Buena Park restricts 'safe and sane' fireworks

It is a small concession but we would like to see a lot more of these types of "use" restrictions especially given the police costs "safe and sane" fireworks force cities to incur. And with many cities facing a "Vallejo dilemma" any budget cost that can be cut is welcomed, especially in the public safety arena as those costs are so inflated to begin with (for what you really get in terms of effectiveness).

Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Buena Park restricts 'safe and sane' fireworks
Residents will no longer get to light up on busy La Palma Avenue.
By SERENA MARIA DANIELS
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/fireworks-park-buena-2041950-year-city#

BUENA PARK – Residents wanting to light up fireworks this Fourth of July will face more restrictions after the city banned them on a strip of La Palma Avenue that's usually overrun with celebrants.

La Palma, between Western Avenue and El Monte Drive, has for years been home to as many as 3,000 people, all in the street, blocking traffic to get a spot to see the fireworks show at Knott's Berry Farm.

While they're waiting, many light up their own legal fireworks on the street, blocking traffic and creating safety hazards, said Buena Park police Sgt. William Kohanek.

"Congestion on this major thoroughfare is just overwhelming," Kohanek said.

Fireworks can be safely shot off on the city's other public streets.

City Councilmen Don McCay, Steve Berry and Mayor Jim Dow approved the restriction at Tuesday evening's meeting. Council members Patsy Marshall and Art Brown were not present.

Buena Park is one of five cities that allow so-called safe and sane fireworks; so do Santa Ana, Costa Mesa, Garden Grove and Stanton.

Last year, Buena Park banned Piccolo Pete fireworks, in part because of noise complaints.

Fines have been imposed on people caught with illegal fireworks in Garden Grove.

Santa Ana officials, on the other hand, have tentatively agreed to extend operating hours for firework vendors. Stands would open an hour earlier – at 9 a.m. on July 2, 3 and 4. Santa Ana council members are expected to finalize the extended hours next month.

Buena Park's restriction comes a month after an Orange County grand jury report called for a three-year moratorium against fireworks in the five cities to allow time to find ways of improving public safety. The report says that county taxpayers paid about $188,000 last year for extra policing and fire services during the Fourth of July season.

But the report holds no legal authority.

Last year, Buena Park police responded to 240 firework-related calls on July 1-4.

Contact the writer: 714-704-3795 or sdaniels@ocregister.com

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