Fireworks fervor hits fever pitch

As first reported by the Daily Journal July 14, fire officials are asking that fireworks use and sales, despite raising significant money for community groups, be banned. Three of five members of the City Council are leaning toward the ban, and Wednesday's City Council meeting could launch it. However, there is a chance voters may make the final choice as nearby Pacifica did in 1999. San Bruno and Pacifica are the last of San Mateo County's cities that still allow fireworks use and sales.

At this point, it's in the hands of the City Council.

"I'm not sure the city manager would make a recommendation on this one," Simon said.

The controversy revolves around residents' use of safe fireworks, like sparklers, to mask the use of illegal and potentially deadly fireworks like M-80s or bottle rockets.

San Bruno police responded to 166 fireworks calls on July 4 and even Police Chief Lee Violett reported finding illegal fireworks in his yard. Some threw fireworks at fire trucks responding to a call.

Little League, the Rotary Club, the Police Officers Association and 15 other community groups sold fireworks in San Bruno this year. The sales raise about $800,000 a year for these groups with the police association typically raising the most at nearly $100,000 a year.

Mayor Larry Franzella and Vice Mayor Jim Ruane say it is time for San Bruno to extinguish the fireworks sales and Councilwoman Irene O'Connell and Councilman Chris Pallas want to keep them. Councilman Ken Ibarra told the Daily Journal July 27 he is "seriously considering" voting to ban fireworks.

Charitable organizations losing another stream of revenue would have a huge impact on these groups, O'Connell said. Banning the sale wouldn't prevent people from setting off fireworks that were bought elsewhere, she added.

Pallas takes a patriotic look at the issue saying people should have the right to celebrate their freedom.

The special session of council is 7 p.m. Wednesday at the San Bruno Senior Center, 1555 Crystal Springs Road.

Bill Silverfarb can be reached by e-mail at silverfarb@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 109. What do you think of this story? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com.