Salinas City Council approves ban on fireworks

UPDATE: 8/18/15 8:34 p.m.: The Salinas City Council has approved a ban on all fireworks in the city.

The council voted on the ban at its meeting Tuesday night citing safety as the main reason.

On the 4th of July police chief Kelly McMillin said the department got almost 160 calls just for fireworks. In addition, fire chief Ed Rodriguez said during these dry weather conditions even the safe and sane fireworks are dangerous.

PREVIOUS STORY: Monday night a heated debate erupted over fireworks in Salinas. More than 50 people crowded city hall for the first public meeting since city leaders voted to move forward with a ban on Safe and Sane fireworks in July.

The 4 th of July is Salinas is a busy night. The loud booms and bright colors from fireworks can be entertaining. But some residents said it’s a nightmare they can’t escape.

“These things are flying all over the place. And I think they should have a blanket ban on all,” said resident Sam Marcantonio.

Marcantonio has been living in Salinas for over 60 years. He’s just one of many who spoke Monday night at the meeting. But not everyone feels the same way.

“What your mount to doing by banning it is hurting the kids. That’s all that comes down to it,” said resident John Fickas.

Fickas coaches the North Salinas Vikings girl’s field hockey team. He said they get about $3,000 every year from the sales of Safe and Sane fireworks.

“We bought new shin guards for our team, we bought new eye gear for our team and what not because we all benefit,” said Fickas.

Still both police and fire support the ban on all fireworks. Police said on 4 th of July this year between 3 p.m. and 12 a.m. they got one service call every two minutes. Residents like Marcantonio said they’re fed up.

“I’m tired of leaving my daughters house to run home to get the garden hose out to start hosing my roof down especially during this drought time.”

And as a military veteran he said 4 th of July is supposed to be about honoring the freedom veterans brought us – just not with fireworks.

City leaders will take up the issue again on August 18 th where they are expected to make the final vote.