Dear Editor,
Fireworks of any kind are NOT safe nor sane!
Cities where fireworks are allowed on July 4 end up looking like war zones. Their air is suffocating and the trash in the streets is reminiscent of a third-world country. Frightened dogs bark relentlessly, cower in a corner, or even worse, they may run away. Veterans with PTSD suffer flashbacks contributing to the thousands that commit suicide each year.
Our resources are already stretched to the max according to public safety sources. How many fires will be started; how many homes destroyed? How many injuries will require paramedics? How many asthmatics will experience life-threatening breathing problems because of the gross air pollution? How many pets will be frightened or harmed? How many animals will be lost? How many irresponsible people will cause damage to their neighbors’ property? Who will be available to handle these situations? Who will pay for these extra services and casualties?
Are the groups that would profit from the sale of fireworks going to pay for the extra expenses of the city for public safety? Will they pay for damages to property? How do they plan to atone for the loss of a child’s eye, for the heartbreak of losing a pet or even the loss of someone’s life in a fire? Will they be cleaning up all of the trash left behind? Are they willing to shoulder the responsibility?
This state is experiencing one of the worst droughts in history—a powder keg for wild fires. A single burning ember can travel a distance of a mile. Setting off fireworks in this volatile environment is both unsafe and insane.
The Long Beach City Council has spoken. Use fireworks and you will pay up to a $1000 fine and spend 6 months in jail. Additionally, you may be responsible for $20,000 for response calls and any damage to other’s property. Even as a “host” or property owner for such activities, you can be held liable.
To report this illegal activity call 562-435-6711. It’s the only safe and sane thing to do.
—Diana Lejins
Thanks Diana – Since the city’s “official” Fourth of July fireworks, along with the July 3rd Big Bang on the Bay are in the coastal zone, many birds that nest in palm trees adjacent to these two sites are in peril.
It’s nesting season and it’s ILLEGAL to have fireworks in the areas where the July 3rd extravaganza is taking place. Yet there has been a waiver made for this event, endangering our very delicate ecosystems, in part made possible by the presence of these birds.
There must be a lot of money changing hands for this to happen.
What to be patriotic this holiday? Forget the fireworks and let’s try to live in peace and love one another.
It would be a nice change.
I’ve experienced losing my dog for 3 days (imagine how terrified he was running the streets trying to get away from the war); having my neighbors light my umbrella on fire (cost $150); having a burning spinner jump the curb and land on a child’s t-shirt (he started running with all the adults chasing him – they caught him and yanked his shirt off); and so on. Still, I think fireworks are beautiful and if there is a safe place to watch them, I would go. The riverbed is pretty safe – all cement. But it is a fair criticism you make in the article. The bad outweighs the good.