Fireworks sales ignite
Paul Clinton
Patriotic fireworks were the toast of the town Monday as pyrotechnics
went on sale in Costa Mesa -- one of only four Orange County cities where
they can be sold legally.
Morning Glory sparkler-like fireworks, pinwheels and loud Piccolo
Petes were bought aplenty at the Red Devil stand in the Stater Brothers
parking lot off Newport Boulevard. But Fourth of July revelers also
picked up the colorful American Spirit, stand proprietor Ruth Harris
said.
“It has lots of red, white and blue [colored sparks],” Harris said
about the American Spirit. “It’s been popular.”
Stands were also selling the New Yorker Tray -- a collection of
fireworks emblazoned with images of the Statue of Liberty -- and Rolling
Thunder -- round fireworks with American tanks that can be plopped into
cardboard tank-shaped holders.
After the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the country has seen a sharp
uptick in nationalism, a trend proved once again as the nation approaches
its 226th birthday.
Harris, who lives in Newport Beach, works for a stand that sends its
profits to the Youth Services Assn., a Costa Mesa group benefiting the
Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and youth soccer groups.
In addition to the patriotic fireworks, Harris also sells something
called the Luck of the Irish, which emits a colorful stream and a
whistle.
Costa Mesa -- along with Garden Grove and Stanton -- sets strict
regulations for the sale of fireworks in city boundaries. The stands
aren’t allowed to sell anything classified as “dangerous fireworks.”
That would include Roman Candles, snakes and any other fireworks that
move. Also, no one younger than 18 may purchase them, and no wire or
wooden sparklers may be sold.
Several ordinances have also been put in place for how the fireworks
may be ignited. They may only be lighted between 4 and 10 p.m. on
Thursday, and celebrants are not allowed to “throw, toss or project” them
at another person or on private property.
Costa Mesa fire officials said last week that they are more concerned
this year because of extremely dry conditions and the record number of
fireworks stands in the city.
Even though they are banned in Newport Beach, many residents of that
city travel to Costa Mesa to buy fireworks, said Erik Williams, who is
helping run the Phantom Fireworks stand near the Costa Mesa Freeway.
“You have a ton of people coming from Newport Beach,” Williams said.
“They want quiet ones, so they don’t get busted.”
Williams said proceeds from his stand benefit The Crossing, a
Protestant church formerly known as Calvary Church Newport Mesa.
He’ll pull in about $3,000 during the four days he sells fireworks.
Some stands have been known to net as much as $25,000 during the time
period.
Williams said he isn’t bothered by the strict regulations. He’s more
concerned about the glut of stands in the city.
“They’re pretty strict,” Williams said about the laws. “The market is
saturated.”
* Paul Clinton covers the environment, John Wayne Airport and
politics. He may be reached at (949) 764-4330 or by e-mail ato7
paul.clinton@latimes.comf7 .
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