City Council
MEETING DATE: 8/9/2017
TITLE:
Title
City of Cathedral City Safe and Sane Fireworks Program
End
FROM:
Paul S. Wilson, Fire Chief
George Crum, Chief of Police
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
This item is presented for information, discussion and direction only.
Body
BACKGROUND:
In 2013, the City of Cathedral City Council passed an ordinance permitting the annual sale and discharge of "Safe and Sane" fireworks in Cathedral City, during the July 4th holiday period.
The ordinance was implemented to accomplish two objectives:
First, it provided funding to cover the costs of public education and police enforcement related to fireworks; and
Second, it offered non-profits an opportunity to recover youth-oriented funding that was eliminated during the City budget reductions in 2013.
The "Safe and Sane" fireworks program is open to six non-profit groups, three of which are named in the ordinance to receive preference (The Cathedral City Boxing Club [no longer active], The Calvary Christian School and St. Louis Catholic Church).
DISCUSSION:
Currently "Safe and Sane" firework sales are permitted from noon on June 28 until 10:00 p.m. on July 4th.
The use of "Safe and Sane" fireworks can commence at noon on June 28 but must cease by midnight on July 4th.
Aerial and exploding fireworks are currently prohibited by state law and local ordinance.
2017 Fire and Police Response Summary:
Between July 1 and July 4, 2017 a total of ninety-six 9-1-1 calls were received by Dispatch related to fireworks. Below is a summary and description of activities:
The Cathedral City Fire Dept. was dispatched to the following emergency incidents from 8:00 a.m. on July 1 through 8:00 a.m. July 5, 2017;
July 1st - 20 incidents, none related to fireworks.
July 2nd - 24 incidents, none related to fireworks
July 3rd - 20 incidents, none related to fireworks
July 4th - 28 incidents, 6 fireworks related (see summary below)
July 5th - 22 incidents, none relat...
Click here for full text