HomeMy WebLinkAboutCORRESPONDENCE - #43Orozco, Norma
From: Natalie A Sierra <nasierra01 @gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 21, 2021 3:45 PM
To: eComment
Subject: Support of Item 43: Firework Ban
Hello,
My name is Natalie, I am a resident of the Madison Park neighborhood and I would like to show my
support of the ban on all fireworks in the city of Santa Ana.
We need to consider banning the use of fireworks in residential areas and limiting their use altogether
because fireworks pollute our air, harm our health, cost the city extra time and money, and torture our
pets.
The situation has gotten worse over the years and will only get increasingly worse if we do not do
anything about it. This is why I support the ban on fireworks in Santa Ana.
Thank you for your time.
Orozco, Norma
From: Gabby Aragon <gabrielaaragon76@icloud.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 21, 2021 3:33 PM
To: eComment
Subject: All Fireworks Ban
To whom it may concern:
Dear Sir or Madam,
I'm emailing today in support of an ALL fireworks ban in the city of Santa Ana.
There are countless reasons on why they shouldn't be allowed in our city. But the most important reason is how harmful
it is for our health.
Perhaps banning the legal fireworks might make it easier to find those residents who continue to blast illegal fireworks
throughout the year?
And let's be honest, those individuals who sell fireworks are usually not Santa Ana residents. The revenue made from
the fundraising is not enough for the costs that the city has to pay after July 4th in cleanup and fireworks related
accidents.
So no one is really winning. So many people comment and complain about the noise, the smoke, the nuisance they
create. Hopefully the council members and Mayor make the right decision to ban them from our city.
Thank you,
Gabriela Aragon
Concerned Santa Ana Homeowner
1
Orozco, Norma
From:
Lisa Tran <lisat65@sbcglobal.net>
Sent:
Tuesday, December 21, 2021 3:24 PM
To:
eComment; Sarmiento, Vicente; Bacerra, Phil; Penaloza, David; Phan, Thai; Lopez,
Jessie; Hernandez, Johnathan; Mendoza, Nelida
Cc:
Kim Nguyen; Susana C. Sandoval; Irma Jauregui
Subject:
Public Comments Item #43 All Fireworks Ban
Mayor Sarmiento and Council,
I respectfully request and strongly urge you to vote YES on Item 43.
I enjoy watching a fireworks show on Independence Day, but while the city allows the sale of Safe and Sane
fireworks, one only has to drive through Santa Ana on July 4 to see that the majority of fireworks being set off
are NEITHER SAFE OR SANE.
Ask any resident of Santa Ana and they will likely tell you the illegal fireworks seem to get more prolific and
dangerous with each passing year. As you may be aware, the illegal fireworks go off all year long, at all hours
of the day, not just on major holidays. On July 4, in the Memorial Park neighborhood the fireworks go off
incessantly for a good 4 to 5 hours, and continue randomly until dawn. No one wants to leave their homes to
escape the noise for fear of their house catching fire from one of the many illegal fireworks. The loud booming
fireworks M80 and M1000, which I've heard can blow off fingers and sometimes hands, are particularly
distressing, especially when you are awoken from a deep sleep by the booming and window rattling effect of it.
While Safe and Sane fireworks in Santa Ana used to be an enjoyable, and a somewhat orderly patriotic pastime,
it is not any longer. I and many others believe the sale of Safe and Sane fireworks only encourages and
increases the use of the illegal and more dangerous fireworks.
I will close by reminding you of the recent illegal fireworks detonation where 17 persons, among them nine
police officers were injured (link to article attached). The individual enjoyment of front yard firework
shows, the sale of Safe and Sane fireworks and the fundraising revenue it generates is not worth the risk
to lives, safety and property of our residents (especially children), our police officers and firemen, etc.
17 Injured AfterPlanned Detonation Of Seized Illegal Fireworks.......
https://Iosangeles.cbslocal.com/2021/07/01/los-angeles-fireworks-explosion/
Most sincerely,
Lisa Tran
Memorial Park resident
Sent from my iPhone
Orozco, Norma
From: Leon Raya <Iwrpsr1 @gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 21, 2021 3:23 PM
To: eComment
Subject: Opposition to Item 43- Consider Ban on Use, Possession and Sale of All Fireworks
Dear Mayor and City Council Members,
My name is Leon Raya, President and Founder of the RAYA Foundation, a Santa Ana based non-profit
dedicated to the mission of developing youth to be successful adults by providing positive athletic opportunities,
academic success and family support. We strive to provide accessible, affordable. activities and programs for
the children and families of Santa Ana.
I am writing on behalf of our Foundation to oppose the discussion to ban the use, possession and sale of all
fireworks.
Such a ban would be extremely detrimental to our Foundation. The majority of our fundraising comes from the
annual firework stand that we operate. While some have proposed the alternative of a street fair with food
booths operated by non -profits, that in itself is cost prohibitive as it requires the non-profit to provide expensive
equipment and supplies needed to adhere to Health Department regulations. There are many start-up costs
associated with such an operation. This is not the case with firework stands. TNT Fireworks has been our
partner and provider and they do an excellent job emphasizing safety. We do not believe the City can provide a
fundraising activity that would equal the revenue we now generate.
Illegal fireworks that are being exploded during 4th of July and Tet New Year and those that are launched into
the air are the safety problem. Not the safe and sane fireworks now sold by local non -profits. We do not think
the City has put enough effort, if any, into enforcing the current ban against illegal fireworks. Anyone can
drive down a City street during 4th of July and easily spot residents launching illegal fireworks. As a 35 year
resident of Santa Ana I have yet to see or hear of a single time that a resident has been cited for using illegal
fireworks.
In the past the Council members opposed to safe and sane fireworks have used the safety issue and the amount
of calls to the Fire Authority and Police as reasons to ban all fireworks. Again, illegal fireworks are responsible
for these issues and are not safe and sane.
We understand that now some Councilmembers are citing a study showing that fireworks contribute to air
pollution. We believe there are more important and pressing issues causing environmental injustice than the
smoke caused by fireworks on 4th of July that the CIty Council should be devoting their time too.
Orange and surrounding cities ban fireworks and it has not resulted in illegal fireworks stopping.
If the City bans all fireworks you will only be penalizing the many non -profits who use the revenue to provide
vital programs and services to its residents.
Orozco, Norma
From: mmamaflip@aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, December 21, 2021 2:53 PM
To: eComment
Subject: Ban Fireworks in City of Santa Ana
I would like to support a Ban on Fireworks for the City of Santa.
4th of July, 2021 brought such a tremendous amount of loud, unsafe and terrifying noise which disturbed our family so
much. What truly is the purpose if our serenity is disturbed for booms so loud it rocks your whole home? Trash left in the
roadway after the night ends? Fires that cause damage to homes and other things? The air pollution we are left to
breathe?
Please save Santa Ana residents' lives, homes and well being.
Sincerely,
Vivian D Martinez
Santa Ana Resident
Delhi Neighborhood
Orozco, Norma
From: bobi keenan <fosca94@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 21, 2021 1:54 PM
To: eComment; Sarmiento, Vicente
Subject: Fireworks
I know you will be considering a ban on fireworks at tonite's City Council Meeting. I cannot attend.
I am FIRMLY IN FAVOR OF A BAN OF ALL FIREWORKS within the City of Santa Ana ... not just on 4th of
July or New Years...but for every single day!
I am also pretty confident you have all received a copy of the UCI Study on the serious negative impact of
Fireworks on Public Health. It is convincing to me; I hope you will find it convincing too.
Beyond the issues raised in the UCI report, there are other reasons to ban fireworks in
Santa Ana.
The risk to property and persons is significant.
The noise, especially of the illegal type of fireworks, is very disturbing to humans, but it is excruciating to
animals. The pain is real. It can take them days to recover.
The use of fireworks in our City on major holidays cost the taxpayers a lot of money in terms of needed
increases in police and fire department personnel.
Every year, on July 4 and New Years Eve, more and more fireworks are being shot off for longer and longer
periods. I live in Washington Square. This and last year, it was after 2:00 am before I could get to sleep. It is
just HORRIBLE! I know other neighborhoods are impacted more than is mine. It sounds more like a war than a
celebration. It is frightening.
There are other ways that community and non-profit groups can raise money to support their activities. Selling
of fireworks primarily benefits the vendors and not the community organizations.
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, vote to ban the nuisance and dangers that any and all fireworks cause to
Santa Ana residents and homeowners!
Sincerely,
bobi keenan
919 Louise St.
Santa Ana
Orozco, Norma
From: Anne <annep77@sbcglobal.net>
Sent: Tuesday, December 21, 2021 1:45 PM
To: eComment
Subject: BAN FIREWORKS
YES! I'm in support of banning fireworks in Santa Ana. Since I moved here in 2006 1 no longer enjoy July 4th.
In 2013 some young people threw eggs at me while out walking at night. In 2015 someone threw an M 100 at me while
walking my dog. I knew it was an M-100 because I found the remnant wrapper. In 2016 someone driving by threw
firecrackers at me, again while walking my dog.
Every night for weeks before July 4th someone in my neighborhood was lighting off M-80's in succession at 1-3 am.
The smoke and haze gives me a headache every year. Furthermore, the trash left in the streets is just ignorant and
unacceptable.
FED UP WITH GHETTO BEHAVIOR!
If the residents of Santa Ana want to be respected, they need to uphold laws of civility, which we have repeatedly failed
to do.
Sent from my iPhone
1
M
St. Church of the Nazarene
Dear Santa Ana City Council Members:
Hello, my name is Rebeca Rivas, and I am the secretary of the Santa Ana Edinger Church
of the Nazarene. Our church has been in this community since 1961. Our church is
surrounded by Diamond Elementary School, Carr Intermediate School and Valley High
school. Our congregation has always known the importance of community, and the
importance in providing opportunities to children and youth from our wonderful city.
Unfortunately, many of our community families are not able to afford to take their
children to summer camps. In many of our families there are multiple children and find it
hard to send one child to summer camp let alone three. TNT Fireworks has allowed our
church to open the door to wonderful camp experiences. Experiences that will stay with
them and create lifelong memories. Memories that can shape and mold the mind for the
positive. After the first year of selling fireworks, the church saw how much we were able
to provide for our youth. Not only the adults saw but the youth saw as well. The
following year, those youth now old enough to work at the stands, were signing up to
help volunteer to sell fireworks. They saw how the TNT fireworks booth opened exciting
new opportunities. For instance, sending youth to a weeklong camp, which they would
never have been able to attend without the profit from the TNT firework stand. All the
profits go directly to the Youth of our community here in Santa Ana. Banning fireworks
would be detrimental to our Youth because they would no longer be able to participate in
summer camps. We would not be able to raise these funds for our youth without the help
of TNT. Raising this money with out TNT would be out of our reach. Youth who
participate in summer camps learn many lifelong skills like teamwork, resilience and
confidence. These skills will allow our youth to be strong members of society. TNT has
been a blessing to many nonprofit organizations.
Sincerely,
Rebeca Rivas Secretary
Joel Ortiz Pastor
City Council Meeting, December 21, 2021
Item #43 on the Agenda
Public Comments: Adolfo Sierra and Susana Sandoval,
Santa Ana Healthy Neighborhoods Alliance
Good evening, Mayor Sarmiento and Councilmembers:
WE respectfully request a YES VOTE ON ITEM 43. We had
previously submitted for your review on October 21, the
research documents that demonstrate that the risks
greatly outweigh the benefit of fireworks in today's
world, and the tremendous devastation to our
community; safety, public health, environmental air and
noise pollution. There is great concern for the burden on
the SA Police and increase costs to the city for managing
this crisis created by fireworks. Fireworks create a crisis
not only as July 0 is approaching but throughout the
year, during the day and night.
Documents submitted to you on October 21:
* Ordinance #1727 Fireworks Regulations 1984, 37 years
old
* UCI Research on OC Fireworks 6/30/21
* Fireworks Public Health Hazards
* Journal of Atmospheric Research
* The Hidden Toll of July Fourth Fireworks
* The Anatomy of Safe and Sane Fireworks in Orange
County
*2017 — 2021 Santa Ana permitted Fireworks Booth List;
demonstrating a decrease from 74 in 2017 down to 54 in
2021.
* Fireworks Alternatives in Orange County
Made Disturbing the Peace Fireworks calls for
2021 = 438 compared to 212 in 2017.
Doubled over a 5-year period and many residents are
fearful to call Police.
We urge you to vote YES on Item #43.
Thank you.
Loretta M. Canett-Bailes, EdD: Public Comments
Resident, 1318 South Birch Street, Santa Ana 92707
City Council Meeting December 21, 2021; Agenda item #43
Dear Mayor Vicente Sarmiento, Mayor Pro Tern Phil Bacerra and
Councilmembers Nelida Mendoza, Thai Viet Phan, Jessie Lopez, David
Penaloza, and Johnathan Ryan Hernandez:
My name is Dr. Loretta M. Canett-Bailes, and I am an educator. I served
as Dean of Instruction at three different community colleges and a
Professor of ESL.
have lived in Santa Ana for the past seven years. I love this City, and
am shocked and dismayed by the use of illegal and legal fireworks.
Thank you for putting Item #43 on the agenda to Ban all fireworks.
As detailed by the research documents provided to you dated October
211. 2021 by the Santa Ana Healthy Neighborhoods Alliance ALL
FIREWORKS, sale of what is called safe and sane fireworks and illegal
fireworks have both resulted in a detrimental environment and
devastating on -going crisis for the past several years in Santa Ana.
Of the 34 cities in Orange County, only 10 cities continue to receive
approval/permits to sell fireworks (Anaheim, Buena Park, Fullerton,
Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Stanton, Santa Ana, Villa Park,
Westminster and Santa Ana). The other OC cities provide alternatives
to celebrate holidays and take responsibility for the events. There are
also other creative and successful models for non profit organizations
to sponsor fundraising activities/events. This City of Santa Ana is very
generous in providing block grants for provide financial assistance to
organizations for their activities/events.
Page 2, Loretta Canett-Bailes, EdD
There are 58 counties in California. There are only 6 counties in which
some of their cities receive permits to sell fireworks: San Bernardino,
Riverside, Ventura, Imperial Valley, Los Angeles (prohibited in the city
of Los Angeles) and Orange County — only 10 of the cities. Not all cities
in these counties request permits to sell fireworks.
In closing, I urge you to vote YES on Item 43.
Most respectfully,
Loretta Canett-Bailes, EdD
Orozco, Norma
From: Callie Cullum <stuff4callie@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, December 20, 2021 8:53 PM
To: eComment
Subject: Ban on Fireworks
Please pass the ban on fireworks. I am tired of fireworks landing in my yard and on my roof, having to give my
dog sedatives, and loud explosions going on all hours of the night regardless of the time of year.
Callie Cullum
W. Bell Avenue
Santa Ana
Orozco, Norma
From: tmgrebel@pacbell.net
Sent: Monday, December 20, 2021 11:54 PM
To: eComment
Subject: Ban of Fireworks
I support a total ban on fireworks in the City of Santa Ana.
Thank you,
Thomas Grebel
230 Carriage Dr Apt E
Santa Ana 92707
Orozco, Norma
From: corey hayes <mekaoi@att.net>
Sent: Tuesday, December 21, 2021 12:57 AM
To: eComment
Subject: Ban of fireworks within Santa Ana - meeting 12121
I'm very much in agreement to ban fireworks in Santa Ana. As a 65+ year resident, I've noticed, the fireworks are very
blatant and it's gotten progressively worse! I have called PD repeatedly, re: Camden between Baker and Towner,
notorious for sounding like a war zone with their comblike explosions!
I don't understand what Santa Ana is waiting for! My husband has extreme breathing difficulties AND we have always
stayed home during these events, to protect ourselves and our property ... the next week or two afterward we're still
cleaning debris out of our yard, plants and structures from all that racket!
When are you going to ban loud music, overcrowding, and the parking overflow resulting from it? 2138 So. Shelton is a
good example: 5 cars parked in there yard, 2 in front of their house which never seem to be moved except for sweeper
day, then quickly parked back in front of that house. Two white trucks get put on St. Gertrude just east of Shelton and
also don't get moved except for sweeper day, then quickly put back and they don't move for 6 days! Now, those two
spaces cause parking problems for the overcrowding on St. Gertrude who have too many people residing at their
houses! And then tonight I saw someone park their car on west bound St. Gertrude and they live down Park St. This is all
so ridiculous!
Orozco, Norma
From: Greg Berg <gregberg50ish@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 21, 2021 7:55 AM
To: eComment
Subject: Support for Ban on Fireworks
I have lived in Santa Ana since approximately 1994, and I support a ban on fireworks.
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
Orozco, Norma
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Dear Honorable Mayor & Council;
timrush@bhhscaprops.com
Tuesday, December 21, 2021 8:13 AM
Sarmiento, Vicente; eComment
Ridge, Kristine
Council meeting 12/21/21 Banning of Fireworks in SA
Tonight you will consider an item of monumental importance to the health and well-being of all folks who dwell in our
city ....... and that is the outright banning of all types of fireworks, both safe and sane and others. It is my hope that you
will carefully consider how a yes vote to ban these fireworks will have such a positive impact to improve the "quality of
life" of all of us. Yes, I know there will be a financial impact to the non profits who benefit from the sales. But when
you weigh the pro's and con's I think it is obvious that the negatives have far outweighed the positives for several
decades. Not to mention I would submit that in real dollars the share of the "fireworks dollar" that is ultimately going
to the non profits has been plummeting for many years. If for no other reason than that the illegal fireworks are far
outstripping the sales of "safe and sane" fireworks. All one has to do is stand on any elevated platform in town and
observe the mayhem that unfolds from 4pm on to the wee hours in literally every direction to see that the firepower of
the illegal fireworks is causing so much harm, not just to humans but our furry friends and the environment.
All of you are very focused on the environment and I can't think of anything better you can do to help it than ban all
fireworks in Santa Ana. The neighborhood movement has cried out for relief from this scourge for decades and
hopefully tonight will be the night we can all "breathe easier" after your yes vote! Thank you for your
consideration ............. With this, I remain........
Sincerely yours, & Merry Christmas.
Tim Rush, Wilshire Square
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
13926 Seal Beach Boulevard
Seal Beach, CA 90740
(714) 299-4455
[=�,alitnrni.� 6,rrr�.er�Ttit.�;
Orozco, Norma
From: Beatriz Alarcon <burquizo1962@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 21, 2021 9:02 AM
To: eComment
Subject: Ban of Fireworks
Hello my name is Beatriz Alarcon,
I am emailing in support of the ban of fireworks in the city of Santa Ana. The agenda is being discussed by City
Council Members Thai Viet Phan, Nelida Mendoza and Mayor Pro Tern Phil Bacerra. There are illegal
fireworks being used very often, not just on the fourth of July. The months leading up to July the fireworks
begin as well as the use of illegal fireworks. They are a huge problem for people and this study that is being put
out by UCI regarding the impact the fireworks have on the health of people is very concerning. I also know that
the very loud sound from the illegal fireworks cause distress on pets as well. The fireworks are also very messy
and usually the trash is not picked up by the people who light up fireworks. My home has been trashed by the
fireworks that go up in the air. My home ends up with a lot of the ash from the fireworks as well. Again I am
for the ban of fireworks being sold in Santa Ana and I am for an alternative to fireworks. For example, other
forms of raising money for the schools or other organizations the money goes to would be preferred.
Thank you.
Orozco, Norma
From: tranb@ix.netcom.com
Sent: Monday, December 20, 2021 7:00 PM
To: eComment
Subject: IN FAVOR: BAN ALL FIREWORKS
Hello
I am a tax paying, property owner in Santa Ana.
1900 W Meadowbrook Dr
Santa Ana CA 92704
I am 100% in favor of banning all fireworks in the city of Santa Ana
However I do want to emphasize the need to police, administer fines, and seek prosecution for repeat offenders.
Banning by itself will be no good because we all know that firework consumers will figure a way to obtain illegal fireworks elsewhere
(in neighboring cities or via Mexico)
It comes down to enforcement and policing or else why bother banning it!
I'm tired of having to live with the sounds of Beirut until 2-3am on July 4', and the days that lead up and subsequent days where users
are still setting them off.
I'm tired of calling the Santa Ana police department to no avail
I'm tired of hearing all of these high fines for offenders but yet no fines have been administered.
I want to see real change as it relates to this proposal
Regards
Binh Tran
Orozco, Norma
From: Eric Cooper <ericcooper1956@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, December 20, 2021 11:30 AM
To: eComment
Subject: Proposed Ordinance Banning Fireworks in the city of Santa Ana
Dear Councilmembers,
My name is Eric Cooper and I am the President of the board of
directors of Trinity Cristo Rey Lutheran Church, 902 South
Broadway.
I am writing to strenuously object to the proposal that seeks to
ban all fireworks use and sale within the city of Santa Ana.
There are many non-profit organizations, such as ours, which
fundraise from the sale of state certified Safe and Sane
Fireworks every year.
In my opinion, safe and sane fireworks have never been the
problem in this city. Rather it is the continued tiny enforcement
of illegal fireworks laws, not just around the 4th of July but all
year round. The Santa Ana Police Department has to be better
funded and equipment to focus on the YEAR ROUND problem
of trafficking of illegal fireworks. In my neighborhood near
Birch and McFadden, I have been hearing them go off every
night recently as Christmas and New Year's Eve approach.
These are clearly not the safe and sane variety, but rather illegal
mortar shells, rockets and cherry bombs, among others.
A few days of small enforcement actions and displays of
1
confiscated illegal fireworks around the last two weeks of June,
clearly has not solved the real issue here.
By punishing innocent non-profit fundraisers, you are sending
the wrong message to your constituents. A message of not
wanting to deal with the real problem in a meaningful way.
I hope that members of the council will rethink this ill advised
proposal and come up with better ways of enforcing the
problem that already exists.
Thank you,
Eric Cooper
917 1/2 South Birch Street
Santa Ana 92701
Sent from Gmail Mobile
P)
Orozco, Norma
From:
Lopez, Jessie
Sent:
Sunday, December 19, 2021 9:39 PM
To:
eComment
Subject:
FW: City Council Meeting on December 21 regarding banning Safe and Sane
Fireworks
Dear Council Members Penaloza, Bacerra, Mendoza, Lopez and Phan
As someone who has lived in Santa Ana since 1952, a resident of Wilshire Square since 1976, and the Chair
of Santa Ana United Methodist Churches Trustees as well as the Fireworks Committee, I was deeply disturbed
that the Santa Ana City Council, on such short notice, would take up the topic of banning the sale of Safe and
Sane fireworks in Santa Ana to address the hazardous conditions created by the use of illegal fireworks.
I am not exactly sure where to start since illegal fireworks are in use almost year round in Santa Ana and I
have heard and seen them on Mother's Day, Easter, and many other weekends that have absolutely nothing
to do with the 4th of July or the sale of Safe and Sane fireworks.
There are 34 cities in Orange County with only a few authorizing the limited timeframe sale and use of Safe
and Sane fireworks, and yet there are complaints from all 34 related to the use of illegal fireworks, I am
having difficulty connecting the dots between the sale and use of Safe and Sane fireworks on four days in
July, in a select group of cities, and the continual bombardment I and many others in cities throughout the
County experience all year long.
Local schools, clubs and churches need to raise funds to support youth activities, Try and raise $18,000 in
five days of volunteer work selling candy bars. I find it rather ironic that the City Council is considering taking
away this revenue stream that has benefited so many of our City youth through funds generated by these
volunteer workers and the groups that they support. The choice to ban the sale is even more hurtful for some
groups given the impact of Covid-19 on their other fund raising activities. For some, the sale of Safe and Sane
fireworks was their only revenue stream in the last couple of years.
I have run a fireworks booth for over 25 years, and the monies generated from our efforts have benefited the
youth in our Church by underwriting camping funds and most recently, have been directed to providing
$1,000 scholarships for our young folks who have graduated High School and are now moving on to college.
For some of these young folks, they will be the first in their families to attend college, and the net profits from
last years sales have already been dispersed to 19 young men and women who are now enrolled in higher
education. We have students in local community colleges as well as Boise State, Humboldt State, Cal State
Fullerton, IVC, and one in a Master's program at Cal State Long Beach. Yes, # 1,000 does not go far on some
of these campuses, but these young people are the face of our future and our City and County. Our
congregation has made a commitment to helping them in any way we can. I consider the funds generated by
the sale of Safe and Sane fireworks money well spent on their futures.
The loss of this revenue stream will have a significant impact not only on our organization's efforts to assist
our youth, but on numerous other programs throughout the City of Santa Ana. From my understanding,
there are over 80 non-profit groups in Santa Ana using funds raised by the sale of Safe and Sane fireworks
who have done good work for many years through this revenue stream. And yet now, for whatever reason, the
City Council is considering banning the sale to address a problem that has absolutely no connection, no
matter how hard you stretch it, to the sale of Safe and Sane fireworks. Safe and Sane fireworks do not serve
as a cover for the use of illegal fireworks. just ask the residents of Wilshire Square. How many nights are
illegal fireworks being set off? And these illegal explosions, rockets, and aerial display events happen even
during the day all year long, So where is the connection?
I also find in rather ironic that this particular topic should come before the Council at this time of year, when
so many leaders in these non-profit groups, that will be impacted by a negative decision, have family
commitments and are rightfully engaged in activities that preclude them from attending a Council meeting on
the 21st of December when this topic comes before you for consideration. The timing raises issues as to who
is really pushing to get this before you and why was this topic not brought up earlier in the year, such as after
the 4th of July when there was available data from local law enforcement, OCFA and other City agencies
impacted by the use of illegal fireworks.
Transparency in regards to the motives behind this push to ban the sale of Safe and Sane fireworks is needed,
and if banning them will eliminate illegal fireworks, guess again. Now, those who purchased, and safely used
Safe and Sane fireworks that are approved by the State Fire Marshall will go looking for some other way to
celebrate and my assumption at this point is that the use of illegal fireworks, should this ban pass, will
significantly increase. To some extent your decision to ban could have many unintended consequences.
Please reconsider placing this ban on our City and the non-profit agencies who have used these funds wisely
for so many years.
Doug Gillen, Chair, Board of Trustees
Santa Ana United Methodist Church
714-501-0396
1424 South Ross Street
Santa Ana, CA 92707
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.
Doug Gillen
714-501-0396
1424 South Ross Street
Santa Ana, CA 92707
Member OC Grand Jury 2016-17, 2018-19 & 2020-21
Orozco, Norma
From:
Lopez, Jessie
Sent:
Sunday, December 19, 2021 9:26 PM
To:
eComment
Subject:
FW: Potential Safe and Sane Fireworks Ban
From: Deborah Gillen <deborah_gillen@yahoo.com>
Sent: Friday, December 17, 2021 7:08 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>
Cc: Sarmiento, Vicente <VSarmiento@santa-ana.org>
Subject: Potential Safe and Sane Fireworks Ban
Honorable Council Members Penaloza, Bacerra, Mendoza, Lopez, and Phan:
I wish to express my deep disagreement with the proposal to ban the sale of Safe and Sane fireworks in the city of Santa Ana.
The argument that banning these State Fire Marshal -approved Safe and Sane Fireworks will somehow reduce the incidence of illegal
explosives is a false equivalency. My husband and I have lived in Santa Ana for over 46 years. In that time the frequency of illegal
fireworks has increased significantly; we hear them year-round now, at Christmas and New Year, Easter, Cinco de Mayo, as well as
other random times. We have neighbors who fire them off regularly, year round, (and reporting this to law enforcement and fire
authorities yields zero reduction in their use). Granted there is a ridiculous amount of the illegal fireworks around Independence Day,
but I do not think that anyone can make a correlation between this egregious violation of the law and the legal sale of humble Safe and
Sane Fireworks. In fact I would be very interested in knowing how many incidents either police or fire personnel recorded that were
directly related to Safe and Sane Fireworks, and whether those incidents could be related in any way to the use of illegal fireworks. I
suspect the data would not support any connection.
My husband has been the leader of our church's fireworks booth for more than 25 years. Every year our fireworks vendor provides
educational materials that make it clear what is and is not legal. We make sure that all the volunteers who work in our booth are well -
aware of what is allowed, starting with sales only to those 18 and older. Occasionally someone will come to our booth and ask about
bottle rockets, M-80's, or aerial displays, and we always explain that anything that leaves the ground or explodes is illegal not only in
Santa Ana, but the entire state of California. We post signs in English and Spanish on the booth and hand out literature provided by
OCFA, and we especially welcome the opportunity to educate children about why those items are unsafe and illegal.
Banning the Safe and Sane Fireworks will have no impact on the use of illegal fireworks.
What it will have an impact on are the many, many non -profits that rely on fireworks sales as their primary fundraiser. Our church has
had a booth for many years, and in that time we have paid for camping experiences for our children and teens as well as providing
funds for students in the school we once supported and a Boy Scout troop. For several years now the funds have provided $1,000
scholarships for college students, many of whom are the first in their family to attend college. They have been used to attend local
community colleges, various colleges and universities in California and across the country, and some graduate schools. Our most
recent sales resulted in scholarships for 19 students. Without the profits from fireworks there is no way we could help these young
people.
I teach theatre in a high school in Orange, where all fireworks are illegal. I can assure you that I spend an inordinate amount of time
raising funds for my program. All of us who are involved in extra -curricular activities often feel as if in addition to our teaching we
have a second full-time job arranging sales of chocolate, popcorn, candy, restaurant nights, golf tournaments, and a wide range of
other events; parents and students are exhausted by the constant begging for funds. Believe me, if I could raise over $15,000 dollars in
only 4 days with the help of volunteer parents, I would welcome it so that I could focus on my primary responsibility of teaching and
directing. Here in Santa Ana, athletic boosters, Scouts, Little League and soccer leagues, as well various service groups, are fortunate
to have this option; there is no way they can ever have enough bake sales to make that kind of money for their groups. Nearly all of
these groups directly benefit the children and youth of Santa Ana; if the Council bans this means of fundraising, are they prepared to
budget funds to compensate for the losses to youth programs (and as a church organization, it's likely that we would not be eligible for
these funds even if they became available).
I also am troubled by the sudden appearance of this item on the Council's agenda. By putting this before the Council only 4 days
before Christmas, with the school holidays beginning, it is likely that many who would appear before you to protest this action may
not be available to appear in person, no matter how much they would like to. In addition, I have questions about who exactly is
responsible for bringing this before the Council at this time; what do they hope to gain from banning the Safe and Sane fireworks,
since it is obvious that
such a ban will do nothing to reduce the incidents of illegal fireworks.
I firmly believe that something needs to be done to increase the effectiveness of enforcing the laws against illegal and unsafe
fireworks. This will require an intense and focused effort, as well as an investment in resources. I urge you to support a plan that will
be effective, rather than punishing groups that have a heart for the children and youth of Santa Ana.
In conclusion, I urge each of you to examine this issue with an open mind. Are you truly, honestly convinced that banning these Safe
and Sane Fireworks will end the plague of illegal fireworks in Santa Ana? I believe that if you consider this proposal, you will choose
to support this opportunity that benefits our city in so many ways.
Sincerely,
Deborah S. Gillen
deborah gillenkyahoo.com
(714)615-0396
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