Suspending the sale of safe and sane fireworks in Gilroy, the
last city in Santa Clara County to allow legal fireworks, would be
a reactionary move by the City Council. And, given the
circumstances, the reaction would be on the money.
Suspending the sale of safe and sane fireworks in Gilroy, the last city in Santa Clara County to allow legal fireworks, would be a reactionary move by the City Council. And, given the circumstances, the reaction would be on the money.
The issue largely comes down to money – cash raised by local organizations like the Gilroy High School football boosters on the sale of fireworks – versus public safety. That’s not an easy call in this case, but the Council should pass an emergency ordinance tonight and suspend sales for this year. Banning the sale forever should be left for further discussion.
Though we understand the logic on the pro-fireworks side – sales help many organizations and legal fireworks are not causing the vast majority of the fires – the truth is that it’s easier to police illegal fireworks when legal fireworks aren’t allowed.
Given the severity of this year’s wildfires, and the taxing drain on firefighting crews throughout the state battling wild blazes, it’s prudent to take a break from the sales.
Perhaps the organizations that will be caught short can be given some sort of priority for Garlic Festival volunteer hours. Maybe the Chamber of Commerce can fill up its festival beer booth volunteer needs with a few organizations. It might even behoove the festival board to look at a more generous “wage” for volunteers for this year.
Additionally, the city could look into granting concession stand rights at the high school during the annual city-sponsored fireworks show on the Fourth of July. A few organizations could make up monetary ground in that way, though it would be more work than collecting money for fireworks.
There’s a soft spot in our minds for being a community that allows its residents to enjoy the tradition of legal fireworks. In the past we’ve supported continuing the sales, and the discussion on the editorial board this morning sparked passionate commentary and a split vote.
But in the end, the reality of recent fires swayed the thinking: It’s just not worth the risk. This year, at least, Gilroy should take a step back and suspend the sale of safe-and-sane fireworks.
