By Priscilla Tran

Garden Grove Journal  

     Garden Grove is one of the five cities – the others being Buena Park, Costa Mesa, Santa Ana and Stanton – in Orange County that allow the sale and use of “safe and sane” fireworks during the July 4 holiday. This freedom also comes with its drawbacks, mostly in the form of fires and injuries resulting from the use of illegal fireworks.

     In addition to material damage, many residents complain of the loud noise and excessive trash that often come with fireworks. This has led groups like the local American Association of Retired Persons chapter to call for all fireworks, both legal and illegal, to be banned. Local AARP chapter leader David Vill feels that the legal “safe and sane” fireworks act as a cover for and contribute to the use of illegal fireworks.

     Vill also mentions that a number of the elderly have asthma and are put into harm’s way every year. He went on to state that fireworks pollute the city’s sewer system by putting in tons of unnecessary waste and toxic chemicals.

     Essentially, Vill feels that “Helping people shouldn’t come at the cost of hurting others. It all comes down to justification. Can you justify your use of fireworks, knowing that it will hurt some people?”

     However, supporters argue that the sale of fireworks help local nonprofit groups and high schools raise funds. Pacifica High School is able to fund their drumline, jazz band, colorguard, marching band, and orchestra all through their annual sale of fireworks. Rhonda Fry, who is in charge of the fundraising, states that the sale of fireworks brings in roughly $10,000 - $15,000 each year.

     This large amount of revenue is what allows the cost of Pacifica’s music program to be cut in half. Field trips and musical events costing $800 now cost $400 per student. While bake sales, raffles, See’s Candy partnerships, poinsettia sales, and rummage sales have all been held, they are like a “drop in the bucket” compared to the amount of revenue that fireworks bring in, says Fry.

     Fry went on to say, “The district doesn’t have enough money to support arts as much as they would like to. Without fundraisers, a lot of kids miss the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities.”

     Regardless of the issue, both the police and fire departments are attempting to solve the problem of illegal fireworks by stricter enforcement and heftier fines. Sergeant Mike Martin said, “There has been a definite reduction in crime following the enforcement of the fine.”

     Police records show that the number of citations issued for use of illegal fireworks went down by 84. One hundred fifty-one citations were issued in 2007, and only 67 were issued in 2008 –a significant drop since the $1000 fine was enforced a year ago.

     Fines are either $100 or $1000, depending on the amount of people involved, the type of illegal firework, and the amount of damage done.

     Further precautions are also being taken this year to lower risks to public safety and property.

     According to Garden Grove Fire Chief David Bertka, on July 4, an additional firefighter will be added to the crew of each of the Department’s seven engines. Martin also mentioned that Garden Grove police will field roughly 30 extra officers throughout the city to catch violators.

     The devastating side of fireworks was revealed in the Matua family’s tragedy that happened on the July 4 holiday in 2007. The Matuas suffered $100,000 in property damages due to roof fire from an illegal firework. Not only did they suffer financial losses, but also losses of personal and family belongings.

     “All my stuff, all of my baby’s stuff is ruined; I can’t bring my son home here,” lamented Matua shortly after her house had been burned.

     However, the family’s troubles were eased when the local AARP held a benefit to help out Matua and his family. They were able to raise around $970 for the family in addition to the dozens of clothes, household items, and furniture donated by visitors.

     To avoid tragedies such as these, the Garden Grove Police Department would like to remind citizens to use the “safe and sane” fireworks and avoid potential injury from using illegal fireworks.

     Firework collection points can be found at all of Garden Grove’s fire and police stations, both of which can be found on the west and east ends of the city.

     “We want to remind everyone that using illegal fireworks in the city comes with a $1,000 price tag,” says the Garden Grove Police Chief Joseph Polisar.