Has Costa Mesa created an explosive situation?

Greg Risling

COSTA MESA -- The booths are back, and not everyone is excited about

them.

The wood-paneled stands with signs touting legal fireworks have

reappeared just in time for the New Year’s celebration.

Costa Mesa City Council members approved a measure in October that will

allow civic groups another opportunity to raise money by selling

fireworks.

But given the unknown factors and probable rowdiness anticipated with

this year’s millennium festivities, some people wish the idea had

fizzled.

“Any time you mix fireworks with people drinking alcohol, it’s never a

good thing,” said Newport Beach City Councilwoman Jan Debay. “I’m very

concerned about the fireworks because of the uncertainty of what will

happen. By allowing fireworks, you have one more problem on your hands

than ordinary.”

Costa Mesa is one of 100 cities across the state that will take advantage

of legislation passed last year allowing fireworks sales from Dec. 26

until New Year’s Day. Only three cities in the county -- Stanton, Garden

Grove and Costa Mesa -- are allowing fireworks to be sold.

There will be 33 stands in the city.

The problem for cities such as Newport Beach occurs when residents

purchase fireworks where they are legal and then set them off back at

their homes. Fireworks are illegal in Newport, a violation of the

municipal code. Special permits are allowed for fireworks shows, such as

one scheduled at the Newport Dunes on New Year’s Eve.

Debay isn’t the only Newport Beach council member dismayed by their

neighboring city’s decision.

“Every time Costa Mesa sells fireworks, everybody in my neighborhood

illegally fires them,” said Councilwoman Norma Glover. “I’m disappointed

to see Costa Mesa allow that.”

Costa Mesa police report the main problem they see either on the Fourth

of July or New Year’s Eve is complaints about illegal fireworks. The loud

explosives that are banned in California but can be easily purchased in

Mexico are typically the items that cause the most problems.

Costa Mesa police Sgt. Don Holford doesn’t believe adding extra days for

fireworks sales will have a detrimental effect on law enforcement.

“It will be very minimal,” he said. “We might receive additional calls

from residents, but the fireworks shouldn’t create any more problems.”

Newport city officials don’t agree. They fear that in the hands of

intoxicated revelers, fireworks will cause fires or other safety-related

problems. Debay said the decision made by Costa Mesa council members

affects a wider group than just their residents.

“They not only are making decisions for their city, but also for ones

around it,” Debay added. “I’m very concerned, especially if it happens

again for the next New Year’s celebration.”