BUENA PARK : Fireworks Question Won’t Be on Ballot

Residents will not be asked on the November ballot whether they want to ban fireworks in the city, but instead will be asked their thoughts on the subject during City Council meetings.

Mayor Rhonda J. McCune had placed the ballot issue on the agenda for the Aug. 3 council meeting, but withdrew it after other council members debated whether banning fireworks is even an issue in the city. Buena Park is one of three cities in Orange County that does not prohibit the use of fireworks.

“On the list of things that hurt children, it’s way down there after skateboards and baseballs,” McCune said. She said she has heard that some cities that forbid fireworks are now considering rescinding those ordinances, but she would not say which cities.

Anti-fireworks campaigns swept through Orange County in the 1990 general election, with Costa Mesa, Orange and Fullerton voters approving measures to restrict or prohibit the use of fireworks.

Garden Grove, Santa Ana and Buena Park continue to allow the state-approved “safe and sane” fireworks within their boundaries, but a state law prohibits the use of sparklers in all cities.

McCune said she heard from three residents this year who asked that the council place the issue on the ballot. She said she wants to hear from more people and get information from the July 4 celebrations this year--whether any injuries were reported or fires started--before she and the council hold a study session or take action on the matter.