COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Chuen Wu, Assistant City Manager
DATE: June 16, 2026
SUBJECT: Presentation - Fireworks Education and Enforcement
Description:
The City Council will receive a presentation about this year’s fireworks education campaign and enforcement efforts.
BACKGROUND:
The City’s approach regarding fireworks focuses on education and enforcement. Within City limits, Safe and Sane fireworks can be used on July 4 th between 11:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. Violations are subject to a $1,000 fine. Santa Maria continues to experience widespread use of illegal fireworks, with numerous citations issued last year. The City’s goal is to promote a safe, responsible, and enjoyable celebration of the nation’s Independence Day.
DISCUSSION:
The City encourages the Santa Maria community to celebrate our nation’s birthday responsibly, in particular, this year, the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.
This includes the sale and use of legal, safe and sane fireworks, during approved hours.
This aims to promote courtesy and respect with our neighbors, minimizing impacts on residents, including persons and pets that are noise-sensitive. The City strives to mitigate against illegal fireworks activity, recognizing the impacts to neighbors, but also the risks that illegal fireworks pose to health and safety to both people and property.
The City’s education campaign includes targeted stakeholder outreach, new releases, use of City Government Channel 23, the use of the City’s and Police Department’s social media channels, paid ads in English and Spanish on local radio, and distribution of posters and flyers.
Consistent with past enforcement efforts, violators will receive a $1,00 0 fine. Our Police Department will deploy officers the days leading up to and including the July 4th weekend to look for anyone using fireworks illegally. Fire prevention officers and rangers will also patrol the community. The Fire Department is again contracting with a vendor to fly an aircraft equipped with GPS and video. The City can trace the location of illegal fireworks and issue a citation.
2 The City invites residents to participate in this year’s City-sponsored activities to celebrate July 4th (Independence Day). This includes a drone show in collaboration with Downtown Fridays on Friday, July 3rd at 8:30 p.m. On July 4th, the City will host a Youth Center open house with activities, including free recreation swim at Paul Nelson Aquatic Center, live music, bounce houses, and more at Elks Field.