Temple City to Vote on Fireworks Ban

Voters will decide Nov. 8 whether to ban the sale and use of all fireworks.

“Safe and sane” fireworks are now permitted in the city.

If voters pass Proposition PP the ban will become effective 30 days later, a city spokeswoman said.

Safe and sane fireworks do not explode or leave the ground and are approved by the state fire marshal.

The City Council voted 3 to 2 to put the item on the ballot at its July 19 meeting after reviewing county Fire Department and Sheriff’s Department statistics on fireworks-related injuries and fires. The council had requested the information after complaints by residents.

Disturbance Calls

Lt. Tony Torres from the Temple City sheriff’s station and Fire Chief Hal McCann told the council that the use of fireworks has mainly generated disturbance calls in the city. There has been no problem with illegal fireworks or related injuries in Temple City, Torres added.

Service organizations that raise funds through the sale of fireworks oppose the ban.

Joseph Vainor, executive officer of the American Legion’s San Gabriel Valley district, said the veterans will lose an important fund-raising avenue if the ban is approved.

“You can’t blame the fireworks (for accidents),” the Temple City resident said in an interview. “Blame the parents for not supervising” their children. It’s American, like apple pie and Chevrolet.”