TITLE
Recommendation to request City Attorney to report back to City Council in 90 days with options for an increase in the overall amount an individual caught storing, transporting, or deploying illegal fireworks pays when cited within the City of Long Beach.
DISCUSSION
This year, Long Beach has seen an unacceptable increase in the use of illegal fireworks leading to increased strain on emergency services, our dispatch center, and our overall quality of life.
For the 24-hour period of July 4, there were 779 fireworks-related calls to the City’s Dispatch Center alone. It was a 67% increase in calls compared to an average day. Dispatch Center staff handled 3,854 calls (9-1-1 and the non-emergency line), which resulted in 1,301 calls-for-service. In comparison, on an average day, the Dispatch Center handles approximately 2,301 calls (both 9-1-1 and the non-emergency line), and about 566 calls-for-service. During the peak time period of 8:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m., the Dispatch Center received 449 calls (both 9-1-1 and the non-emergency line), an average of 10 calls per minute.
These numbers are for a single 24-hour period but residents all over the city know that this happens well before the 4th of July and well after culminating with New Year’s celebrations. We must do more to protect the residents, their pets, and their property from these illegal explosives.
As the City works to find solutions to importation, the sale of, and ways to enforce igniting fireworks there is one thing we can do immediately: raise the overall financial penalty. The City of Lakewood’s website states: The city is enhancing its current fine of $1,000 for illegal fireworks use by adding a $250 Fire Marshal disposal fee and other charges that will double the penalty to $2,000 or more. Oakland, California in an effort to curb illegal fireworks, sent out a press release stating fines of up to $10,000 plus imprisonment.
All fireworks are illegal in Long Beach but being against the law is not enough of a deterrent at this point. The penalty for being caught has to be more serve.
No financial review could be performed due the urgency of this item.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
The urgency of this item is due to the continued detonation of fireworks throughout the city and in preparation to be implemented before New Year’s Eve.
FISCAL IMPACT
No Financial Management review was able to be conducted due to the urgency and time sensitivity of this item.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
MARY ZENDEJAS
COUNCILWOMAN, FIRST DISTRICT
JEANNINE PEARCE
COUNCILMEMBER, SECOND DISTRICT
DEE ANDREWS
VICE MAYOR, SIXTH DISTRICT
ROBERTO URANGA
COUNCILMEMBER, SEVENTH DISTRICT