CORRESPONDENCE - #43 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Orozco, Norma From: Lopez, Jessie Sent: Sunday, December 19, 2021 9:27 PM To: eComment Subject: FW: A Look at how to eliminate illegal fireworks From: Doug Gillen <cats2us@att.net> Sent: Friday, December 17, 2021 8:35 PM To: Penaloza, David <DPenaloza@santa-ana.org>; Bacerra, Phil <pbacerra@santa-ana.org>; Mendoza, Nelida <nmendoza@santa-ana.org>; Lopez, Jessie <JessieLopez@santa-ana.org>; Phan, Thai <TPhan@santa-ana.org>; Sarmiento, Vicente <VSarmiento@santa-ana.org> Cc: Doug Gillen <cats2us@att.net> Subject: A Look at how to eliminate illegal fireworks After 4th of July last year there were several articles in the press regarding illegal fireworks. One of the articles in the L.A. Times indicated that some of those selling illegal fireworks were local gangs who were using the monies generated by the sale of illegal fireworks to support their gang activities. I am not sure exactly when this articles were posted, but if the City of Santa Ana is really serious about stopping illegal fireworks, start looking at who is selling them. Break that chain and you just might get some traction in local neighborhoods. There was one article I remember from last year about a major illegal fireworks bust on South Walnut in Santa Ana along with photos of piles of items that should have sent these people to jail for a long time. Now there is another issue that needs to be addressed. The City makes a big issue about outlawing illegal fireworks, and yet there seems to be a rather lax enforcement issue. So this guy on Walnut gets popped for a large cache of illegal fireworks. So what is the follow through? Was there anything in the press about what happened to him and anyone else involved with this rather large scale operation? Targeted enforcement in those areas where known illegal fireworks are being sold or discharged might just be a way to nip some of this in the bud. And then let the world know that there are consequences. And how about social media where it seems that this is the new marketplace for all things illegal. Where is the enforcement and oversight of these platforms that advertise the sale of all things illegal? How about a sting or two with some good press about what happened to those caught up in these illegal activities? Yes, it may just drive the activity further underground, but making an example of some may also discourage others from wanting to step up and take their place. If the City Council is really serious about decreasing or even eliminating illegal fireworks, they need to start thinking about a more targeted approach and that does not include the sale of Safe and Sane fireworks.. And yes, this may be seen as culturally insensitive, but ask a serious question and then answer it for yourself. When and where are these illegal fireworks being used? What neighborhoods are impacted by illegal fireworks? Is it Floral Park, or the Delhi? I know that Wilshire Square has had more than their share of problems over the past couple of years with the discharge of illegal fireworks all year long. I have some understanding of how Santa Ana is divided and there are some neighborhoods which are more accommodating to illegal fireworks, but if you are serious about an across the board removal of illegal fireworks in a city that covers 27 square miles, the plan needs to be uniform and not give a slap on the wrist to those neighborhoods where the use of illegal fireworks gets a nod and a wink. If anyone at the City level would like to discuss some options, I would be more than willing to sit down and discuss why I have come to these observations. If you want to address the issue of illegal fireworks, then let us get serious.