Primetime
July 5, 2020, 1:00 am
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59 Comments
By John Palminteri, KEYT
Santa Barbara 911 lines were inundated with illegal fireworks calls Saturday night.
Without the annual West Beach show that draws thousands, the street shows took over for hours with aerial shots and explosives. Dispatchers called out locations in bulk from many neighborhoods where residents and their pets were upset.
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The tinderbox dry Santa Ynez Valley has been experiencing illegal fireworks for the past week. Hopefully, the individuals shooting them off are caught & fined to the point it really hurts their wallet or checking account.
911 calls for fireworks lol!!!
Land of the Free and Home of the Brave! Let Freedom Ring, one night a year. Thank you for the show across the valley.
It should be “Throughout California”. I think this is somewhere is Los Angeles ***. https://twitter.com/annielaulainen/status/1279648789242892288 *** This is Los Angeles ****. https://twitter.com/KarluskaP/status/1279640455475605504 ***. This is in San Bernardino *** https://twitter.com/BrianLehmn/status/1279639816489975808 *** Another city in CA *** https://twitter.com/alfonso70131043/status/1279650663702556673 *** in Vista CA *** https://twitter.com/nickdyerfit1/status/1279643432453959681 *** More LA *** https://twitter.com/official_punzee/status/1279662876509171712 *** Richmond in the Bay Area *** https://twitter.com/dpi_19/status/1279648891336417280 *** San Jose in the Bay Area *** https://twitter.com/deblaz5/status/1279669282641567744 *** I don’t think there is much more patience for Sacramento telling us what, where, when, and how to do life.
My dog cowered for hours. I was awakened again at 1:05 a.m. with these loud retorts. How can this selfish and dangerous behavior be equated to “freedom”? Do I have freedom to drive at 120 mph? Do you have freedom to sell unsanitary food? Do they have freedom to open banks without regulations? I don’t think this is what the Revolution was about.
Alot of good those unanswered calls did funny huh?
Me me me me me me–Can’t anyone have a thought for anyone else these days??
Amen! I’ve only managed to get through about half my fireworks stash. I still have tons of Roman candles (my favorite), Chinese flowers, not PC, but too bad, LOL, buzz bombs, M500s, fountains, bottle rockets. Crazy how much you can get for 250.00!
I’m thinking about firing them all off tomorrow night–where do you live? I’ll come by and pile them all up in front of your house and go FOR IT!
RHS: I think you meant to write “loud reports.” And I completely, utterly, whole-heartedly sympathize regarding your dog’s suffering and your loss of sleep. We used to have noise sensitive dogs and would often resort to leaving town on the nights the 4th of July and Parade of Lights “fun” was scheduled. We have had close friends whose dogs were killed by cars, thanks to the dogs trying to run from the booming noise and getting lost in traffic. I personally rescued a huge black dog who was running for its life one 4th of July (a new moon night)—-it’s a wonder that dog wasn’t hit by a car, too. For some reason, though, there are a great many people who don’t “get it.” They don’t understand—–or care—- how the animals suffer (not just pets) and they don’t care that the fireworks add to air pollution either. It’s a damn shame there are so many heartless, silly people.
Alex – Don’t forget your MAGA hat, but make sure you leave your face mask at home. Don’t wanna look like a pussy.
Don’t forget the M80’s. Will sound like a huge bomb going off.
With any luck, the macho “patriot” will poop his pants.
Take your scofflaw neighbor to small claims court if you have evidence they shot off illegal fireworks and scared your dog. You do have rights – no public nuisances and animal abuse allowed. Use the court to go either an injunction or a claim for personal damages; even if the police don’t arrest them. SB Superior Court website has a Small Claims information page. Stop feeling helpless. But do fight back legally. That is what Small Claims courts are for – resolving citizen grievances.
Minibeast, thanks for the nice thoughts. But, no, I did not mean ‘report’
but rather retort. It is a word used to identify the sound that follows the firing of a cannon or similar weapon, usually when the weapon hits a target or explodes at a distance as do fireworks. I did look up the dictionary definitions which do not include this usage. But is is a long standing one. For example https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/mortar-men-cringe-from-the-loud-retort-of-their-mortar-as-news-photo/515209430
I had a dog who was afraid of firework. Use to put him in a room with the door and windows closed and turned on Animal Planet. It worked like a charm. I’m sure any distracting show or music would work.
Classic Trump “but what about” distraction from their sins and corruption. How it ever became an argument that one can do wrong and excuse it by pointing to others doing other wrongs is beyond my upbringing. (“Two wrongs do not make a right.”)
Undocumented fireworks?
Oh my god!! Who in the world would try to turn left onto Foothill from Duncan? That’s courting instant death.
How long are the “calming harnesses” and drugs to sooth your freaked out dog supposed to be imposed on your neighbors so you can blast off your stuff? Last night (July 5) until 11:30 in our neighborhood, someone was still shooting these bombs off.
9:38 – Not necessarily negligence per se if you light off a firework. The law is never that cut and dry. You’re throwing a lot of legal jargon around there (time, place and manner – con law, burden – crim, neg. per se – civil lit., etc..) so I would assume you know that, or else you found some Nolo guides 😉
At least they had something to watch. That’s what I’m saying. Don’t cancel the fireworks!! BTW…..a series of days = day after day.
Its DUCE. Dos would be two Duces.
LCP – right? I was saying this from the get go – no need to cancel fireworks. Just close the beaches (as they did anyway), but allow the show to go on. If anyone was surprised that people still shot off fireworks (and way more than they would have if there was a show), then that’s on them. It would be absolutely absurd, and un-American, to have a 100% firework-less Independence Day!
Last time I was there, a month or so ago, there is no sign saying no left turn —- and if you’re not from that neighborhood, you have no way of knowing that.
Flicks- Tell that to all those who live near wildfires caused by illegal fireworks. It’s not just the dogs it’s all animals, wild and domestic. And it’s not just one day. People have been setting them off all week.
I’ve lived in this eastside neighborhood for about 25 years and have never seen/heard so many fireworks set off here for many days before the 4th and then on the night of the 4th from about 8:30 ’til after 11 pm. I’ll quote McClain, “I always enjoyed July the 4th but now I am dreading it because of a bunch of entitled, selfish narcissists.” — my opinion exactly.
If you’re seeing people drive like that frequently, I suggest you stay off of the road. Maybe it’s you.
Pssst… It’s deuce isn’t it, as in 2?
What recent wildfires were caused by illegal fireworks? Before you say, “Google it,” I already did.
There are dozens of fires right now in California that were caused by illegal fireworks. We are lucky, for now.
“Each year, fireworks injure thousands and cause thousands of fires. An estimated 19,500 fires started by fireworks were reported to local fire departments in the US during 2018. These fires caused five civilian deaths, 46 civilian injuries, and $105 million in direct property damage.” National Fire Protection Association
The meds didn’t work, probably partly because of the sheer volume for HOURS and it wasn’t just one night this year, it was DAYS and nights on end and starting in my neighborhood some days at 9am! Nothing ok about it.
The problem is the sheer multitude of neighbors doing it. It was happening EVERYWHERE! I grew up loving fireworks and until the dog that I currently have I had NEVER had a pet that was scared of loud booming noises before but this guy was so scared and it has been hell, for a lot of JUNE actually and the past week was Armageddon to him. Saturday was unreal, with house/window shaking fireworks being burst from several parts of the neighborhood and my poor dog only could find solace under the bed with his blanket and with all the windows shut, fans blasting, white noise, tv blaring,… yet still it didn’t stop the panic for him,. What a nightmare for so many of our dogs.
Way, way more neighborhood fireworks this year! There’s always some, but this has been more than a week of crazy. My dogs get terrified for sure. If it’s one night, it’s easy to distract them and deal with it. A week or two, not so much. I’m all good with a fireworks show and if we could get people to go to the beach and shoot them over the ocean, I would be down. In neighborhoods with all the fire danger? not so much. Other states have block parties and shoot them off in the street. They don’t have to worry about burning down the whole city though. My question is… Where the heck do these people buy these huge fireworks? I have been to the safe and sane places and couldn’t find firecrackers! Also, with a massive amount of people unemployed, how do they afford said black-market fireworks?
FLICKA: “It’s normal for dogs to get scared.” ” . . .doggie downers for the day.” Pay attention, won’t you? It’s about fireworks TWICE per year (December=Parade of Lights) along with all the extracurricular fireworks that have been sizzling and booming and banging. Your lack of compassion for animals is astounding. You think it’s only dogs who are affected? What about cats? What about pet birds? Pet rabbits? What about shorebirds and other wildlife? From now on, you can stop telling us about your beloved horses . . . Consider yourself unmasked, pretend animal lover that you are.
Hey, Pacific Soul, I’m headed over, see you at abut 9:00 and we will start fighting off my pile around eleven. Be sure and have a bunch of cold ones because there’s no way I’m lighting off that many fireworks sober!
Relieved there were no resulting major fires. Let freedom ring SAFELY,. Fires destroy and damage too many homes and individuals.
They had bigger explosives than m-80’s…
and tie up the courts with something as worthless as this? they scared his dog….lol ok
Byzantium, Small Claims Court is to recover actual damages. I don’t think that it includes pain and suffering or emotional distress. It would include the cost of a vet bill or repair of the damage caused by a fire. It does not, as I recall, allow for injunctive relief by the way. And as people have to live with their neighbors it won’t be a very pleasant year until the next 4th of July.
I really don’t get what your issue is. It’s July 4th. You all act like you have never known there are fireworks on the 4th. That just confuses me greatly. Neighborhoods have always done this as well. So has Goleta. It’s been every year of my 49 years. So are you all telling me that you have never been in the states on July 4th?
That you had NO idea people would light off fireworks? Cmon now…this is a lot of premeditated whining and complaining about somehting you KNEW was coming. If YOU chose to not prep your home, your animals, or whatever, that falls on YOU, no one else. So stop skapegoating everything for your own short comings. I was out with my dog, enjoying the fireworks, as did she….
Small Claims Courts exist for these types of actions – citizen to citizen. They use volunteer judges, often have mediators available to work out issues ahead of time and are truly the way citizens can get legal redress at low cost. Small Claims are a public service and do not “tie up the courts”. That is their sole purpose – to be used for these smaller matter resolutions, peacefully and cooperatively. No lawyers allowed. Yes, you can get injunctions. The current limit for damages is $10,000 per claim. Multiple neighbors can sue for the same offense, which collectively at $10,000 each has proven to be a very effective deterrence, when shown the offending party has created a public nuisance. Go to the Small Claims website and learn more about this important public service. Learn how to not misuse Small Claims courts – anti-vexatious litigant provisions also apply.
Check out the picture in the LA Times with fireworks exploding across the city. As a side note, air quality levels hit hazardous levels at midnight and stayed there until 8am the next morning. But as long as the pyros were able to scratch their itch, I guess it doesn’t matter.
You really are stuck on the whole tradition thing, aren’t you? Are there any traditions that you have thought about and stopped doing? I’m thinking the answer is no.
Fireworks are currently illegal in Santa Barbara – negligence per se can apply to anyone who violates this law. Therefore, proof of damages may not be necessary. The act alone suffices as presumption of guilt. Burden of proof then falls on the violator to prove their acts did not cause any damage. Get the law changed if you want to participate in this activity. Limit fireworks to a predictable time, place and manner to make this a win-win for all concerned. But do this legally; not in defiance of neighbors reasonable sensibilities. 6pm to midnight is not a reasonable accommodation, when there is indisputable evidence of the harm this does to family pets as well as quiet enjoyment of surrounding areas. Who knows what this does to other living critters that also reside in our downtown area. Burden on the violator to prove their acts do not harm our down town wild fauna. May we bring more balance into personal responsibility versus personal liberties.
Mas Gaviota – a carport fire doesn’t count as a “wildfire.” Which wildfires were caused by illegal fireworks? Yes, there were dozens of small fires around the state this weekend, but I’m asking about the “wildfires caused by illegal fireworks” that someone brought up at 4:55pm.
Zerohawk–Personal fireworks are not legal in SB, and haven’t been as long as I’ve lived here (62 years). And there were more on Saturday night than I can ever remember hearing, and they lasted well past midnight. All the dogs in our neighborhood were terrified. We live in a fire-prone area. It’s stupid to set off rockets! I’m sure you saw the carport fire reported in Goleta. You might feel differently if it was your house. Or your kid who got hit by a misfired rocket, or even a cherry bomb. Personal responsibility and risk-taking makes sense if what you’re doing doesn’t affect others. But like drunk driving, fireworks can do a lot of damage. If the risk you take doesn’t put others at risk, go ahead. If it does, that’s a whole different matter.
I hate that people felt compelled to buy fireworks and use them illegally. Contrary to what people here are saying, that’s not been nearly as big a thing in the past. People get plenty of enjoyment watching the 30 minute city extravaganza. As for people pooping on the tradition of fireworks in general, they seem to think we won this nation in a game of Yahtzee. If you can’t stand that, the United States and her traditions, please move to another country. We got hundreds of thousands of Mexicans and Central Americans dying (literally in some cases) to replace you.
It may not have been as bad if the city did not cancel the fireworks display. New York has several fabulous displays. I could see this coming from a mile away. We enjoyed the shows from a short hike up a hill. Oddly enough, the dog was sleeping at home and not bothered by any of it. Happy Birthday America!
apartment complex in Northridge set on fire after fireworks set adjacent palm tree on fire. 50 people lost their residences that night. Another nearby building set on fire but they were able to quench that one quickly.
RE small claims court jurisdiction. Currently the Small Claims Court has authority to issue injunctive relief only in cases where the Legislature has said it may. I don’t think such authority exists in this area (i.e., ordering someone not to set off illegal fireworks or explosive devices). Maybe there is a more general permission to order someone not to disturb the peace of the neighborhood?
Hilarious – “illegal” fireworks…how dare anyone use “illegal” fireworks! Damn those scofflaw bastards! Meanwhile … running stop signs, speeding, running red lights, using cell phones while driving, turning left onto Foothill from Duncan, using left hand turn lanes as passing lanes, driving under the influence, passing across double yellow lines, turning onto a street while pedestrians are still in the crosswalk and sooo much more is “illegal” yet accepted as standard operating procedure – it would appear – by most Santa Barbarans.
Fireworks on the 4th of July are expected. Fireworks in my neighborhood have been going off every night from 5:30 pm until midnight since the first week in May until now. I can medicate my dog and ensure I’m home for a few nights a year but every night for 2+ months is ridiculous. My dogs weren’t bothered by it last year but this year they won’t go outside to relieve themselves in the evening, they shake and hide under furniture and I have to close up my windows and doors ever night and swelter inside. My dogs fear and anxiety withstanding, what about my rights to a little peace and quiet and a good night’s sleep every night. I jerk and get upset every time they go off…not so much in May but it’s cumulative. What is wrong with our society that we don’t have some consideration for others. I always enjoyed July the 4th but now I am dreading it because of a bunch of entitled, selfish narcissists.
EL BARBARENO, you are the history guy, right? You usually have thoughtful posts and comments. This one is as lame as it gets. You sound rightful upset that locals flaunt traffic laws and that is somehow a justification for people to break the longstanding local laws against possessing and using fireworks. Those laws are much like the ones that prohibit public defecation. Are you OK with someone dropping a dos in front of your casa?
Fireworks are fun—-no other way to put it. It’s normal for dogs to get scared. For the once a year upset for them, Vets will give “doggie downers” for the day. Also, there are some sort of “calming harnesses” for dogs that claim to help. Unfortunately, I haven’t seen any fireworks (I love them) for years.
What-About arguments in favor of law-breaking. My debate coach would be very upset.
Flicka, this year the neighborhood fireworks started 2 weeks ago. One night is okay, 14 nights is not. I would recommend that we have shoreline fireworks for all of the great unmasked population next year if we have enough hospital beds for them. Culling the herd is part of nature, right?
People will always find something to complain about. Tourists, parades (even in non-pandemic years), the artist “defacing public property” with the Black Lives Matter mural, and now fireworks. I had pets for 26 years, and while they would get scared hearing the loud booms and whistles of fireworks, they would always recover the next day. Learn to have fun and enjoy life a bit.
Black market fireworks come from Vegas mostly, now that the border with Mexico is somewhat closed. Otherwise they are also a major source. Those videos showing all the illegal activity in LA were unbelievable.
@10:00 How about the Eagle Creek fire in Oregon 9/2/2017 It burned 50,000 acres and lasted for weeks. Is that a big enough fire for you? All caused by some teen aged jackasses playing with fireworks.