A firecracker of a debate

Are illegal fireworks a problem in Costa Mesa? For sure. They have

been a problem for the past years. When people have been burnt and

fire has erupted, allowing fireworks leads the way to all kinds of

fireworks, legal or illegal.

The five cities Buena Park, Garden Grove, Stanton and us all need

extra police and firemen to work overtime to locate those illegal

fireworks. (How can they catch them in the act? Impossible).

And did you know that the newest policy finalized on May 17 has

condemned the sale of spinners and hand-held fireworks but group

packages will only be prohibited beginning in the year 2006. When

will firemen and policemen do their jobs of preventing crime and not

arriving when the spinners and sparklers, Roman candles and other

illegals are blown out and dead. Do we need spies at each residence?

Nonprofit agencies find other ways besides playing with fire. Be

creative. Enforcement of the new policy is impossible.

ANNE HOGAN SHERESHVESKY

Costa Mesa

I’m all for it. I think there should be a limited time when they

can have fireworks only. Around here it’s the week before, the week

after, and it’s just like bombs going off. It’s air pollution and

it’s costing us money for the police and fire departments to try to

do anything about it.

Councilman Chris Steel and Sandy Genis, I hope they can pursue it

to the point of getting rid of the whole thing because it’s a blight

to the city.

RAMONA BOLHOUS

Costa Mesa

Yes, they are definitely a problem. It is encouraging that Police

Chief John Hensley is taking the bull by the horns and has an

alliance with Fire Chief Jim Ellis to deal with the issue.

We have seen a tremendous impact of illegal fireworks in our

neighborhood over the years. And certainly a huge threat of fire and

other problems not to mention personal injury, etc. It’s hard being

defeated. The chiefs have combined forces to address this issue. I’m

glad to see that they are handling the issue of illegal fireworks

this year.

ERIC BEVER

Costa Mesa

* EDITOR’S NOTE: Eric Bever is a Costa Mesa Planning Commissioner.

Fireworks are a huge problem on our street, Pacific Avenue, on the

Fourth of July. We dead end at Fairview Park and on the Fourth

everyone comes to our block to both view the fireworks on the bluffs

at the park and light their fireworks. Trash is strewn from one end

to the other. The park is all dead weeds and really to go up at any

minute.

Two years ago I sent a letter to the city manager about this and

the fact that the fields will catch on fire and no signs were posted.

They posted small signs and did finally mow the fields. The next year

no signs, and they mowed the lawn July 3. People start before that

date. At Wilson and Pacific at the huge, old apartment complex,

fireworks continue throughout June and July.

LORRIE ARCESE

Costa Mesa

Illegal fireworks are a serious problem in Costa Mesa. What was

once a delightful family holiday has become an evening of explosions

and flying rockets. Our yard and roof are covered with hazardous

debris from fireworks. We’d love to see strict enforcement of a zero

tolerance policy for illegal fireworks. Lots of publicity plus fliers

sent to every resident would be a good idea.

JEAN and DON ULANDER

Costa Mesa