PUBLIC COMMENT 1
From: Kimberly Schafer
To: Public Comment
Subject: Fireworks show
Date: Friday, September 5, 2025 9:24:41 AM
Hello,
We strongly support having the fireworks show next year. It's a great family event that cultivates a great sense of community and country. We went this year with our kids and it was a great time. They really enjoyed it and so did all the other kids and families. I would love to see more
vendors, particularly food and kids activities. There was only 1 food vendor with a really long line and no kids vendors, like jumpers or the bubble house that was there before. Other than that, it was a fun event and the firework show was amazing! I didn't even mind paying for parking.
Thanks for reading,
Kimberly Schafer
Resident of Yucaipa
PUBLIC COMMENT 2
From: )oel Hudson
To: Public Comment
Subject: 2026 Fireworks Show
Date: Friday, September 5, 2025 8:02:38 PM
Being composed in support of holding a fireworks show in 2026.
Thank you,
Joel Hudson
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
PUBLIC COMMENT 3
From: Jessica J.
To: Public Comment
Subject: Community Programming
Date: Monday, September 8, 2025 1:48:12 PM
To Whom It May Concern:
I am a mother, homeowner and long-term resident of Yucaipa and wanted to express my disappointment in the programming cuts following the passing of Measure "S". I am aware and do agree that public safety is top priority, however, I feel that the removal of certain programming, specifically "Movies in the Park" and "Eggstravaganza", do not make enough fiscal impact to justify their removal when they bring such joy to the children of the community. I have just begun reviewing the budget and see where it may be possible to make other fiscal changes that do not affect the programming that has become tradition for our community and something our children look forward to every year. I trust that our City Council will do what's best for the community and I ask that you please take my comments into consideration. I know I speak for a lot of other families when making the request to revisit these items. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Jessica Jamieson
PUBLIC COMMENT 4
Benjamin Vail
Yucaipa, CA 92399
September 8, 2025
City Council & City Manager
City of Yucaipa
34272 Yucaipa Blvd
Yucaipa, CA 92399
Mayor, Mayor Pro Tenn and Members of the City Council,
My name is Benjamin Vail and I live at I am writing to express my strong support for continuing Yucaipa's 4th of July fireworks show next year, using option #2. This event is more than just entertainment —it is a valued tradition for our families and an important part of keeping our community safe.
First, the Council increased fines for illegal fireworks last year to $3,000, $5,000, and $10,000.
Canceling our own safe, city -hosted show would only increase the temptation for residents to buy and use illegal fireworks instead. Maintaining a centralized show is one of the best tools we have to reduce neighborhood fireworks, protect our community from fires, and ensure safety.
The increased fine revenues could even help offset the cost of the city's event.
Second, the council can direct staff to place a stronger emphasis on cost recovery. I was happy to hear that our 2025 show recovered 60% of cost, and I believe the city can increase that percentage. There are practical ways to do this: expanding corporate sponsorships, increasing vendor opportunities, inviting direct donations from businesses and families, and partnering with a local nonprofit to host a raffle with items donated by community businesses.
These methods are already being used successfully in neighboring cities and could further reduce Yucaipa's expenses, with a goal to have 100% cost recovery within a couple years.
Third, 2026 will mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a once -in -a -generation milestone. The federal U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission (America250) encourages communities nationwide to celebrate this historic event. Continuing Yucaipa's fireworks show in 2026 would allow our city to participate in this national commemoration, highlighting our community and engaging residents in a meaningful way.
Finally, the fireworks show is loved by many residents. It has become an annual tradition for our children and families, and it is one of the rare moments when our entire community gathers together. Even if the costs cannot be fully recovered, the value it brings to our community far outweighs the expense, especially when you consider the potential cost of an increased risk of a costly wildfire because of illegal fireworks.
I urge the Council to keep the fireworks show in place for 2026 and to empower staff and community partners to pursue creative ways of offsetting costs. Thank you for your leadership and commitment to preserving this important Yucaipa tradition.
Thank you for your time and service to our city.
Sincerely,
Benjamin Vail
Yucaipa Resident and Homeowner