It’s Time to Ban Fireworks

On Monday, the Costa Mesa City Council will decide whether there should be a ban on the sale of fireworks in this city. Voting to ban fireworks would abide by the mandate of the voters in last November’s election.

The cities that have discontinued the sale of fireworks have done so either by a decision of the council or by placing the issue on the ballot. None has reversed its decision. Although last November’s election was an advisory vote, the final count clearly shows a majority of the voters oppose the continued sale of fireworks.

Only three cities in Orange County continue to sell fireworks: Costa Mesa, Santa Ana and Garden Grove. Contrary to assertions, in the cities that have voted for a ban, the quality of life has not been threatened or deteriorated.

Will Costa Mesa become the last bastion for fireworks sales in Orange County? Increasingly this will encourage throngs from other cities to not only purchase but discharge fireworks in Costa Mesa, thus increasing the incidence of personal injury and property damage. There are no safe and sane fireworks. They are all potentially dangerous.

However large the numbers supporting the sale of fireworks at Monday’s meeting, the council should not be deterred from voting wisely and responsibly for the wishes of their constituents.

CHARLES V. KALAGIAN, Costa Mesa