It is time to End Fireworks in GT:

Fact: Fireworks are banned all over the State of California as a general regulation

Fact: Fireworks are banned in all of San Bernardino County

Fact: Selling Fireworks is not a Right in the State of California

When a City Like Grand Terrace allows Fireworks it assumes liability obligations in order to supersede the General Ban Regulations above. When the City goes even further and requires a cut of the profits on sales above sales tax revenue it becomes a partner in the act in a way that could further cause civic liability in the case of injury or property loss or fire.

The sports teams have done ZERO to try to find alternatives and they will continue their fire folly. At who's expense, a home, an eye, a hand will the children play sports in GT?

Law and Fire enforcement all reported that it is easier to enforce a Zero Ban on ALL Fireworks, rather than allow some and not allow others. Sports Teams reported decline in sales last year. It may be the right time to get off the Firework Habit, and start a safer way of fund raising and celebration of the 4th of July.

Take off the baseball caps and put on your thinking caps. Take off the chin guards and take one on the chin and walk off your addiction to what is not only a dangerous income source but a declining one.

Fireworks hot issue on
Grand Terrace council's agenda for Tuesday
By Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Posted: 01/24/2010 09:13:53 PM PST

GRAND TERRACE - The City Council on Tuesday is scheduled to discuss prohibiting the sale of "safe and sane" fireworks.
The council appeared ready to enact a ban last year, but decided to wait to try to get support from two youth sports groups that sell fireworks to sustain their operations.
City officials were unable to get written consent from the boards of directors of the Grand Terrace Community Soccer League and Grand Terrace Little League.
The groups want to continue selling fireworks and will likely be coming forward soon with a request to lease city property for a fireworks booth in front of Stater Bros. on Barton Road, according to a city report.
Mayor Maryetta Ferre said she hasn't decided whether she will vote to continue allowing fireworks or to prohibit them.
"It's a tough issue," Ferre said. "No matter what decision we make, some people are going to be very pleased and others are not."
The debate over fireworks goes back several years.
In 1997, the council approved an ordinance allowing the sale and discharge of fireworks.
Eight years later, council appointed a committee to study and make recommendations regarding fireworks.
In 2007, the council accepted the panel's recommendations to keep fireworks legal and to increase education and enforcement activity as well as boost fines for people caught using illegal fireworks.
Last year, the council decided to revisit the issue.
Officials met with the presidents of the two youth leagues to discuss a deal. The groups would stop selling fireworks after July 2009 in exchange for getting a break on field-use fees and lighting fees charged by the city.
City officials said the presidents of the leagues gave verbal consent to the plan. But the city was never able to get written agreement from both boards.
TNT Fireworks has agreed to increase its fireworks safety and education campaign if the company is allowed to continue fireworks sales.
stephen.wall@inlandnewspapers.com