DEAR EDITOR:
I agree with Gilroy City Councilman Bob Dillon and Fire Chief
Jeff Clet’s professional opinion regarding a possible ban on
fireworks in Gilroy.
DEAR EDITOR:
I agree with Gilroy City Councilman Bob Dillon and Fire Chief Jeff Clet’s professional opinion regarding a possible ban on fireworks in Gilroy.
When I moved to Gilroy from San Jose in 1995, it was a nice surprise to find that fireworks were legal here. Purchasing legal fireworks and setting them off was something I remember when I was growing up in San Jose. It brought back a lot of good memories that I was able to share with my family.
Like San Jose, here in Gilroy there were individuals with illegal fireworks, often setting them off weeks before (and weeks after) the Fourth of July.
However, it seemed to me that this year there was an increase in the number of individuals at various locations in Gilroy using the illegal fireworks, and I don’t mean just the M-80s, bottle rockets and firecrackers. I found some remnants of illegal fireworks along Miller Avenue, near Christmas Hill Park. I don’t think the folks who live south of the park would have appreciated a grass fire coming towards their homes caused by someone using an illegal firework for a few moments of enjoyment.
I don’t know if these people are ignorant of the law regarding illegal fireworks, or just plain ignorant, thinking that “everything would be okay” if a firework landed in a vacant field or on a neighbor’s property.
Well, a firework landed on the home of Jess Perez and everything wasn’t okay. What happened was something I’ve been concerned about for several years. It only takes a few individuals to ruin something for the rest of us.
Additionally, a ban on fireworks hurts many organizations who depend on the money from the sales of legal fireworks. But from a public safety standpoint alone, it’s far easier to enforce the law if all fireworks are banned.
What do I propose in place of the fireworks as a fund-raiser? How about an event similar to that of Morgan Hill, with a parade, entertainment, a professionally-run fireworks display, and concession stands, with proceeds to benefit the various organizations? Gilroyans still have a lot of town spirit, and July has the Fun Run, and Garlic Festival, which are both great family-oriented events, why not add another “safe and sane” event?
Sal Murillo, Gilroy
Submitted Friday, July 18 to [email protected]
