STANTON : Council Defuses Sale of Fireworks

A proposal to allow the sale and use of fireworks was narrowly defeated Tuesday at the City Council meeting, with three councilmen citing the danger of even “safe and sane” fireworks, which are now banned.

“Safe and sane” is a designation that the state gives fireworks that in tests do not fly far through the air or emit large sparks.

The Orange County Fire Department, which provides fire protection services to Stanton, has strongly opposed letting any fireworks be sold in the city.

Councilman Joe V. Harris, who angrily opposed allowing fireworks, said he wants Stanton to lead a lobby against the four Orange County cities that do permit fireworks sales----Buena Park, Garden Grove, Santa Ana and Costa Mesa.

The city first banned all fireworks in 1988, after an advisory vote by residents in which 3,911 people voted to ban fireworks and 3,826 voted to continue allowing them.

Since Garden Grove borders much of Stanton, Councilman Harry Dotson said residents can easily buy the fireworks. Stanton nonprofit organizations miss a fund-raising opportunity because they are not allowed to sell the fireworks, he said.

“The other 26 cities (with fireworks bans) have found ways to raise money for charities,” Harris said.

“Our organizations are not being given an opportunity, and people are still using (the fireworks),” Dotson said.

“I’m not ready to put residents’ homes on the line for a few thousand dollars,” Harris said.

Councilman Sal Sapien also wanted to raise the ban. “The potential for damage is (already) there,” he said. “The kids just go across the street and buy them, but we’re not getting the benefits.”

Councilman William C. Estrada, who is a member of Stanton Little League and the Knights of Columbus, two organizations that might benefit from fireworks sales, voted against legalization, citing concern for children’s safety.

Harris and Mayor Don Martinez also opposed lifting the ban. Sapien and Dotson voted to lift it.