June 15, 2007

Lakewood CA guidelines for fireworks use

From the City website:

Your help is needed to ensure Lakewood remains a safe place. Lakewood residents are encouraged to follow these rules when celebrating the 4th of July.

■ The possession or discharge of illegal fireworks is prohibited. The Sheriff’s Department has a Zero Tolerance Policy and will cite all offenses. “Safe and Sane” fireworks should be discharged by an adult, in a safe location.
■ Discharge of “Safe and Sane” and illegal fireworks in City parks is prohibited.
■ Fireworks may only be purchased or in your possession between July 1st and July 4th. The discharge of fireworks is limited to July 4th, between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. Fireworks should be discharged by an adult, in a safe location.
■ Trespassing laws will be enforced, and individuals who discharge fireworks or conduct celebrations on private property without the owner’s permission will be cited.
■ Gunfire is prohibited.
■ Public drinking and/or possession of alcoholic beverages in public places and public
intoxication are prohibited.
■ Following a warning by the Sheriff’s Department, individuals who host large parties that disturb the peace and quiet of the neighborhood may be billed for the costs of breaking up the party.
■ Streets may not be blocked to accommodate parties and large gatherings unless a block party permit has been issued. Permits may be obtained by calling City Hall at (562) 866-9771.
■ If you drink, don’t drive!
■ If you have homes in your neighborhood that have hosted unruly or unsafe 4th of July celebrations in the past (or have used illegal fireworks), please report them. Call our 4th of July hotline at (562) 866-9771 extension SAFE (7233). All the information you provide will be treated as confidential.

If you observe ongoing criminal activity, call the Sheriff’s Department at 562/866-9061. Dial 9-1-1 to report crimes in progress. Criminal activity may be reported anonymously. All laws will be proactively enforced and violators will be prosecuted. By following these rules and taking an active part in reporting crime, we can ensure a safe holiday season.

Penalties
(from 2007 newsletter: http://www.imakenews.com/lakewood/e_article000840709.cfm?x=b9LFt56,b7mMbfLh)

The possession or use of illegal fireworks during the upcoming holiday season brings stiff penalties: citations that could result in a fine up to $1,000 and up to a year in the county jail. Possession of larger amounts of illegal fireworks can result in a felony charge.

“Lakewood is serious about illegal fireworks and the fireworks scofflaws who can ruin July 4th for Lakewood families,” notes Captain Dave Fender, commander of the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station. “With the city’s assistance, I’ve deployed an expanded team of deputies that is visiting every location where illegal fireworks were used in 2006. Warnings from deputies will be followed by citations, if illegal fireworks are found or used this year.

“But we can’t stop illegal fireworks use with just my deputies. It’s going to take every Lakewood resident. Don’t use illegal fireworks. Don’t encourage or tolerate their use. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s okay.”

Lakewood residents who have witnessed the use of illegal fireworks or know of a home that has hosted an unruly or unsafe July 4th celebration in the past are being asked to call Lakewood’s fireworks tip hotline at 562-866-9771, extension SAFE (7233) to make a confidential report. (Criminal activity in progress should be reported to the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station by calling 562-623-3500.)

CALIFORNIA FIREWORKS LAWS

3105 LMC – Fireworks
(a) “Safe and sane” fireworks may be sold within the City of Lakewood between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. on July 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th of each year provided a permit has been obtained to doso and terms/provisions are in compliance.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to fire, set off, discharge or use, or cause or permit to fire, set off, discharge or use any fireworks except for “safe and sane” fireworks during the period between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. on July 4th.

(c) It shall be unlawful for any person to have in his or her possession any fireworks except from 8:00 a.m. on July 1st through 11:00 p.m. on July 4th. Organizations to which permits have been issued may accept delivery of fireworks for stocking purposes no more than 24 hours prior to the time allotted for fireworks sales. Violation of 3105 LMC is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding twelve (12) months, or by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both.

12676 H/S – Sale or transfer.
It is unlawful for any person to sell, transfer, give, deliver, or otherwise convey title of any dangerous fireworks, including fireworks kits, to any person in this State who does not possess and present to the seller or donor for inspection at the time of transfer, a valid permit to receive, use, or transport dangerous fireworks as provided in this part.

12679 H/S – Storage, etc. near flammable liquids.
It is unlawful for any person to store, sell, or discharge any type of fireworks in or within 100 feet of a location where gasoline or any other flammable liquids are stored or dispensed.

12680 H/S – Fireworks near people.
It is unlawful for any person to place, throw, discharge or ignite, or fire dangerous fireworks at any person or group of persons where there is a likelihood of injury to any such person.

12685 H/S – Public display.
It is unlawful for any person to conduct a public display without possessing a valid permit for this purpose.

12688 H/S – Advertisement for sale of fireworks.
It is unlawful for any person to advertise to sell or transfer any class of fireworks, including agricultural and wildlife fireworks or model rocket engines, unless he possesses a valid license or permit.

12689 H/S – Sale to minors.
(a) It is unlawful for any person to sell, give, or deliver any dangerous fireworks to any person under 18 years of age.
(b) It is unlawful for any person who is a retailer to sell or transfer any safe and sane fireworks to a person who is under 16 years of age.
(c) Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (d), it is unlawful for any person who is a retailer to sell or transfer to a person under the age of 18 any rocket, rocket propelled projectile launcher, or similar device containing any explosive or incendiary material whether or not the device is designed for emergency or distance signaling purposes. It is also unlawful for a minor to possess such a device unless he or she has the written permission of, or is accompanied by, his or her parent or guardian while it is in his or her possession.
(d) Model rocket products including model rockets, launch systems, and model rocket motors designed, sold, and used for the purpose of propelling recoverable model rockets may be sold or transferred pursuant to regulations, adopted by the State Fire Marshal which the Fire Marshal determines are reasonably necessary to carry out the requirements of this part. Violation of these laws is a misdemeanor. A misdemeanor is punishable by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding twelve (12) months, or by fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both.




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