(Sept. 24, 2015) -- As seen LIVE on LBREPORT.com, LBFD Deputy Chief Rich Brandt addresed an item agendized by the City Council's Public Safety Committee (Price, Supernaw, Austin) seeking a report on warnings and citations that were issued related to fireworks on the 4th of July

Deputy Chief Brandt said that for future holidays like July 4th and others, LBFD and LBPD anticipate intensifying efforts by using social media, news releases, community outreach, handouts and information. LBFD will also spot check all block parties prior to the event checking on keeping police/fire access roads clear and distributing flier, he said.

[Scroll down for further.]

Deputy Chief Brandt said both agencies have a "conceptual plan" in place to increase patrols and enforcement a week prior to July 4th. Patrols will target areas known for historic use of fireworks and will educate these communities of consequences for illegal pyrotechnics. "The end result will be an increase in the number of contacts and a larger window of opportunity to confiscate and mitigate the possession and use of fireworks," Deputy Chief Brandt said, adding added LBFD is willing to commit additional arson staff to accompanying LBPD teams in these activities. "These plans are currently limited by personnel and budget," he said.

Deputy Chief Brandt wrapped up by saying: "More can and will be done in terms of outreach every year as well as starting earlier."

[Scroll down for further.]

Advertisement

Advertisement

Public speakers included Jack Smith (now 1st dist. resident) who said he believes the time period for increased outreach is still too limited since bombs (his word) were heard for months before July 4th, calls it urban terrorism. Mr. Smith voiced doubts about outreach alone, saying he can't imagine those setting off fireworks are reading fliers or checking city's Facebook page...and are more likely to be impressed if some "are nailed and suffer some sort of significant consequence" (enforcement) so word of mouth on the street deters their activity.

1st dist. resident Gary Shelton also cited aerial bombs going off (not "safe and sane," illegal for private use anywhere in CA.)

Long time Wrigley resident Maria Norvell said the agenda item was very important to her, and this year beginning in May, she had to start giving her dog tranquilizers. She reiterated that the proper term to use was "bombs" and this year was the worst ever.

Scroll down for further

Advertisement

Advertisement

Los Cerritos area resident John Deats said 2015 was worse for illegal fireworks -- meaning bombs, M80s, cherry bombs, mortars -- by an order of magnitude (by 10 times.) Mr. Deats said he heard/saw bombs launched well before July 4th in the Naples area...and criticized the Council for failing to give LBPD additional resources to deal with the issue (adding that Shotspotter [gunfire location device] might have been a good option. Mr. Deats also suggested bringing in County, state and federal agencies since the type of fireworks LB experienced are illegal statewide and would have to be smuggled in huge quantities.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Councilman Austin noted that the Council had previously considered [an item he'd agendized] allowing "safe and sane" fireworks [which the Council declined to advance at that time.] Councilman Austin said that if one doesn't open the door for safe fireworks, one creates a market for unsafe fireworks, and said the fact that LB has absolute ban on safe and sane fireworks needs to be reevaluated.

The Committee received and filed (took no action on) Deputy Chief Brandt's report and didn't advance any recommendation(s) or refer the matter to the full Council for further discussion and action.