By Leslie Rumfelt?letters to the editor
I think we need a little balance to the recent narrow-minded name calling regarding the responsible decision made by the Lakeport City Council to prohibit the sale and use of fireworks within the City of Lakeport, based on the recommendations of expert fire officials.
Sure, we all understand the hardship caused to the non-profit organizations, but let”s face it folks, Lakeport was long overdue in taking the stand to prohibit the sale and use of fireworks within the city limits. The remainder of Lake County and countless surrounding counties have prohibited the sale and use of fireworks for many years.
It doesn”t matter that the fireworks are advertised as “safe and sane.” You can repeat that phrase all you want; we all know to make it work, just add fire. Rural drought areas plus fire equals disaster.
The writing has been on the wall for years for the non-profits who have benefited from selling fireworks. It was just a matter of time before this practice would be banned. There has been plenty of time for these organizations to develop alternative fund-raisers to replace the cash cow of selling fireworks. Change happens, get over it and move on. It may take more effort, but there are other ways to raise money. I do appreciate the recent letter indicating alternative fund-raisers are being planned by the swim team.
I”m sure a large number of Lakeport residents will also appreciate not having their pets frightened by the noise of the fireworks throughout the neighborhoods and the morning-after fireworks wrappers and burned cardboard stubs left throughout the city streets and parking lots.
Leslie Rumfelt
Lakeport
