- Joined
- Apr 30, 2005
- Messages
- 33,673
How do you feel about permitting fireworks (FW)?
Compared to the other 49, California can be seen as practically a different country.
Awareness of downsides of FW is growing, and public policy is changing to keep up.
Several major cities here in SoCal ban ALL private fireworks, and professional city-funded shows require permits.
This year some cities couldn't get their permits, or the contractors had trouble finding trained employees and paying fees for environmental permits, and the required environmental monitoring.
Yes, FWs are ultra cool! And they're a cherished American tradition; I get it.
But recently some downsides of FWs are gaining attention and concern.
The sound is like a bomb suddenly exploding
Veterans, and others with PTSD, suffer.
Pets are deeply traumatized and many run away.
Accidents: every year kids, and adults, get fingers blown off, go blind, etc.
Many coastal CA cities always hold their professional FW shows over the ocean.
Besides air pollution, toxic burnt solids and chemicals fall into the ocean, that harms marine life.
Then, prevailing coastal wind direction blows the fumes inland.
Yesterday morning, July 5, the news reported that the air over the entire LA basin was unhealthful to breath. I'm not kidding.
Bibi and I were in a food store at 9 PM (peak FW time) and the smell was overwhelming.
Right across the street was a huge, private, expensive, and illegal FWs show, that lasted probably 20 minutes.
Drone LED shows are making inroads.
They produce no pollution and there is music instead of sudden bombs that startle Vets and pets.
But reports are they are entirely underwhelming - so we'll see how that goes.
The times are a changing.
I expect FWs will eventually go the way of Columbus Day, at least here in CA.
Compared to the other 49, California can be seen as practically a different country.
Awareness of downsides of FW is growing, and public policy is changing to keep up.
Several major cities here in SoCal ban ALL private fireworks, and professional city-funded shows require permits.
This year some cities couldn't get their permits, or the contractors had trouble finding trained employees and paying fees for environmental permits, and the required environmental monitoring.
Yes, FWs are ultra cool! And they're a cherished American tradition; I get it.
But recently some downsides of FWs are gaining attention and concern.
The sound is like a bomb suddenly exploding
Veterans, and others with PTSD, suffer.
Pets are deeply traumatized and many run away.
Accidents: every year kids, and adults, get fingers blown off, go blind, etc.
Many coastal CA cities always hold their professional FW shows over the ocean.
Besides air pollution, toxic burnt solids and chemicals fall into the ocean, that harms marine life.
Then, prevailing coastal wind direction blows the fumes inland.
Yesterday morning, July 5, the news reported that the air over the entire LA basin was unhealthful to breath. I'm not kidding.
Bibi and I were in a food store at 9 PM (peak FW time) and the smell was overwhelming.
Right across the street was a huge, private, expensive, and illegal FWs show, that lasted probably 20 minutes.
Drone LED shows are making inroads.
They produce no pollution and there is music instead of sudden bombs that startle Vets and pets.
But reports are they are entirely underwhelming - so we'll see how that goes.
The times are a changing.
I expect FWs will eventually go the way of Columbus Day, at least here in CA.
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, and all that. 
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