The import and use of illegal fireworks in Los Angeles county, namely in the San Gabriel valley, is an issue that plagues residents year-round. Though this issue needs addressing across Southern California, this petition is starting with the community of La Puente, California.

Illegal fireworks use worsens in the months leading up to and coming down from the hype of the 4th of July holiday. Many residents of our neighborhoods have noticed an increasingly troubling and offensive use of illegal fireworks in the past few years. Each year, the problem gets worse. Each year, the issue is left unchecked. Families, young children, newborns, household pets, working professionals, mentally-disabled, the elderly, special needs populations, veterans, and wildlife are ALL affected by this constant nuisance. 

Like clock-work, months out from the 4th of July, the noise level in our neighborhoods increases exponentially. This way of life and lack of corrective action on behalf of the local government and police force, leaves us feeling powerless to enact meaningful change in the proctoring of our communities. 

This petition is for increased police presence in La Puente and surrounding neighborhoods in evening/early morning hours (concentrated in the months between May-August), as an active-approach of presence at the time of likely offense, rather than passive-approach (which is what is used presently, as residents call into the sheriff’s station as it is happening, only to have law enforcement come out and be unable to witness the offense for themselves, and thus be unable to enforce the law). 

Our voices speak and need to be heard by our city officials and local law-enforcement. The change starts one neighborhood at a time.