The majority of those responding to an Argus-Courier online poll, about 53 percent, said that Petaluma should ban the use of personal fireworks.
About 47 percent said the city should not ban fireworks use, while less than onpercent wasn’t sure.
Here were the comments.
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“Cost of policing, pollution of the environment (perchlorates anyone?), terrorizing pets, yada yada yada.”
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“Dangerous. Very disturbing to pets.”
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“Even if the ‘safe and sane’ ones are banned, the folks that use the illegal fireworks will continue to do so and they are usually more of a danger than safe and sane ones. Especially bottle rockets that land elsewhere. The legal fireworks nowadays are nowhere near as good as the ones we had growing up. Sparklers? What a joke! Bring back Red Devil!”
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“Just enforce the ban on illegal fireworks and use of legal fireworks in the fire restricted zones. Why do we have to go through this every year? Just say no to a complete ban!”
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“For 20 years we’ve lived in a war zone every 4th of July. We can never be away from home during that time for fear that bottle rockets could set our deck on fire. And explosives, from firecrackers to things that sound like bombs, regularly are set off in our neighborhood. Not to mention the anguish this causes our animals. Try explaining to a dog or cat that these loud noises are harmless! The fact that this city allows “safe and sane” fireworks only seems to encourage and give cover to those who like to blow up illegal ones. We’ve given up complaining to the police, because they never seem to find the perpetrators. I find it disgusting. Many nonprofits manage to survive without selling fireworks, and I think those who continue to whine about needing to sell these things should find other means of support.”
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“I support the ban of personal fireworks. Organizations need to find another way to raise money.”
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‘It seems insane that this activity is legal at the driest time of the year, let alone the noise associated with them!”
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“My neighborhood was like a war zone this year! Ban all fireworks, please.”
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“Our cities sports groups and other fund raising groups need to find another way to make money. It works in every other town. Our City Council won’t do anything until something serious happens and then you can bet it will be a major issue.”
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“Petaluma puts the profit motive ahead of public safety. Enough is enough. There is no such thing as safe fire works!”
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“This exact question appeared last year. Aren’t there any new topics?”
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“Too dangerous for personal use. Sorry to all of you organizations who want to raise money, but will you pay for my house with your fireworks sale income when it burns down? Please find another method to raise the funds you need throughout the year. City of Petaluma: City Counsel, City Manager, Fire Chief, do your jobs and stop the sales of all fire works.”
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“What on earth is celebratory about something that sounds like gunshots? “