LAKEPORT— The Lakeport City Council, during their Tuesday meeting, held a discussion on whether to continue the selling of safe and sane fireworks.
The council gave direction to staff to not place on the ballot for an upcoming election the removal of the selling of safe and sane fireworks from Measure C, but instead to look for ways to help increase safety by making ordinance updates.
Lakeport City Manager Kevin Ingram said fireworks sales are conducted by four local non-profit groups in accordance with the ordinance adopted by Measure C. In 2009 the voters of Lakeport adopted Measure C, which allows for the sale and use of California State Fire Marshal approved safe and sane fireworks within the City of Lakeport.
Officials noted that a measure adopted by voters can only be overturned or changed by the voters. A measure can be placed on the ballot through the voter initiative process, or the City Council can place a measure on the ballot.
Ingram added that the council does not have the ability to make changes to Measure C.
The city has continued to help try and reduce the use of fireworks outside of designated areas with signage, putting out information on their social media platforms and website and public service announcements.
“It is a continuous battle because you can still take the fireworks outside of the city limit,” Ingram said.
The Lakeport Fire Department has been a very close partner with the city in the operations of the selling and use of safe and sane fireworks in Lakeport, he added.
Lakeport Fire Protection District Chief Patrick Reitz said the problem lies with the responsible use of fireworks.
“What the city already has in place is one of the proven techniques that we know works,” Reitz said.
Reitz said it is important to use this opportunity to educate and keep people safe to benefit the community.
Various members of the Lakeport community made public comments on their support for the selling of safe and sane fireworks during the meeting.
Lakeport Police Chief Brad Rasmussen said safe and sane fireworks are allowed on any private property where they don’t endanger another property or person, any street or public way that doesn’t violate another law.
“Our biggest problem is the illegal fireworks. And just like everywhere in California, they are completely out of control. We can’t cover it all. It is too much,” Rasmussen said.
The next regularly scheduled Lakeport City Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at 6 p.m.
