Culver City : Fireworks Ban Passes First Test

The City Council has given preliminary approval to an ordinance banning “safe and sane” fireworks in Culver City. The ordinance would prohibit the sale and use of nearly all fireworks, except the annual public fireworks display at Culver City High School. Film companies using fireworks for special effects also could seek exemption from the ban.

The council unanimously approved a first reading of the ordinance without debate or comment. The issue appeared on the council’s consent calendar, which includes routine and previously approved items that are voted on all at once. The ordinance must pass a second reading to become law.

The first reading occurred Monday after the council accepted official election results from the Los Angeles County registrar-recorder’s office on a ballot measure to allow fireworks sales to continue. Council members, who were divided on the fireworks issue, had pledged during the campaign to abide by the popular vote.

The fireworks sales initiative, Proposition K on the Nov. 4 ballot, was defeated by 63.7% of the vote. With 60% of the registered voters casting ballots, 36.3% voted for the measure.