RE:  Illegal Use of Fireworks in LA 15th District

Dear Councilman Buscaino,

This petition is written to address a continuing, longstanding public safety concern due to the use of fireworks in the Harbor Gateway area & throughout the City of Los Angeles.  Nearly 3 years ago a letter was sent to you & Mayor Garcetti requesting vigorous enforcement of LAMC 57.55.01(A) stemming from two separate fires started by fireworks which occurred in a heavily populated residential area on the July 4th 2016 weekend, yet the problem of illegal fireworks use is worse than ever.

The first fire resulted in the complete destruction of a vehicle and estimated destruction of property in excess of $10,000 and occurred in front of a house from which an estimated 20-30 people were seen exiting from a party.  Fortunately, both LAFD & LAPD responded quickly, and the blaze was extinguished without further destruction of property, bodily harm, or loss of life. 

The second fire, to which LAFD also responded, also occurred on or about the July 4th weekend, and resulted in approximately 100-150 square feet of dead grass and brush being burned, took place at the intersection of Denker Ave. and 212th .  After the fire, immediately adjacent to the “burn area”, witnesses noticed approximately 6-8 discharged “roman-candle-like” tubes which lay in a heap on the sidewalk.  Although the burned area of dead grass and brush was relatively small, the fire easily could have become a serious problem because the section of dead grass and brush abuts the backyards of multiple homes and extends for several blocks along an uncovered concrete storm drain.

The discharge of aerial fireworks is commonplace and frequent in the area surrounded by Del Amo Blvd. to the north, Carson Street to the south, Western Blvd. to the west, and Denker Blvd. to the east, and occurs with regularity for at least one month prior and for several months subsequent to the 4th of July on a daily and nightly (past midnight on occasion) basis.  The discharge of these aerial fireworks and M80s presents a serious public safety/fire hazard, and public nuisance---the aerial fireworks are visible for several blocks.  

In discussing this problem with the police on past occasions at Neighborhood Council Meetings, area residents have been told routinely that other crimes such as homicides, robberies, burglaries, and car thefts have a higher priority.  While residents in this area appreciate that these other crimes may be more “serious” in nature, there is no denying that fireworks, especially aerial fireworks and M-80s, present a significant public safety/fire hazard, and public nuisance. 

We, the undersigned residents of the City of Los Angeles are fed up with the failure of our politicians & public safety officials to enforce LAMC 57.55.01(A) which prohibits fireworks use.  We strongly urge that the City Council amend LAMC 57.55.01(A) to add mandatory community service of 100 hours for illegally using fireworks, commit more resources to patrol the streets, and vigorously enforce the existing penalty of a $1,000 fine and up to one year in jail. 

Respectfully Yours,

The Undersigned Residents of the City of Los Angeles

cc:  Eric Garcetti, Mayor

       LA City Council Members

       Michel Moore, Chief, LAPD

       Ralph M. Terrazas, Chief, LAFD 

       Greg McManus, Captain, Harbor Division

       Adriana Bravo, Senior Lead Officer