BACKGROUND:
The ordinance permitting “Safe and Sane” fireworks in Cathedral City was repealed by City Council vote on March 25, 2020. With the repeal of the “Safe and Sane” fireworks ordinance, and the adoption of the 2019 California Fire Code, all fireworks are prohibited in Cathedral City.
The illegal possession and discharge of aerial and exploding fireworks continues to be a challenge for the police and fire departments.
In anticipation of the upcoming July 4th weekend, the police department is looking to be proactive in enforcing laws around illegal firework activity.
DISCUSSION:
During July 4th of 2021, CCPD officers responded to 213 calls for service and Firefighters responded to 25 fire emergency calls, 4 of which were fire related. Of those 213 PD calls, 118 were related to the discharge of fireworks. Beginning in June, Police and Fire staff will advertise through social media platforms reminding everyone that all fireworks are illegal in cathedral City.
During the holiday weekend beginning on Friday June 30th, the police department will add additional personnel to help with the response and enforcement related to fireworks activity. These additional officers will assist and supplement the regularly scheduled officers.
Additionally, the Fire department will be sending out a large direct mailer to all citizens of Cathedral City. Public works will place firework signs throughout the city, which included three lighted billboard signs at major entrances to the city.
An operational plan and list of laws pertaining to illegal fireworks will be distributed to on-duty officers, providing information on the enforcement of illegal fireworks. Subjects who are found to be in possession of and/or discharging fireworks will face criminal charges. The police department will be proactive in enforcing fireworks related violations.
Confiscated fireworks will be disposed of in coordination with the Fire Department.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding for the additional staffing and the direct mailer is included in the respective departmental budgets.