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“In towns and cities... there is no more important institution than the local paper.”
Warren Buffett
By Tammye McDuff
Even though Governor Newsom handed down strict rules for the use of fireworks this July 4th, with the cancellation of community fireworks shows and closed beaches, that did not stop Californians from communicating their patriotic expression through ‘bombs bursting in air’.
In the City of La Mirada the use of ‘safe and sane’ fireworks was authorized from the hours of 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm. La Mirada’s Public Safety Team proactively enforced fireworks regulations by canvassing the community. The deployment team consisted of seven deputies, six Public Safety Officers and three Code Enforcement Officers. Five vehicles were also deployed, as well as one undercover vehicle.
From the hours of 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm the City received 54 calls relating to fireworks violations, compared to 40 calls in 2019. The Public Safety team issued 39 administrative citations, six of which were issued prior to July 4th. All citations were issued for the possession or discharge of illegal fireworks, as compared to 24 citations in 2019.
Field reports indicated that the number of individuals celebrating the fourth of July with fireworks increased in most areas, with consistent calls throughout the evening, subsiding approximately around 10:00 pm. The Fire Department responded to two firework related fires with no reported injuries.
City Hall, in anticipation of Fourth of July celebrations, continued the fireworks education campaign that included articles in E-Watch, the City’s website and on City marquees. The City’s MyLaMirada app was also utilized as a resource for residents to provide information on firework violations in their neighborhood. The City received 37 submissions to fireworks related issues between July 1st and July 4th.