Fireworks For Fullerton?
Tonight you can share your opinion with the Fullerton City Council on whether the Council should schedule a November 2012 referendum on legalizing “safe and sane” fireworks.
Of course we are not talking about cherry bombs, M-80s, skyrockets, or any of the other illegal stuff that may be acquired over the border, so please, let’s nobody have a cow, right off the bat.
Back in the late 80s the people of Fullerton said no to all fireworks after heavy lobbying by the Fire Department and other members of the crowd control clique.
The result is lost revenue that many non-profits would have received, and of course, the lost freedom of being able to enjoy a good old-fashioned 4th in you own backyard.
So let’s hear your views.
I like to celebrate my freedom and independence by being herded into a stadium where I watch a government-approved display.
Wait, that’s not right.
Yes, government approved, sponsored, and source of holiday employment. Yay!
You two! LMAO! 🙂
I don’t have a problem with Safe and Sane fireworks. I have a problem with the seemingly endless parade of drunks in and around my neighborhood that use the 4th as an excuse to fire off all the explosives they bring in from Mexico and Nevada. Over here in the “aren’t you part of Buena Park?” neighborhoods of west Fullerton it’s like a war zone a week before to a week after the holiday. Explosions big enough that they shake the house go all night long. Every morning you pick up sticks from skyrockets and debris from airborne bombs on lawns and your roof. I support “Safe and Sane” fireworks but I haven’t see any evidence that “Safe and Sane” people will be using them.
Yeah, like nobody shoots off fireworks in Fullerton on the 4th…..
Aren’t there more pressing matters for the City Council to address than fireworks? My God. You’ve got a ‘culture of corruption’ that has humiliated Fullerton in the eyes of the entire world.
Why this diversion?
Is the fireworks industry financing this discussion?
Why don’t you clean up the bigger mess and when you’re done you can concentrate on fireworks?
There are lots of loose ends.
Of course the fireworks lobby will be all over this.
Exactly.
I always thought that the fireworks “debate” was nothing but a diversion as well. Its a lose/lose situation.
If they show a negative leaning towards it, they will be painted as unamerican and freedom haters by the recently de-fanged opposition and if they show a positive leaning, they’ll be painted as loose cannons who are putting lives at risk.
They should have just left it alone and ignored it for as long as possible.
That’s what LA county did and it became a free-for-all, a veritable war zone in my neighborhood. Leaving it alone will only send a message that it’s o.k. to throw fire bombs on to your neighbor’s roof.
I could have filled a large paper bag with all exploded the illegal fireworks I’ve seen on my daily walks.
People will still get the illegal ones, but since signs were put on every street in unincorporated Whittier, there were a l lot less this year. I like the safe an sane ones, but who can enjoy the 4th when your guarding your house and animals.
More enforcement of the illegals ones is needed. IMO
It seemed fitting that the first council was called to meet on independence day. Time to give the streets back to fullertonians who live and walk on them everyday.
It’s possible to do more than one thing at a time, you know.
Because they have moved on. Kelly is a fart in the wind. They got what they wanted.
That’s right, not as many people from illegal firework are killed, than the police killing of inaceint people, such as Kelly (HOMELESS MAN in Fullerton.
Fireworks are like firearms:
Make them illegal and the wrong element still gets their hands on them and uses them irresponsibly.
Make them legal and the good element gets to enjoy them as well.
But I agree that there are more important issues…
Yes, and I have more important things to do than take a dump every morning, but it’s easy and it just feels right.
I’ve got nothing against fireworks and would certainly vote yes on this if it came to a ballot measure, but saying do it because it feels right? I’d hope our elected council members would apply more logic to it than that.
And yes, the fire department will love you, because I can’t even begin to tell you how many times as a kid someone’s bush in the front yard caught on fire due to someone waving a sparkler by a dry tree. Of course there will be more overtime by the fire department if this passes.
Kind of a twisted analogy?
Yes, it is. I guess you could say that I see both sides of this. On one hand, yes, this will probably be a nice fundraiser for local groups. It’ll also be bringing it back old skool again being able to do fireworks in the front yard.
Come on though, don’t tell me that even though you did fireworks in the street as a kid that you don’t remember the roofs and bushes catching on fire every 4th in your stupid neighbors front yards. This will be a boon for the fire department for OT. I can just see no authorization for OT for them the first year this takes effect and some major catastrophe happening because there wasn’t enough manpower for that day.
I guess I can see both sides of it. Can you?
“…crowd control clique.”
Nice aliteration. And funny, too. The Bankheads, Jonses, and McMollyPensions of Fullerton.
I totally agree with “I live in Fullerton”. I have grown to dislike the 4th because the a-holes that set off the ones so loud, they sound like cannon guns. Safe & Sane fireworks for families to enjoy on their street is one thing, but unfortunately, allowing them will not curtail the bombs that go off for the 2 weeks surrounding the 4th. The holiday doesn’t even come up for another year, so why is it even a consideration right now. I agree that it’s a lose-lose, situation.
It’s a consideration now to be able to qualify an item for the General Election in November.
Not having safe and sane fireworks won’t keep the “a-holes” from blowing up bombs either, so that’s a false argument.
By the way, unlike their predecessors, I’m pretty sure the present council majority can multi-task.
If we vote no, they’ll continue to use illegal fireworks anyway. I agree with Travis that our children should be allowed to enjoy safe and sane fireworks. FPD hides in their cars every year, and that’s why nothing is done to stop it. The fault belongs to FPD, once again.
Well, let’s get realistic about this issue.
How many REALLY LOUD fireworks do you all hear on the 4th of July? Lots of ’em, right? Well, those are the BIG, BAD, ILLEGAL type of fireworks that the television news media has to tell us year-after-year can really badly hurt us. Since the “Safe and Sane” type of fireworks have been banned in the city, people who like to express their patriotism go out and acquire the BIG, BAD, ILLEGAL, and LOUD fireworks, AKA: M80’s, M200’s, etc.
So, there you have it. The city banned the relatively safe, and not so loud, fireworks which paved the way for folks to acquire the louder party favorites that come from China and south of the border. I would certainly not expect the LOUD, ILLEGAL type of fireworks to ever go away!
great point. they threw the baby out with the bath water…
My dogs vote NO.
Safe and Sane fireworks don’t explode. Your dog must be talking about the city’s own official show, which is very loud.
How does your dog feel about the nightly fireworks show that Disneyland sets off at 9:30 pm?
Why do we Fullerton residents have to endure that on a nightly basis?
How does your dog feel about the round-the-clock sirens that Care Ambulance use non-stop to get through downtown Fullerton to St. Jude?
Many years ago, we had a few crazies on our street (not far from your street) go ape-shit with a mix of safe and sane and things that sure sounded illegal. And yes, our dog would benefit from a little xanax on nights D’land fireworks are particularly loud. He also doesn’t like it when military flights come in low on their approach to Los Alamitos
And Disneyland that goes off at 9:30 every day……
Forget the fireworks. We need medical marijuna now!!!
I was reading about the safe access for marijuana collective in Oakland that the feds are currently trying to shut down, now has the city of Oakland filing friend of the court briefs and appealing to the federal government to cease because just one collective generates over $3,000,000.00 in revenue for the city of Oakland.
What better way to open the new city council than to remove the ban on 4th of July fireworks! It seems fitting after a long culture of suppression and heavy handed rule who was out of touch with the common people. Sorry to anybody who needs to go to bed early and not want to hear loud noises outside their house but it is the fourth of July. I didn’t follow local politics much back in the eighties but I remember trying to make some kind of sense of the legislation that ended fireworks and try understand why we were not going to have fireworks to end our block party that year. In a sense it feels like the Berlin wall is being torn down in fullerton right now and we need fireworks to celebrate.
Fireworks in Fullerton will contribute more to that generous over-time pay for the FPD and FFD. Smart priorities.
No, legalizing safe and sane fireworks would not contribute to more over time pay.
If the safe and sane fireworks are legal, then the FPD will no longer need to be concerned about the sparklers and other smaller legal fireworks which folks buy in other cities anyway, -FPD will ONLY have to worry about the ILLEGAL fireworks that go BOOM, which we have every year, REGARDLESS of whether, or not, your family can enjoy snakes, smoke bombs, fountains, etc.
The annual sale of the safe and sane fireworks is a great fundraising opportunity for Boy Scouts, sports teams, etc.
Don’t get me wrong, love 4th festiivities – the works. The reality is whether it’s safe or sane practices, illegal fireworks, etc… the FPD and FFD love the 4th for the OT they collect (and mind you which gets tacked on to the pension contribution as well). With a crushing deficit – not looming – but squarely ponding at Fullerton’s doorstep, priorities should be on wage reductions, cut backs, lay offs, health and pension reform, addressing demands of Kelly Thomas – what the city and its public safety depts can actively do (rather than just lip-service) to prevent another needless loss of life event. Will tax/permit fees for bringing safe/sane fireworks pay off? Will it lead to more lawsuits when a child loses their finger, hand or eye? Cost benefits – do we leave it to chance? I’d rather table the DIY fireworks discussion and have our council spend their time working on initiative that will sustain this city.
Tonight’s resolutions needed to be placed on this, or the next agenda in order for there to be a chance to consolidate with the lesser expensive November election and have Safe and Sane fireworks legal for next 4th of July. Had Travis failed to put this on the agenda, it would have either resulted in no chance for fireworks until 2014, or spending much more money to accomplish it.
Assuming the resolutions pass and the election is successful, which it will be as the last 30 such elections in the state were successful, the council will then need to craft a new fireworks policy prior to the 4th of July.
The gross revenue generated by fireworks in Fullerton will likely be in the $600,000 range and fully 1/3rd of that will end up straight in the pocketbooks of organizations like high school and youth sports, music programs, churches, scouts and other organizations who serve this community. For many organizations in the state, fireworks stands are their top fundraiser and one of their easiest and most reliable fundraisers.
I too agree that this move is symbolically perfect to demonstrate that our new council understands that good government need not be difficult. I asked Joe Felz and Lucinda Williams (City Clerk) to confirm the necessary steps in making fireworks legal again in Fullerton. To their credit, they did so in about 3 hours and Travis moved to immediately place the item on the agenda. This was not hard and it will be up to a vote of the people as to whether they believe that Fullerton residents should have the freedom to shoot off a few fountains in celebration of the birth of our nation with their children on the 4th of July.
This is stupid. Actually, it’s worse than stupid. It’s embarrassing.
We just recalled three city councilmen because we believe they made bad decisions for Fullerton. So, what’s on our first regularly scheduled city council meeting? A decision on overturning one of the bad decisions recently made by the ousted members—redevelopment assignments perhaps? Firing and replacing the police chief, city manager, or city attorney?
Nope.
Instead we get to discuss the people overturning a decision made by the people 20 something years ago.
YEA! THIS IS THE CHANGE I VOTED FOR!
Oh, wait a minute . . . we didn’t recall the voters from 1988. My mistake.
The police department isn’t fixed, the budget is still a mess, and the city’s infrastructure is still falling apart . . . I don’t recall voting for anyone because they put Fireworks Reform on their platform.
Aside from being a gross waste of the council’s time and effort, being stupid, and being an embarrassment, here are two very good reasons to put this off until next year.
1) The only discussion anyone should be having regarding November referenda is the Coyote Hills project. Adding another item to promote just redirects focus, and more importantly, funding away from fighting Chevron. This referendum is ill timed and moving it to next year isn’t going to cause anyone any irreparable harm. We don’t need to fracture the electorate or provide any distractions to help Chevron.
2) We have no idea what the cost of allowing fireworks back into Fullerton is—which means we’ll have to find out, which means more wasted time and effort that could be dedicated to the three main priorities that were the subject of the June election. We have no idea what the overtime costs are going to be for Police and Firefighters, we have no idea what overtime costs for street sweeping look like, we have no idea what overtime for temporary business licenses are going to be, what the average cost to a typical homeowner’s insurance rates are going to be, and we have no idea what the manpower pool for enforcement even looks like. The argument that firework sales bring in revenue or charity dollars is very hollow. It’s more likely that this referendum is going to cost the taxpayers money rather than generate revenue for the city or charities. The numbers cited above are flat out wrong and irresponsible to post. In addition, there are many (many) other responsible choices for charities to make. Kids selling fireworks to help other kids blow their hands off is mind boggingly stupid, Chris. Do you really thing BSoA wants to get caught on the nightly news because some 3yo burned themselves with a sparkler? Bad. Freakin. Idea. I had a feeling this was Thompson’s idea. Glad to see that confirmed. This is dumb, Chris. You have more important things to do in November.
In the event the council does decree that this shall be on the November ballot, it ought to be accompanied by some provisos. Again, there’s no real harm done by deferring this decision until after November– so that should be the course of action . . . because this is a waste of time, stupid, and an embarrassment.
1) Any net increase in city expenditures resulting from a “YES” vote shall be offset by a special tax on fireworks sale. It is a violation of my individual liberty for the city to spend my tax dollars on private recreation such as this.
2) The city ought to require evidence of insurability for any firework sale or require it upon purchase from an authorized vendor. It is a violation of my individual liberty to allow my neighbor to increase my insurance costs through the exercise of his/her recreational activity. Professional firework displays work under strict liability . . . if my neighbor does something stupid and lights my tree or house on fire—they ought to pay for what they’ve destroyed. The only way to guarantee this is through insurance.
3) It should be a criminal offense to allow the use of fireworks by intoxicated individuals and a felony when children are present. This is likely already true, but I’d want this to be posted with signage on every authorized sales location. If your kid gets his/her hand blown off because you’re stupid—you go to jail. No exceptions.
Patience… all in due time. No sense in running around like a chicken with its head cut off.
Complacency is destroying our republic.
Patience my ***.
The new council was voted in to take care of business and attack the ‘culture of corruption’.
Fireworks was not even part of the discussion.
STOP WAFFLING AND DO WHAT YOU WERE ELECTED FOR!
Word.
Do your job council. Chris Thompson’s pet peeve list is not what we voted for. This is replacing one special interest group with another. I’m willing to give you the benefit of the doubt, but this isn’t helping anyone . . .
I don’t give a rats ass about helmet laws or firework bans. I voted to kick three incompetent people out because they can’t prioritize and valued their buddy’s opinion over the opinion of the electorate.
If you really want this to be a freaking priority, campaign on it, get elected on it, and make it happen for next year. Sneaking it in under the wire is just disgusting.
Giant embarrassing waste of time.
Do you want them to reinstate the water tax and start working on your list of priorities?
No. They campaigned on that.
Don’t put words in my mouth.
You must have missed the July 3rd meeting, bub.
Hasn’t it occurred to you that for some proponents helping Chevron might be part of the point?
Yep, you’re not going to get a speck of help from the Randroids re: Chevron.
It seems the squeeky wheel with alot of money/power gets the oil-that’s part of the issue for fighting this too along with the obvious.
Should matches and lighter fluid be banned too? how about candles? Charcoal? Magnifying glasses? gas stoves?
Depends, merijoe — what do you do with that lighter fluid?
Well, why would that matter?
What about people who drop ciggy butts? Should those be banned too?
So you can have Salad, But NOT dinner, or Dinner with no desert??
Fireworks and Cheveron are two distinct issues. Why can’t the educated public consider more than one issue at a time. We don’t need to be spoon fed.
Thanks for once again lecturing us on what “SHOULD” happen in Brea……Ooop’s I mean 1/3 mile West FULLERTON.
I haven’t taken a position on the fireworks ban. (I do agree with those who think that it ought to be low on the city’s priority list, but I haven’t said so until now.) That’s not “lecturing”.
I am saying that some of the people who want to push the fireworks ban might see an interest in doing so to take attention away from the Coyote Hills vote. That’s basic politics.
For something so dumb and embarrassing you just spent a whole bunch of time writing about it.
BTW, what makes you think the recall had anything to do with West Coyote Hills? It may have, but we’ll never know because the anti-development crowd were terrified of the whole recall.
Kiger, Sebourn and Thompson are FOR development by Chevron ya numbskull.
Well, that explains a lot. Thanks for the heads up.
Will one of them chime in to confirm that?
Or you could just search.
I don’t know that they will, but I’ve heard from multiple sources that they are for it.
Ummm Greg Diamond like we told you last time you brought this issue up. We have been extremely active in our own community but you seem to have a habit of butting in others.
Umm Logician aka Green Day aka Greg Diamond (Geez you’re posting under a lot of different names tonight), do you have any actual proof of this?
I’m not either of those other people and I didn’t write either sentence. Stop sniffing glue before you blog.
I don’t disagree with making the safe and sane fireworks legal again, but does it really rate at the top of the agenda of things that need to happen in this city? I don’t see it as symbolic, I see it as embarrassing.
I find it amazing that you, Chris Thompson, appear to have plenty of time and words to dedicate to symbolic fireworks but when the tough questions get asked of you, you are nowhere to be found. Aren’t your hands too full with that effed up mess of a school district to have the time to run interference with Felz for Travis?
wow, just wow.
Point well taken. But how can you place DIY fireworks even on the same table as what is currently got this city in a choke hold? The city is suffocating, hemorrhaging with legal costs, pending awards/settlement that will need to paid out, bloated pension and health benefits – support staff shaking in the wings anticipating layoffs. Is it a time to celebrate or buckle down, get some resolve and turn this city around – then I’ll be the first one to strike the match to set off the fireworks! This is a time of austerity and action for resolve – celebrating is premature in my opin.
I definitely think we should have fireworks back!!
As it is, being illegal, if you hear fireworks, it matters not where they came from , they are banned in the City … if fireworks become legal, it’ll be more difficult to discern who’s got legal and who’s got illegal. This won’t really be an issue until people get hurt, property destroyed, fires break out. Does the City actually gain anything fro the sales? And if so, is the projected income greater than the projected increase (overtime and not) to City Services to Manage, Keep Safe, Patrol and Clean Up. The Loud illegal won’t ever go away, but so long as all fireworks remain illegal, it’ll be easier to find those using the Loud and illegal ones.
The entire idea of Fireworks is really questionable. Only a tiny percentage has any comprehension of what we are celebrating. Fundraising should really self-examine itself. Just because the cause is good doesn’t justify the products being sold. The other great example is the crap food products sold by schools, scouts, etc.
And finally, if Fullerton is to truly become transparent in it’s undertakings, I’d like to know who the people are that will be making a profit (either financially, politically or socially). Because this seems like such a trivial no big win for the City, it just seems like the people making the Fireworks, distributing the Fireworks and selling the Fireworks are somehow friends, supporters and allies of the New Council.
Instead of spending the money on these antiquated symbols that no one really cares about anyways, why not focus on more pressing issues that make the City no real money, but would net us greater social and political credibility …. examples to include, but certainly not limited to
1) real bike lanes that encourage the use of human powered vehicles and discourage the use of non-human powered vehicles
2) a homeless resource center: that would include showers, permament lockers, New york/Toyko style micro apartments (100-300 sq/ft), an internet computer lounge/job assistance area (that would allow the Library to be a Library and not function as our homeless shelter). This could include a public garden (look at concrete pad next to the new parking structure on Santa Fe) that could be staffed by the Homeless with a small cafe that features the produce grown, makes a profit and teaches the homeless usable skills.
3) A Mentally Ill Outreach Center that is accesable to all
–
other things we could easily do.
if the City Offcials making those obscene amounts of money simply had to pay for their own Medical (ie take away all their benefits), that money alone could be paid out in our own ‘works program styled after the depression era programs that sought to put people to work, pay them something and give them some level of dignity.
4) acknowledge that there is an entire ‘class’ of Fullertonians that now exist right on that edge between being homeless and not. These folks are in the trash bins at night looking for glass, metal, etc. They patrol our alleys during the day looking for garbage that has value. We need to acknowledge that this exists and not turn our eyes away. We need to keep these folks from becoming homeless. And we can do so, not by throwing money at them, but by working on changing ourselves. By making it easier for them by seperating the glass from the metal from the waste … by leaving meals,canned goods, thank you cards and maybe even once in a while trying to meet them and god forbid, make contact.
5) the enlightened cistizens of Fullerton, those who want something new, and those who are willing to get their hands dirty so to speak, need to
a) meet their police force. Know their Police Men’s names. Know their City COuncil, their City Manager. The City needs to become vested in itself. And we need to do this not by creating a commission, a new department, paying for a study, etc … we all just need to do it. The Police Department should publish the names of it’s OFficers, maybe create baseball like cards for us to collect, and we should go out and meet them. Welcome them, make them feel that they can put the Blue Cone of Silence down and just be part of the community. This will not ever happen of course, because the Police are as afraid of us as we are of them. But this is what we should be talking about at City Council. It doesn’t have to always be about money and business. It can and should include Philosphy and topics that have no real answer. Every Council meeting going forward should feature 1-5 officers being introduced to the community . These men are given guns and badges and the authority to touch us if we say NO. Shouldn’t we know who these people are? Shouldn’t there be a segemnt in every council meeting where the Police Chief can be questioned by the People?
FIREWORKS?
The fireworks we should be talking about are the ones that are not valued in money, but in social responsibility and in taking on the taboo topics that no one in the establishment wants to deal with.
Again, the fireworks that you can purchase at the stands, such as the stand pictured above, do not go “BOOM.”
When scouts or bands, sports groups etc. man these booths for a few days/week, they can earn thousands of dollars; however, I believe you have to be over 18 to be in the booths, so the actual work of manning the booths falls onto the adults/parents.
This would perhaps earn various groups enough money to fund their activities so that they then do NOT have to go door-to-door asking for donations. Those groups who participated in manning the booths would have less need to ask their kids to sell things in their neighborhoods such as candy, pizza, gift wrap, etc.
1. Whatever those fireworks stands earn in income, is nothing compared to the disastrous affects that idiots bring on who misuse them — i.e. property damage and personal damage to ones self and others.
2. What exactly are we celebrating again? The communist thug president we have? The fact that we are no longer free and our rights (1st, 2nd, etc.) are being removed before our very eyes???
http://members.beforeitsnews.com/story/2299/154/Obamas_Real_Father_Exposed_,Filmmaker_Joel_Gilbert.html
3. Keeping fireworks illegal does certainly “light the way” to finding those overwhelming “boomers.”
4. The kids can find another way to earn funds for their groups — with the money we save from firing “the fat” from our city government, and compensation put back in order, the city could even begin to “donate” funds….
5. I’d vote for keeping our 2nd amendment rights over fireworks any day… keep an eye on that fight!
http://members.beforeitsnews.com/story/2389/178/Emergency_Alert_UN_Set_To_Ban_Civilian_Gun_Ownership.html
(the Obamination wants UN laws to outweigh our sovereign laws! You know, that New World Order crap?)
Agreed 100%
Nice diversion.
The second president, John Adams, would have approved of fireworks.
“I believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival,” he wrote his wife, Abigail. “It ought to be celebrated by pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other…”
Awesome!
I agree that we should celebrate, but compare the population then of 1800. 5,309,000 versus our now 313 million.
That’s a lot of targets.
Targets?
I didn’t mean anything other than when a projectile is shot into a high density area, people can get hurt.
I love fireworks, but the danger is there.
Projectiles are illegal.
Here is an excellent article about John Adams, but his successors never learned the lesson, nor cared, it seems…
Gold and Silver Storm the Fed
http://members.beforeitsnews.com/story/613/968/Gold_and_Silver_Storm_the_Fed.html
Some of the “concerns” expressed are startling in their obvious lack of logical arguments and misguided conclusions. But good luck.
10 Years Later: The Brutal Killing Of Samantha Runnion
http://lakeelsinore-wildomar.patch.com/articles/10-years-later-the-brutal-killing-of-samantha-runnion
I remember hearing breaking news 10 years ago moments after she was kidnapped. It was a helpless feeling at that moment not knowing what if anything could be done except pray.A tenured judge William Froeberg sentenced Samantha’s killer, Alejandro Avila, to death for the notrocities.
Interesting note that the same judge Froberg has been assigned to the Kelly Thomas trial which will resume later this month.
right on!! let’s see what Froberg can do!
Hell yah bring them back to Fullerton. I go to Bridgeport, Ca every year to watch the fireworks show there. It is on of the best fireworks shows that I have ever been too.
FIRE DEPT = ‘CROWD CONTROL CLIQUE’?
COME ON, REALLY!
Hell, yes. The “public safety” employees are always for government control. Control is power. And don’t you forget it.
Dear Logician: You’re moving out of libertarianism towards anarchy. Please try to keep just a little perspective: shouldn’t your rights end when they hurt other people. I know public employees should all be drawn and quartered if many of this blog’s contributors had their way. However, I do agree with your last sentence: Control is power. Yes, it is. In this case they’re just trying to help Fullerton residents keep all their fingers, and hands, keep them from suffering severe burns, keep them from going blind. I don’t mind giving government that power.
Safe and sane fireworks are anarchy.
No, your sinister view of public employees raised my concern. Some may be overpaid (esp. management); but most (maybe not the cops) only want a paycheck. Most don’t give a crap about controlling citizen’s lives.
I saw an idiot (back around 1976) light up a house with a wood shake roof in President Homes with a sparkler. Guess it left a big impression on me.
A delay past November would cost the city at least $100,000 in election costs and Fullerton charities would lose out on hundreds of thousands of dollars. What’s wrong with you?
I assume you’re kidding. My sarcasm detector blew up after reading too many John Doe posts.
Not kidding. 100% true.
Well, a special election would probably cost that. November is the least expensive I believe and June would be somewhat more than November. The bottom line is that if there is to be a chance of having fireworks for next 4th of July, this November is by far the least expensive way of making that happen.
What’s more important– making sure that you and your friends can light something up on 7/4/13 or beating back Chevron?
What’s more important– rebuilding trust in government and demonstrating effective prioritization or making sure you and your friends can light something up on 7/4/13?
What’s more important– getting an accurate assessment of the facts so the electorate can reexamine a decision it already made 20 years ago or ramming it through in the shortest amount of time possible so you and your friends can light something up on 7/4/13?
Chris, do this next year when the timing is appropriate. Making you and your friend’s 7/4/13 extra spectacular is not my town’s priority. 7/4/14 is just as good as far as I care. Pushing this back behind more important work isn’t going to cost anyone any money, it’s not going to prevent a cub scout camping trip, and it’s not going to prevent cancer from being cured. You’re attempting to fast track this nonsense without good cause.
Why the hell were fireworks ever banned in the first place? They are an expression of freedom and liberty that was so bravely fought for so that people like you could express an opinion. What the hell is happening to people in this country? Are they becoming so damn stupid, ignorant, and naive that they can’t see what is happening before their very eyes? Turn off Dancing With The Stars, awaken from your celebrity-induced trance and open your eyes to what is really happening!
Let me get my time machine out so I can travel back to 1985 and ask.
Oh, wait– I don’t give a shit.
This is not at all a priority for discussion. Not even close. It’s a waste of time, energy, and resources.
Dumb. This will make thousands of dolllars for dozens of Fullerton charities every year. Why do you hate America?
Well, run for office in November on your own list of priorities – including a homeless shelter.
With all of the problems we have, we are going to choose NOW to get all warm and fuzzy with charities over fireworks?
I think I have just entered the Twilight Zone.
Note that our neighbors in Buena Park sell these sort of fireworks on Commonwealth Avenue right on the city of Fullerton border.
Guess who derives all of the profits from same?
Not anyone in Fullerton.
Guess whose residents purchase the fireworks at those stands?
Take back Fullerton!
This is a symbolic gesture and is well intentioned. The nanny state is the enemy folks. This is about freedom and not a diversion. You don’t expect the new council to step right out and make Fullerton an open carry city do you? And it is not that they could anyway. This is just one of many steps in the right direction. The current laws make shooting a nerf gun illegal in Fullerton. Ok everyone, drink your aspartame, your carbonated booze, stare at the blue glow and do what the municipality tells you ok? Got that? The black uniforms know what is best for you and yours. NOT. Deep fried in dimelthysiloxane is just what we should be banning not sparklers but hey everyone has an agenda. And no- home insurance rates are not affected by fireworks sales. The are driven up by hurricanes, massive wildfires, national catastrophic losses, stock market losses, and lastly pit bulls and rotweilers -hey let’s ban those.
They can deal with the ‘nanny state’ later. The first order of business should be the ‘culture of corruption’ and you know it.
The 3 Councilmen were not elected to open their careers with a statement on fireworks.
Time to set priorities here. FIRST THINGS FIRST. No more diversions or delays.
This should be a CRITICAL time to evaluate the new electeds. You must be AS TOUGH on them as you were on the 3 stooges until they prove they are the real deal.
Don’t be blinded by your loyalties. Don’t give out any free passes.
BE OBJECTIVE!
I am objective but I am also cognizant of the fact that Fullerton did not just have a coup. It has been a couple of weeks and all of the protections for the thugs are still on the books and the city is chest high in lawyers and spin doctors. I am very concerned for the well being of all the residents at this point because the cover up apparatus is still in full swing. The city is not alseep and you are not alone in your sentiment. If the new council does not find a way to get rid of the remaining henchmen and remedy this problem then they will be replaced as well.
Haiku got it right! When some fireworks are legal and some are not, and with our close proximity to Mexico, it is easier today to hear and see illegal fireworks going off. Too many times it sounds like a pistol going off and one wonders if it is, do I call the FPD? Then Ramos can come in and beat up the illegal fireworks perps!
Making them legal makes it easier to obtain and helps service organizations, but, is it worth the aggravation especially in Fullerton with so many “watering holes” and crowds of people downtown at night?
Safe and sane fireworks do not sound like a pistol. The “watering holes” is a whole other issue.
The basis of the civil case hinging on the relationship between Kelly and his father.What was Kellys relationship with his family? Was it close despite the force that was directed toward him to comply with their wishes to take medication and be under extended incarcerated treatment. Was Kelly’s calling for help to his dad an indication of a good relationship with him? discussion with Tina on talk radio.
http://kcaa.media.celestrion.net/podcasts/baxter/kcaa-baxter-20120717.mp3 ( 19:00 )
Man! Oh! Man! The beginning was painful to sort through. Fast forward to 13:50 for the actual interview.
Tina has not seen the video but is more than willing to pass judgement. She knows what’s on the video because Ron’s told her what the video shows. Well we all know that Ron has a little problem with telling the truth. I for one think that Tina might want to watch the video and formulate her own opinion.
Actually my misguided chump, she stated that she hasnt heard the audio but she has seen the video.
…watch, color blind is not going to respond or if he does it’ll be so over the top and off topic. This is what they do all day.
The first priority should be to allowing medical marijuna to Fullerton. I have to drive to a seedy area in Santa Ana to get my Medicine, I along the the majority of California’s voted for the right to use medical marijuna. The time has come to just say yes to marijuna in Fullerton.
No, that’s because you want to. There are dozens of those unslightly dispensaries with bars on the windows around Fullerton and plenty of people who deliver.to Fullerton.
Oh I get it Greg, this “Green Day” post was supposed to be a set up to your grand speech at city council tonight .
I guess you never thought someone would actually look up all of the dispensaries and deliveries in and around Fullerton.
I personally agree that Fireworks in Fullerton should be legal. Understood…that the many fireworks going off in our city last 4th of July were “illegal fireworks as well as legitimate fireworks purchased from our surrounding cities.” I saw in several cases this last 4th of July where police came to the private “firework” celebrations, and just told them to stop doing them. So, if the fireworks are illegal in Fullerton, therefore we can’t sell them or use them but then nothing happens to those that do…then the only ones suffering are the ones that want to legally fund-raise for their non profit business and/or those that want to have some fun in their own backyard but don’t because they honor the law. I SAY LEGALIZE FIRE WORKS IN FULLERTON, as they were for so many years before!
Hell yeah. Fireworks rock!
So many conspiracy theories! Over fireworks. Really?
I agree with legalizing the safe and sane ones, as proposed. Personally, I enjoy the display set to music that the city puts on. But I also enjoy getting together with friends and family to bbq, hang out as the kids’ excitement grows as dusk nears and setting them off without going anywhere.
It’s a great fundraiser for various groups. However, it won’t stop or even decrease illegal fireworks such as M-80’s, cherry bombs, etc.
I do think there should be limited areas if passed ie they should not be allowed in heavy brush areas or areas near these areas. I can hear the arguments already about government dictating how we enjoy things and how individuals should be smart enough and responsible enough to know the dangers. Thank you but we all know there are idiots out there and it only takes one.
It does need to be discussed now and decided by either tonight or the next council meeting if it’s to be on the Nov ballot. I don’t feel this warrants the cost of a special election as some have expressed concern about. There is no ramming it through. There is plenty of time to gather facts and info before voting.
Finally…how ridiculous to be upset that this was brought up when there are more important issues to addressed. There are always several items on the agenda at every meeting. Several other items were also voted to be placed on tonight’s agenda along with fireworks. I don’t see a problem with bringing up new things while try to clean up the old things. It’s called multitasking and being open minded. The problem would be if the problems were ignored and/or new things were attempted as favors or some other self serving reason.
Ok I listened to her interview of Tina again. She said, “now I haven’t seen the video, ive seen clips of it.”
See I posted again, you must hear what you want to hear Walsh.
I enjoy the Fullerton displays on July 4 and New Year’s Eve. As for the other fireworks, as I understand it the main argument against is increased risk of fire (which is why Fire Departments oppose these measures.)
So here’s a straightforward couple of questions: if Fullerton stands to make $600,000/year from these sales, how many fires per year would it face and what is the total cost of those fires to residents?
How come nobody ever answers your questions?
Oh, right. Mr. Irrelevant. From Brea.
I attribute it mostly to fear, partly to ignorance.
Greg stop talking to yourself.
… and in some cases to stupidity.
Oh, no one is afraid of you, muffin man. Get a grip.
People don’t answer your questions because it’s apparant that you are a phony, big mouth sea bass who does the yammer two step and, you call people “ignorant”
It’s not fear of me, mushmouth, it’s fear of answering questions and displaying ignorance. Even if a sea bass-flavored muffin is the one asking a legitimate question, it’s still worth answering.
I am not sure if your “smarter than thou” act is the best strategy to win votes come November. Who the heck is advising you to use this tactic? I’d suggest a new campaign manager might be in order.
Give it up, loser.
Well from listening to the DAR recording we learned that Kelly liked to show off his big balls he was so fond of Ramos that he even offered to show Ramos his big balls. Kelly was really a good guy. He wasn’t a foul, dirty, piss stained asshole that the government would like us to believe.
He was a catilist for change he gave his life so we the people of Fullerton could have fireworks and medical marijuna. We need to make July 5, Kelly Thomas day as a form of protest to corporate development of open spaces and police abuse. July 5, should be a day that we reflect on the homeless and spark up a tasty fatty.
Kelly Thomas DID NOT GIVE his life; the FPD STOLE Kelly’s life when they MURDERERD Kelly Thomas!!
“Kelly was really a good guy. He wasn’t a foul, dirty, piss stained asshole that the government would like us to believe.”
Slappo, you are correct. The only ones deserving of be called “foul, dirty, piss stained assholes” are the FPD MURDERERS of Kelly Thomas.
The MURDER of Kelly Thomas was indeed a CATALYST for change!!
I hate it because of too few fireworks.
After reading comments, I saw press on – just make purchasers sign a waiver or release of liability at the stands and if they blow off their hand or eyeball or the finger or kill someone else’s child, the city has no liability. Move on, let the pyros blow up the neighborhood, let’s get to dealing with the bigger more pressing issues.
FULLERTON, Calif. (KABC) — One of the six Fullerton police officers involved in the arrest of a mentally ill homeless man who later died is now out of a job.
Fullerton police told Eyewitness News that as of Monday, Joe Wolfe is no longer working for the department.
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local/orange_county&id=8739779
http://www.ocregister.com/news/thomas-364180-wolfe-department.html
Holy crap batman! Yes! long time coming which leads me to this ditty
“Police Department spokesman Cpl. Tim Kandler would not say whether Wolfe had been fired or had resigned.”
hmmm? wonder if he quit or was fired? hmmm
And who is this Kander? what happened to the Stuart guy?
Kandler
No one is above the law. This is some sick theater. Why is he still a free man?
I imagine he’ll be taking a nice looong vacation in Mexico, location not disclosed.
108 comments on Fireworks and news is still breaking in the Kelly Thomas case….stay on top folks!!!!
damn good news about Wolfe!
I suspect, he was allowed to resign, pension intact and some kind of limited immunity.
OH! this news should make the meeting tonight even more interesting…
Read the agenda, Really!!! 16 litigations against the City of Fullerton. I hope all of these are not against the FPD.
A lot of them are, including our old friend Veth Mam. Can’t wait for Danny Hughes to explain how honest Kenton Hampton is!!!
Travis please look into using the city dental plan.
Goodrich speaks!
DS, Please, look into a city paid for gym membership or a Lap Band procedure.
Damn, you beat me to it. Bariatric surgery for all Fullerton cops. FPOA union bargaining demand!
Really? Wagging the dog this early in the game? Talk about fluff, guys. So THIS is the one of the first hard hitting and pressing matters the new council has chosen to confront? Dont make me regret my vote, gentlemen.
I think we need a little fluff, after this past year. Get your panys out of wad.
How’s that 10% water tax reduction workin’ for ya Nonya? Or haven’t you gotten your bill yet?
I have already planted some more citrus trees in honor of the recall and with the ten percent reduction in my bill, I have expanded my vegetable garden by 10%. Thank you to all who were involved.
Its really difficult for me to understand why a lot of you people can’t seem to get the idea of government control out of you brain.
What aspect of your life does not have some element of gov’t control?
Here you have the opportunity to have an element of personal freedom restored and what does it turn into..the proverbial”pissing contest”.
The whole ordinance banning fireworks should be trashed and any damages or harm done should be handled by due process in criminal and civil court under existing laws for damage settlements.
Example: You have a small group of the neighborhood kids at your house and in the course of the kids playing with sparklers, a neighbors kid pokes your kid in the eye with a burning sparkler..Who are you going to sue?
Because something dangerous is legal does not relieve anybody of the personal responsibility& accountability for there actions that bring harm to others.
Who will clean up the mess in the streets after the 4th? Everywhere I drove up until a day or two ago had soggy, dirty, burnt remnants in the gutters. On lawns. In the streets. That nice rain we had was enough to slowly seep the sulfer remnants into the water table. Sweet. And environmentally, are fireworks responsible? As custodians of this earth we are pretty egomaniacal to think that millions of people can carelessly light and burn millions of fireworks spewing sulfer toxins into the air and the remains into the water and have no repercussions. Oooooh, pretty. Pretty sparkly lights.
WTG, America. Celebrating freedom by killing each other. Awesome.
A bit of over-reaction, doncha think?
Youre a “small picture” kinda guy, eh? If not us, who will start to be accountable for our time here?
Fireworks? Just a drop in the bucket. I bet you put a couple of plastic bottles in a recycle bin at the office and brag about how youre so very conscious of the environment.
Oh, well.
I used to have a poster that said, “Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig.”
Oink oink, Fred.
The invisible hand of the free market!
Why are egg yolks yellow? What do they put on all the grapes? Any idea what comes out of a volcano? Go yell at the pervs that run the tragic kingdom over on Harbor Blvd in Anaheim with their magnesium, cadmium, zinc, copper, and sulfur eruption emissions at 945pm nightly. I am getting pretty sick of the prevailing winds dropping that trash on my eggplants. Let freedom reign in Fullerton. Killing each other is what the government has a monopoly on as evidenced as of late in our town. Eugenecists in black uniforms- Funny I always thought they wore the white coats. Oh but they wear those too. The innocuous syringe is far deadlier than the hollowpoint.
The idea of lifting the fireworks ban right now makes sense to me. The city council just took revenue from the illegal water tax away from the city which was needed till the process of putting that tax is voted on. But they needed to look at revenue for the city so looking at the fireworks ban is a way getting some revenue back without raising taxes. I think that was smart.
But the other issue is going to be about public safety. I am not sure if the money vesus the risk of public safety is worth it, but I can see the why though.
Give the schools back some fundraising and all you liberals should shut your mouths and STOP trying to control the rest of the city with your narrow minded views! WE ALL have a right to vote. If you don’t like the way the vote goes, LEAVE!!!!!!!
Trying to play up the left vs. right angle again?
…Greg Diamond is that you?
You wish I were GD. Nice try nimrod!!
It’s headed to the voters. The council voted 5-0 to put the fireworks issue on the November ballot.
How very disappointing. We can’t get a 5-0 vote to let people park on their own freaking street, but we can get one to support the agenda of Chris Thompson.
Awesome.
And we get less than a month to research the issue and file arguments. Way to railroad it through.
We all know cici, ramos, hampton wolfe, blatney and craig are a disgrace to thier families
Wow, Chaffee stands up to the City Attorney and wants police chief selection discussions in open, not closed session.
That’s a good start Doug Chaffee.
When that City Attorney speaks he reminds me of the blue
caterpillar that smoked a hookah in Alice in Wonderland.
Lets hope so, Mexican drug cartel loves unemployed cops especially from the U.S
F-ya!