta fun...

And the Yenta fun police are back

Jun 23, 2009 at 10:06 PM : Fireworks are such a...

Fireworks are such a waste of money! My 5 yr old grandson puts his hands over his ears and runs in the house crying. This year no fireworks, just a BBQ and swimming! in the pool. we can watch the collage fireworks from our back yard.

Jun 23, 2009 at 10:06 PM : You know they make the...

You know they make the bombs from whistling petes. a hammer and black tape! Maybe ban those noisy things.

Jun 23, 2009 at 11:06 PM : I'm neither for...

I'm neither for against banning fireworks. Matters not to me. My thing is I don't like the ground kind but I don't care if kids get them. This year is going to be different as I can't take a lot of noise with my left ear being out of commission....some noises actually cause pain and extreme pressure.

I never have like the smell of matches (sulpher) or candles when they go out...it chokes me up..and not from sentimentality. 3 day weekend like Labor day and Memorial Day mean little to me. As they say, being retired, you miss vacations and 3 day weekend. It's just now starting to affect me tho...when the place I work has a 3 day holiday it means more work for me since they have to cram 6 days of work into 4 days.

Jun 24, 2009 at 07:06 AM : Here are some...

Here are some fireworks you might enjoy. Warning Nancy turn down the sound on you computer so your ears will not suffer from the KABOOM!!!! Click here: Fireworks

Jun 24, 2009 at 07:06 AM : Idiots are just that:...

Idiots are just that: idiots. If you ban legal fireworks, then you will have more illegal fireworks. Afterall, people who really want to celebrate with a bang will still make a bang. You don't have much to worry about from people who buy only safe and sane fireworks, anyway. The idiot that would madify safe fireworks in an unsafe manner will turn to "other" explosives or to "explosive recipes" found on the internet. Or they will go out and fire guns into the air. Whatever it takes.

The vast majority of safe and sane fireworks users use them in a safe manner. Why punish them? You'd save more people and property by creating a curfew at 6PM on the fourth.

Jun 24, 2009 at 07:06 AM : A few years ago I was...

A few years ago I was against a ban on "legal" fireworks, but then my kids were younger and we all enjoyed watching the excitement in their eyes. Now after having my husband working the "call center" on the few 4th of July's that he is supposed to be off my views have changed. Two years ago I called to report illegal fireworks coming from the neighbor directly behind me, he was setting off bottle rockets. The "task force" went to check and since there was a sheriff's car there they did not do any other investigation and called it handled. The neighbor is a sheriff deputy. I found remnants of seven bottle rockets in my backyard. Wow what a role model for his kids...."see daddy is a cop so he can do what he wants even if its illegal, and get away with it."

Last year we were out in the front yard lighting the few legal fireworks we had bought, I noticed a police officer on his motorcycle visiting at a neighbors house a few houses down. We all could see illegal fireworks coming from a few streets over, the officer was at this particular house for over 3 hrs. he was in the front yard and I know he saw the same illegal fireworks we did. Either on duty or off duty, I think he should have done something.

So now I guess I have to be against a ban, since those who are supposed to uphold the law don't.

Jun 24, 2009 at 07:06 AM : Let's perhaps try...

Let's perhaps try something out of the box . . . see if there is any data available from those cities/counties that allowed safe&sane or any other type of fireworks then later imposed a ban on fireworks available for sale to the public. Did it result in lower numbers in: fires started by, injuries resulting from, pollution particulates, Lbs. of fireworks confiscated by law inforcement, reports to law enforcement about: illegal fireworks, the number of non-profit organizations or proceeds raised annually as a result of a ban on fireworks. Is there data available from cities/counties that allow safe & Sane fireworks and/or those with no regulations on fireworks in other parts of the country. Do they have higher or lower numbers (per capita) in the areas of concern.

Jun 24, 2009 at 08:06 AM : I think the problem...

I think the problem lies in that the city and the county have different ordinances. You can go to NE Bakersfield and buy fireworks that are not allowed in the SE. Correct me if I am wrong. Every year I end up making several calls to the fireworks hotline regarding illegal fireworks. Most are coming from the apartments on N Halfmoon both east and west of Ashe Rd. I have even gone so far as driving down the alley behind the apartments and watching the offenders scrambling. They could give a rats butt as they live in apts that are disposable. The surrounding area is houses, many of which still have the old shake roofs and are an extreme fire hazard. As one blogger noted, they start prior to the 4th. I am hoping with the economy being as it is the idiots budget will not afford fireworks.

Jun 24, 2009 at 08:06 AM : "The...

"The charities that relied on proceeds from fireworks sales found other ways to make money, people found other ways to celebrate"..... Lois, please give us the names of, say, three of the charities that made money selling fireworks and quit selling fireworks, and what they did to earn as much, if not more, money than they made selling fireworks. Also, please give two or three examples of what "other people" now do to celebrate instead of using fireworks. Thanks!

Jun 24, 2009 at 08:06 AM : I agree with banning...

I agree with banning personal fireworks on the 4th for all of the reasons cited by Lois but more importantly for the reason Sue Benham is opposed to them, air pollution.

Jun 24, 2009 at 08:06 AM : Lois, you rock....

Lois, you rock. I have been in favor of this for years. I cannot understand why people have to be so irresponsible by blowing part of their neighborhood in order to celebrate a holiday. I cringe every year when I see the fireworks stands going up a few days before. Then I fell it is just morally wrong to have schools, boy/girl scouts, and other youth groups use it as a fund raiser (but that is just me). If parents cannot be responsible, then what makes you think the kids will be. It is always the few bad apples that ruin everything. Then to make matters worse, there is no city ordinance that prevents fireworks from being set off anytime. In other words, anyone can shoot fireworks 365 days a year if they so choose. What is wrong with that picture?

Then, let's not forget that we are the #2 most polluted city in the US. So why not shoot off tons of fireworks and create a dark haze of smoke throughout the city and just add to the problem. Let's make the people who have lung conditions harder for them to breathe. That is a great idea. If other cities and counties in this state can ban fireworks, why can't we? Oh, wait I know... we are in a recession so why not blow $300-400 on useless explosives that could have put food on your table or clothes on your kids. Better yet, the sheer amount of money that is spent between July 1 and 4 could almost get this state out of debt. Oh, but wait, that just isn't important so let's blow up the neighborhoods instead. That's a great idea!!! And no I am not bitter. I just don't see the need. I love this country but there are certainly other ways to celebrate than destroying things.

Jun 24, 2009 at 09:06 AM : The youth group from...

The youth group from my church used to use fireworks sales to raise money for summer programs. They stopped selling fireworks about four years ago. The reason was that as with other volunteer endeavors there were just a few parents and teens doing all the work. While the other parents only complained about everything but still expected to reap the rewards. The moms who were doing all of the work decided it was too much of a hassle to continue. We do yard sales and car washes now. We also have fund raising dinners and silent auctions. There is a higher percentage of participation among the families and we are not cramming all of our fund raising efforts into a limited number of days during the hottest part of the year. I do not miss my hours of working at the fireworks booth. I was raised in a community where fireworks were not allowed. Our air never smelled as bad as the Bakersfield air smells on the days in early July. It was a shock to me when I moved here that fireworks were allowed. I had spent years hearing about all those California wildfires. I could not understand why fireworks were legal here. It seemed risky to me.

Jun 24, 2009 at 09:06 AM : A relative of mine...

A relative of mine operated his group's fireworks booth for many years. They quit a couple years ago and seem to be managing fine with other fundraisers.

With the state's financial cutbacks, this may be the year they just let California burn when the idiots set it alight this July.

Jun 24, 2009 at 10:06 AM : Good memories are made...

Good memories are made on July 4th - with legal home fireworks on the agenda.

No depriving my kids of the fun I had as a kid.

Sawwwwy....

Jun 24, 2009 at 10:06 AM : I just...

I just don't understand folks saying there shouldn't be a ban because folks will just go for the illegal fireworks anyway. Try using that logic on other banned substances - like drugs and automatic weapons. It just doesn't fly. The point is not to put every 'beer laden" suburbanite whose "brains have flown out their backside" (both great descriptors) on equal footing with scofflaws, the point is to tamp down the general acceptance and availability. If the city and county ban the fireworks, most folks will abide by the ban. And the problems will decrease.

That being said, I actually agree with sioxcity's snarky comment. I think Halloween is being killed for very little reason - the dangers to children being largely mythical; I think folks banning creches are going overboard (we should be welcoming menorrahs and atheist displays at the same time instead); Holidays are meant to help us mark the passing of seasons, to allow a break between periods of work.

Celebrations, if enthusiastic, are bound to involve some problems. I believe in education. We haven't tried enough of that. We have a block party on our block also, and have the folks who were buying illegals to stop and join us. It requires community building and effort on the part of a few. But it works.

Jun 24, 2009 at 10:06 AM : Try using that logic...

Try using that logic on other banned substances - like drugs

I'll take that at face value: those who support the right to use fireworks ought, to avoid hypocrisy, to support the private use of drugs. But they always seems to think freedom is for them, not anyone else.

Jun 24, 2009 at 10:06 AM : God... I hate this...

God... I hate this city and county. It seems that everyone here wants to make sure there is NOTHING fun to do ever. They bitch and moan and groan about new shopping centers or anything that tries to come in to town. I just don't flippen get it. This city is just full of a bunch of complainers. GROW UP. CHILL OUT. Just because you don't like something doesn't mean you have to take it away from everyone. WHERE DID THIS SENSE OF ENTITLEMENT COME FROM! WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?! I just don't get it.

Jun 24, 2009 at 10:06 AM : Wow, what an amazing...

Wow, what an amazing piece of logic here.

Some people buy illegal fireworks, some people get injured or cause property damage using illegal fireworks. Some people even act dumb and hurt themselves using legal fireworks, so let's ban them all.

Using that logic, we should ban guns, cars, food, power tools, skates, skateboards, among lots and lots of other things because some people act dumb and use them dangerously and get hurt or hurt others.

By Lois' logic, we should ban cars especially. There are people that drive drunk or irresponsibly, run red lights and cause damage to personal property, great bodily harm and death. Some of them are also disturbingly loud. We should ban them then, right?

If fireworks bother you that much, plan a vacation on the 4th of July. If you're worried about your thatch roof catching on fire, well perhaps you should think about using a more non-flamable material for your roof, or on the other hand you could replace it with dry straw.

Jun 24, 2009 at 10:06 AM : Pete, you ignore the...

Pete, you ignore the fact that we're actually talking about the currently-*LEGAL* type of fireworks. Or are you arguing for the legalization of bottle-rockets and M-80's?

Jun 24, 2009 at 10:06 AM : I have neighbors who...

I have neighbors who start the fireworks days before the actual holiday and days AFTER the holiday. I wouldn't care but it scares the dogs and it freaks them out. It is a huge nuisance. Plus all the smoke it causes, like our air quality isn't bad enough. So yeah, I agree. Personal fireworks are a pain.

Jun 24, 2009 at 10:06 AM : Well, no (I...

Well, no (I wouldn't mind though because I would use them safely). It just doesn't make sense to ban the legal ones because some people buy and use illegal ones. Unless I read that wrong, that is what Lois is proposing.

Jun 24, 2009 at 10:06 AM : What I think...

What I think she's proposing is banning the legal ones not because illegal ones exist, but because the *LEGAL* ones actually cause a greater problem (fires, air pollution, trash) than the illegal ones do. It's a valid point, I think, which is obscured by her arguing the numbers of citations issued.

Making *ALL* private fireworks illegal would make the illegal ones easier to spot, of course.

Jun 24, 2009 at 10:06 AM : Hey,...

Hey, Random!!! You are absolutely, positively, 100% correct, again. I am not a hypocrite! I support the use of safe and sane fireworks on the 4th of July. I also support the right of anyone who wants to use cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, PCP, etc., to use those substances------on the 4th of July only, so they can honor the founding of our country in the manner they deem most patriotic.

Jun 24, 2009 at 10:06 AM : I'll meet you...

I'll meet you half way. Ban them on New Year's Eve. New Year's Eve is a bigger disturbance of the peace.

Jun 24, 2009 at 10:06 AM : I can live with that,...

I can live with that, midterm...but you should allow them the same two-week window the fireworks nuts seem to get. It's only fair. But in keeping with the Founding Fathers theme, maybe limit it to patriotic cannabis like George Washington grew?

Jun 24, 2009 at 10:06 AM : "Making...

"Making *ALL* private fireworks illegal would make the illegal ones easier to spot, of course."

Of course this is true, but I'm failing to see how the legal ones cause fires, unless people are using them in some way that perhaps turns them into illegal ones. Some dummy that takes apart fireworks to make some big bomb shouldn't be compared to people that just go out and light them, enjoy them, clean up and go to bed. Like I mentioned earlier, people misuse lots of things, but that in no way means we should ban everything that could possibly be dangerous.

What should be banned is thatch roofs. Now *that* is something that's dangerous.

Jun 24, 2009 at 10:06 AM : So we should make...

So we should make Tylenol illegal because cocaine is illegal?

Jun 24, 2009 at 10:06 AM : witbee, by applying...

witbee, by applying Lois' logic to other things, we absolutely should ban tylenol. We should ban aspirin first though. The rate of deaths due to aspirin is frightening.

Jun 24, 2009 at 10:06 AM : So we should make...

So we should make Tylenol illegal because cocaine is illegal?

No, we should make Tylenol illegal because it kills people, and cannabis legal because it doesn't.

Jun 24, 2009 at 10:06 AM : The rate of deaths due...

The rate of deaths due to aspirin is frightening.

Roughly the same as tylenol deaths, Pete. Both pikers compared to tobacco and alcohol, of course.

Jun 24, 2009 at 10:06 AM : And whom does Tylenol...

And whom does Tylenol kill? People who use it responsibly?

And cannabis can kill if you operate farm equipment after partaking. Just like NyQuil...........

I sense a conspiracy.

Jun 24, 2009 at 10:06 AM : And whom does Tylenol...

And whom does Tylenol kill? People who use it responsibly?

Yes. And irresponsibly. About 500 per year in this country.

And cannabis can kill if you operate farm equipment after partaking. Just like NyQuil...........

And alcohol, and tobacco. Ban all of them, or ban none of them.

The difference is that tobacco and alcohol kill from their effects on the user *AND* from impairment of machine operators. Cannabis doesn't.

Jun 24, 2009 at 10:06 AM : I agree. Ban...

I agree. Ban 'em. One person's right to use them ends where another's right to safety, sanity and breathable air begins, and the fact is that those rights continue to be pervasively trampled on each July 4th. That's not patriotism; it's selfish irresponsibility. Many other cities and counties have woken up to this fact, but Bakersfield and Kern, as ever, remain behind the curve when it comest to basic civic responsibility.

Jun 24, 2009 at 10:06 AM : Smoking cannabis...

Smoking cannabis causes cancer. Cancer can kill you.

Jun 24, 2009 at 10:06 AM : Of course this is...

Of course this is true, but I'm failing to see how the legal ones cause fires, unless people are using them in some way that perhaps turns them into illegal ones.

I believe the "safe and sane" types have been implicated in fires (don't know about locally). It's for sure they caused a lot of the 10,000 injuries reported in California last year.

Jun 24, 2009 at 10:06 AM : "One...

"One person's right to use them ends where another's right to safety, sanity and breathable air begins..."

Let's ban big diesel trucks then too. They're loud, they stink, and just hope you don't get hit by one.

Jun 24, 2009 at 10:06 AM : Smoking cannabis...

Smoking cannabis causes cancer.

Or cures it. Jury's still out, and there are non-smoking ways of ingesting it, too. I believe you will not be able to find a single case where cancer was directly attributed to cannabis use.

But let's assume you're right. Is there a legal substance which is smoked and causes cancer? Perhaps cannabis should be treated as similar to *THAT* product.

Jun 24, 2009 at 11:06 AM : Witbee,...

Witbee, smoking seven joints a day over a projected period of time and it is thought to cause cancer - because of the carbon and tar.

Other studies, however, show a different picture in that cannabis can be deleterious to the apparent causes of certain brain disorders, for example, like Alzheimer's.

--virgil

Jun 24, 2009 at 11:06 AM : Cannabis...

Cannabis can be eaten or vaporized ( no carbon or tar ) ...

--virgil

Jun 24, 2009 at 11:06 AM : I've said it...

I've said it every year~ this year is no different.

NO. Keep fireworks. Ban grills:-)

H.E.A.R.T.S. is selling fireworks this year in the Home Depot parking lot(Gosford and District) starting on the 1st.

H.E.A.R.T.S. offers services to the disabled children,and their families,of K.C.

Jun 24, 2009 at 11:06 AM : I completely agree...

I completely agree that they should ban the use of personal fireworks. Aside from the environmental problems and safety concerns that everyone has already covered in depth, there are also the large number of asthmatics and people with allergies being affected. These people (myself included) suffer for days after the fourth. I no longer perform fireworks and I'm sure if there were much fewer being used around town (i.e. firework displays for LARGE groups of people), this wouldn't be as big an issue. Instead, the majority see the fourth as an opportunity to duct tape five explosives together, put them in a cardboard box, and set the whole thing on fire. I think that a large gathering to view a firework display as a whole community would display much more 'patriotism' than would setting a cardboard box on fire in your front yard to watch it explode. This issue will only hit home to the people it's effected already. Your house catching on fire from an aerial-bound firework; a third degree burn from improper use of a firework; your dog running away from the high-decibel fireworks; your child going to jail for injuring/killing someone by accident with fireworks being used incorrectly. And as for those who sell fireworks to make money, there are literally hundreds of other ways to do so. If firework sales are your only source of fund raising, then your organization probably hasn't gotten very far in its cause.

Jun 24, 2009 at 12:06 PM : I posted this over on...

I posted this over on Stephen M's blog too, but I'll repost it here for those not following that one:

You know, I went to grad school in a town where fireworks were banned (Davis). Instead of personal fireworks, everyone gathered at the main park for a big bash put on by the city and private groups. The whole day was a celebration. During daylight hours, it was like a street fair with vendor booths and musical acts. Once the sun set, the fireworks display started. You could pay to get the good seats or you could opt to watch the aerials for free. Very few people drove to another place to get fireworks to set off. You didn't have to worry about your home burning down and you could spend a whole day celebrating with the community. I rarely heard anyone complain about the lack of personal fireworks and charities could still raise money by having a booth at the park during the celebration.

Jun 24, 2009 at 12:06 PM : Pete, There are lots...

Pete,

There are lots of things that have been restricted for the masses because of iditos. Nearly all the things you mention, as a matter of fact: guns (restrictions too numerous to mention), cars(do you wear a safety belt? because you want to or were told to?), food (how it's grown, manufactured, packaged and sold), power tools (not supposed to buy or operated by under 18), skates (where you can and can't skate, helmets), skateboards (ibid).

Fireworks have been restricted. See any real sparklers these days? But the restrictions haven't worked and the situation is out of control and unsafe in my opinion.

Midterm,

Many communities have banned all fireworks, other than professional shows. In my last column on this issue (same time last year) I featured Torrance as one community and how they overcame the issue of charities and activities.

I also spoke with several local charities that used to sell fireworks and now do other things (of their own accord) to raise money. It can be done.

Jun 24, 2009 at 12:06 PM : I have lived in...

I have lived in communities that have outlawed fireworks also. Lois is correct that this is not an earth shattering big deal. Life goes on, the fourth remains a fun holiday, etc.

The city and other officially endorsed entitites can put on their own shows; this is a lot of fun also, as they can put REAL money into it every year. This is how many folks around the country are celebrating the 4th, and have been for decades. The atmosphere is a lot like a drive-in movie, with people driving up to a rural spot and picnicking while the show goes on. Trust me, it's a great time.

However, I still think we should try a little public education first.

Jun 24, 2009 at 12:06 PM : I said last year (got...

I said last year (got to copy and paste this for next year)~ I'd love to see a big community fireworks show,for free....we'd have to have how many of those to serve our community, and exactly where? Work that out,and let me know......

Jun 24, 2009 at 01:06 PM : Lois, Sure, those...

Lois,

Sure, those things have restrictions, but that's not what you're proposing is it. You're proposing a complete ban.

Yes I absolutely wear a seatbelt, by choice because its stupid not to. Some people still don't (like those that got busted recentely). This shows that the restrictions aren't working too. Should we ban cars?

There are restrictions on guns too. People still get their hands on the illegal ones and even commit crimes with them. Should we ban guns? The restrictions clearly aren't working.

Here's the thing about freedom. Sometimes you have to accept things you don't like so others can have the same freedom you want to have in your life. A little boom boom and smoke on one night isn't too much to ask. Just think about war and how lucky we are to not have to endure daily bombings.

dirtyshirt, I too came from an area where fireworks have been banned and I'm pretty stoked to be able to use them safely here. I hope they aren't banned just because of a few idiots.

Jun 24, 2009 at 02:06 PM : Nancy...

Nancy

Aerials are ILLEGAL. How would you like one to land on your roof, or in that patch of dry grass next to your fence?

BAN THEM ALL. All this talk about the air quality in this valley. It's so thick on 4th of July you practically need a respirator to step outside.

Jun 24, 2009 at 03:06 PM : "If guns are...

"If guns are outlawed only outlaws will have guns."

If fireworks are all made illegal, only illegals will have fireworks.

We could be in for a much quieter cinco de mayo.

Jun 24, 2009 at 08:06 PM : Pete, you...

Pete, you couldn't have said it better!

"Here's the thing about freedom. Sometimes you have to accept things you don't like so others can have the same freedom you want to have in your life."

This is why marriage is for everyone, not just the 'elite' heterosexuals. (Sorry. Off topic, I know, but I'm still bitter.)

Why do people insist on using slippery slopes in their arguments? Didn't anyone take public speaking? Use some concrete information in your argument! To say that if we were to ban fireworks, we should also ban Tylenol makes no sense at all. Well we're at it, lets also ban chemotherapy and xrays! Those are really harmful for the body, right? See how that makes no sense?

Stick to the topic people!

Jun 24, 2009 at 08:06 PM : Wait. We're...

Wait. We're talking about expecting "personal responisbility" from a population that can't even understand the concept of a speed limit? Tell you what. Everyone drives down Ming Ave. at 45 miles an hour between Stine and the Marketplace, we can keep fireworks, deal?

Jun 24, 2009 at 09:06 PM : God forbid you people...

God forbid you people teach your children how to properly handle fireworks, so homes and train depots aren't burnt down. In South Carolina and other states fireworks, far more powerful ones than are ever sold around here, are sold YEAR ROUND, and people don't start forest fires or burn down their neighbors' homes. More and more Californians keep relinquishing their rights so they can be babysat, instead of taking responsibility for their lives and their actions. Pitiful.

Jun 24, 2009 at 10:06 PM : I say ban the personal...

I say ban the personal use of fireworks. I've lived in communities that outlawed the use of personal fireworks and have done just fine. We usually go the nearest event for aerial fireworks approved by the city. I don't understand why some folks are making a big deal out of this. I wouldn't want to be breathing pollution in my neighborhood. But my neighbors are free use personal fireworks on their property, preferably inside their own living room or enclosed garage.

Jun 25, 2009 at 01:06 AM : posted by Samban on...

posted by Samban on Jun 23, 2009 at 09:43 PM

We can't burn a fire in the winter because of particulate matter, but fireworks are ok and only God knows how many tons of soot we thrust into the air every 4th. Where's CARB???

I couldn't agree more. And to me the air quality gets worse as the temps rise. Just today I noticed very early in the morning just how bad the air was, and knew it would only get worse as the day went on.

I've always had an eerie feeling on the 5th of July...streets were deserted with the exception of trash from fireworks littering our streets. The air feels & looks nasty.

Freedom isn't about destroying what we have....freedom is enjoying what we have. Find new ways to celebrate...use your imagination. Surely you have had to use it on other occasions....so why the heck plan personal fireworks around the celebration of America. Plan something new. There are many other ways to celebrate our Nations history. Put out flags, have your children wave flags, it's safe for everyone.

Sure, there will always be illegal fireworks. But they are far & few. It will be easier to catch the illegal fireworks. If you do not get satisfaction from one deputy, call 911 and request another.

There once was a time when it was cool to celebrate with fireworks, but our country has grown by leaps & bounds. People have multiplied by tens of thousands....adding more pollution into the air that we breathe. Time for us all to re-adjust our thinking on celebrating.

Personally, I'll once again stay home with the dogs to keep them sane and in the morning scoop up any dog that has escaped from their yards out of fear. Which brings me to: keep your dog tags current so I (we) can get in touch with you when we find your lost & panicked pet. Check out flyer's, the Californian, TBC, craigslist, etc. if you have lost your pet(s) during this time. There are numerous ways to find your lost pet, but unless you follow the guidelines mentioned above, your darling pet may just end up in a new home.

I have been against fireworks...noticing even as a child what dirty air we had the day after. It is now worse than ever.

With N. Korea threatening our homeland, our nation just may become the fireworks for the world to see.

I hate to see personal fireworks go by the wayside, but it's high time we start acting like responsible adults and realize this is creating worse air.

Please join in on the new wave, and find alternative ways to celebrate our history.

Jun 25, 2009 at 04:06 AM : It's easy to call...

It's easy to call for a ban, or to support one, if it involves an activity that you have no vested interest in. Don't like fireworks because they are loud and smelly and make your yapping dog pee his crate? Well then obviously it's an activity with no merit and needs to be done away with. After all, if there are risks involved and you cannot personally see the benefits, what good is it right? However, analyse your own interests, hobbies, and recreational activities. There must be SOMETHING there you and your family enjoy that involves risk to yourself and/or others which someone else surely fiunds fault with. Do you like camping and sitting around a campfire with your loved ones, roasting marshmallows? Well it's a fire hazard, and a total outright ban would surely result in fewer fires in the state of california, less property damage and loss of life. Hire a professional to put on a campfire display that you could pay $10 to sit close to. It's for your own good. Do you like off roading, perhaps on a quad or dunebuggy? Well we all know how dangerous THAT can be. Let's ban the activity altogether. It's unnecessary after all, and a danger to yourself and others. Hire a professional to slowly tour the trails for you in a dunebuggy that sits 20. Don't forget to bring a camcorder. How about motorcycles? Helmet laws notwithstanding, how dangerous are those? Very. 4 wheels, an airbag and preferably a hybrid engine are much safer, so let's ban motorcycles. This rosy path of safetiness will eventually lead us to a glorious day when we are all rolling around in giant hamster balls. The wussification of our country is being built brick by brick in this way. It starts in the heavily populated urban centers and spreads like a disease to outlying areas. As soon as a city reaches a certain level of population and sprawl, sure enough here come the risk police, to suck all meaning and pleasure out of life, one law, one rule at a time. I wish I could jump in a time machine and live in the horrible post war decades of the 50's 60's and 70's. Surely you had to walk over a pile of corpes just to get to work, but you had a little more freedom. Plus no internet, so the annoying masses that congregate in places like these had to be content to sit at home dateless and write by hand to their congressmen, while everyone else had FUN.

Jun 25, 2009 at 09:06 AM : Looks like we got alot...

Looks like we got alot of supporters this time! We def need more fireworks shows, where it doesnt take 2 hours to get out of the parking lot at the end. I loved the BC show, just hated the parking lots afterwards....

There are most definitely too many idiots with illegals or alternated legal fireworks. You go Lois Henry!

Jun 25, 2009 at 10:06 AM : Let's have a...

Let's have a clean air day on July 4 started off by an early morning bicycle parade with patriotic decorations. Everyone can ride the bus for free around town and do friendly neighborhood strolling in the evening after a huge meal cooked without stinking, fossil fuel impregnated charcoal.

Jun 25, 2009 at 01:06 PM : FRANKC29... YOU ROCK,...

FRANKC29... YOU ROCK, DUDE!

Jun 25, 2009 at 07:06 PM : The 4th of July...

The 4th of July isn't about fireworks. And, in most all cities they are not used to celebrate. People still get together with family and friends. They still have parades and cookouts and parties. They still let the kids run through sprinklers and have fun. All around the country. And, in the morning, the air is clear, the shelters aren't overflowing with lost frightened dogs, there aren't dead dogs on the street who have been hit by cars when they've panicked and run out in the night, people and kids with asthma aren't suffering from the air and the streets aren't full of trash- and taxpayers are not paying for tons of extra refuse going to the landfill after one night, at a time when money is tight. Everyone says taxpayer money should be spent in a more frugal way, but we must be sure to pay for the costs extra law enforcement costs both regular time and overtime, extra fire department costs, additional animal control costs, and extra landfill costs for for post-4th firework refuse while cutting JV sports and other school and community programs. After all, we need 30-minutes or an hour of small explosions, but the kids don't need sports or music. All of the costs add up big for the taxpayer.

Jun 26, 2009 at 08:06 PM : Last weekend the...

Last weekend the neighbor boy swept the leaves and dirt off my roof so he could earn extra money. While he was up there, he brought down a burnt out bottle rocket to show me. Durned good thing I don't have a shake roof eh? I regularly hear firecrackers going off in my neighborhood year round. Obviously legal or illegal, people where I live don't care, they're gonna have their fireworks whenever they choose.

Fireworks wouldn't be so bad except that there is a huge percentage of people abusing them. They leave their trash in the street. The air is full of sulfur until people like me with asthma are choking and can't breathe. I have to stay home on the 4th to comfort my dog or she goes insane. And it's not just in the evening after dark, it's ALL DAY, every day from July 1st.

Then we get to go through it all over again on New Year's Eve. I haven't been able to go out for years.

It's not patriotism. It's idiots looking for an excuse to blow something up. Whatta waste.

Jun 27, 2009 at 01:06 AM : Excuse, Excuse,...

Excuse, Excuse, Excuses....how terrible & frustrating that you find fireworks to be your choice of celebration. It's almost as bad as thinking you deserve to go out & drink & drive on your birthday, New Years, etc. The air quality in our county is beyond bad. The fireworks haven't even started and early in the a.m. I can see just how dirty the air is. Why on earth would you want to satisfy your own needs (selfish) when so many people here in the valley suffer from chronic lung problems?!! I just don't get how we have become a community thinking of only ourselves & satisfying our wants. It is a true shame that we put ourselves above others.

There was a blog posted by OD a week or so ago about the good ol' days ..... bring those days back when we actually displayed common courtesy and thought of our neighbors. I would love to see this come back to life. Celebration of our Nation is a great opportunity to teach our children the history...make a game of it. Play those old fashion yard games, make homemade ice-cream, decorate your windows, your front yards, involve your neighbors and have a block party. We just don't need to add to the dirty air. If you care about how your children will survive (not only the debts of our nation), but greener, cleaner air...start at home and show them, teach them...and best of all, have fun with them, without the fireworks.

Jul 3, 2009 at 03:07 AM : If air quality is the...

If air quality is the mantra here, then we must do away with ALL forms of outdoor cooking as well. Wood pit? Gone. Charcoal burning? Gone. Fireplace? Forget the no burn days, just GONE. If you are going to espouse these sorts of convictions, why direct your repugnance to fireworks only? After all fireworks, in the grand scheme of things, contributes an infinitisimal amount of air pollution in comparion to to the forementioned. Even sitting around a fake fire is questionable, since coal had to be burned to create the electricity. Educate yourself, at least mildly, the the way our world actually works before declaring others selfish and terrible, and comparing those who enjoy lighting a few bucks worth of legal fireworks in the front yeard to share a few smiles with their family on the 4th of July to DRUNK DRIVERS. I take pity on all political automatons of every kind, your brains have been washed and rinsed so often you do not see the forrest OR the trees.

Jul 5, 2009 at 01:07 PM : Saturday afternoon I...

Saturday afternoon I stopped at one of those fireworks places.

There are no "good" fireworks. Just outlaw them, please. It's kinda like if Adam West was to play Batman in the next movie. Ya, I love the guy, he is THE Batman to a generation but now, he wouldn't even be a shadow of himself.

The person in the booth handed me a flyer, I looked it over, all 4 pages front, inside, back. Snakes...Poppers, fountains and whistlers? No jumping jacks, no firecrackers? I wasn't expecting Roman Candles or bottle rockets but COME ON!

New Hampshire sells fieworks under a loophole, you had to sign a paper saying that you are using them for Agricultural Purposes (ie: scareing crows, blowing up woodchucks)

Let them all be avalable or none at all.

www.youtube.com/watch

Jul 6, 2009 at 09:07 PM : I am now going on my...

I am now going on my 6th night of sedating my dog and keeping her in the house to keep her from going crazy from the pops and bangs of what can't possibly be legal fireworks. The neighbor said he saw someone putting spray paint cans under a metal bucket and light them and see how far they fly. How is this considered celebrating our Independence?

As for the yay hoos that talk about other states that have legal fireworks...they forget these states get plenty of rain and are nice and green and the fire hazard is low. California is DRY...duhhhh...