The trend of increasing use of illegal fireworks in Gilroy is
disturbing. It threatens the so-called safe-and-sane legal
fireworks that law-abiding citizens enjoy each Fourth of July, as
well as an important source of revenue upon which a number of local
nonprofit groups depend.
The trend of increasing use of illegal fireworks in Gilroy is disturbing. It threatens the so-called safe-and-sane legal fireworks that law-abiding citizens enjoy each Fourth of July, as well as an important source of revenue upon which a number of local nonprofit groups depend.
Further, we’re even more disturbed that while more than 7,300 illegal fireworks were confiscated, only two citations for possession of illegal fireworks were made. A conviction on the misdemeanor charge can result in a fine of up to $1,000.
We understand that it’s difficult to cite illegal fireworks users – the police officer or firefighter has to see who lit it before a charge can be filed – but two citations is unacceptably low. Last year, fewer fireworks were confiscated, but more citations were issued.
When you consider that last year, the city imposed a roughly 8 percent fee on the sale of legal fireworks to pay for increased enforcement of laws against illegal fireworks, the paltry number of citations is even more problematic. And we’re unwilling to accept the analysis of City Councilman Bob Dillon: “I don’t really think there’s the will to do anything about fireworks.”
That fee should be put to use in a way that will deter the use of illegal fireworks. When residents are threatening to flee their homes because of sparks and noise, it’s not only a safety issue, it’s a quality-of-life issue.
We suggest that next July 4, firefighters and police officers be placed in unmarked cars in areas where large numbers of fireworks are confiscated each year, so they can easily and quietly spot the folks who are threatening the safe-and-sane fireworks fun of law-abiding citizens.
That would solve the problem cited by Gilroy Police Sgt. Kurt Svardal: “You’ve got to be able to prove ownership, and that’s very difficult. If there’s a box sitting there on the sidewalk and nobody claims it, who do you say possessed them?”
We’re hopeful that a large number of citations, and a high percentage of convictions will go a long way toward curbing the appetite for illegal fireworks.
If, after a couple of years of truly stepped-up enforcement, illegal fireworks are still on the rise in Gilroy, we’ll reluctantly consider that the time might have come for a ban on all fireworks in our fair city. But without concerted enforcement, the city’s response to the growing problem of illegal fireworks is all bark and no bite.
