CityofSantaBarbara
Source: City of Santa Barbara
This July 4th, the City of Santa Barbara Waterfront Department will once again sponsor a fireworks display at 9 p.m. off West Beach.
Different from recent years there will NOT be live music on West Beach nor will there be food booths on Cabrillo Blvd.
If you can’t join us at West Beach, tune in to the radio simulcast, courtesy of 92.9 KjEE to enjoy music along with fireworks from anywhere in the city or check out KEYT.com to see the show via live stream. The fireworks display is approximately 20-minutes long and choreographed to classic and current fun and patriotic tunes.
All California Department of Public Health COVID recommendations for mega-events (masking required if you’re not vaccinated) will be in effect.
CAMPING:
Please remember, there is NO camping along the beach (per S.B. Municipal Code 15.16.085). If you do decide to block off a spot the evening prior, you are NOT allowed to physically stay on site. Please be courteous and respectful during the event, and that includes when you find your spot for the day.
PARKING:
Waterfront parking lots will be open on the Fourth of July, with Stearns Wharf closing to vehicular traffic from 3 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Find a map of the beachfront lots here.
GRILLS & BBQS:
The use of stationary grills and portable self-contained grills and stoves are permitted only in designated picnic areas or by permit issued by the Parks and Recreation Department. Persons
using portable self-contained grills and stoves are responsible for the safe removal of the portable grills and stoves and their fuel sources (charcoal and propane tanks). No dumping of coals is permitted on park or beach property except where there are designated coal disposal receptacles. Grills and stoves shall only be used for cooking purposes and not used as heaters or fire pits. The heated surfaces of table-top portable grills and stoves must be at least six inches above any surface, including picnic tables. (Ord. 5906, 2019)
BICYCLE PARKING:
Riding a bike is a great way to attend the festivities! The City provides additional bike racks during the event.
ROAD CLOSURES:
- Cabrillo (from Castillo St. to Garden St.) Access Closed:
- Closed at 6:00 p.m.
- Cabrillo Blvd., closed from Calle Cesar Chavez to Harbor Way
- Castillo Street at West Montecito Street
- Garden Street and U.S. 101
- Vehicular traffic accessing the Funk Zone and the Natoma Avenue neighborhood will be limited.
Cabrillo Access Reopen:
10:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. (approximate)
PERSONAL FIREWORKS ARE ILLEGAL:
Personal fireworks are dangerous and are illegal in the City. We want to encourage community members to watch professional fireworks displays if they choose. Santa Barbara County is in extreme drought conditions and use of unauthorized fireworks can easily create a brush fire. Misdemeanor citations could be issued to those possessing or using personal fireworks within the City. To report the illegal use of fireworks during the holiday weekend, call the Firework Hotline: 805-897-2626. You can remain anonymous, but we request you provide as much specific information about the location of the fireworks as possible. The hotline will be checked by Police Department staff. For emergencies, dial 9-1-1.
HOTLINE TO REPORT FIREWORKS COMPLAINTS IN NEIGHBORHOODS: 897-2626
HOW TO KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE DURING FIREWORKS SHOW
The loud sounds of fireworks are often very scary for dogs and other pets. Every year, pets run away and get lost because they’re spooked by the loud fireworks.
Here are some tips from the American Kennel Club to help keep your pets safe this July 4th:
Keep Your Dog Away From Fireworks
Keeping your dog inside in the evening on the Fourth of July is the best idea, especially if you fear they might not react well.
Make Sure Your Pet Has Proper ID
More dogs run away on July 4th than any other day of the year. Ensure that the information on your pet’s collar is current and make sure your dog is microchipped and has a GPS device.
Create a Safe Haven For Your Dog
Try setting up an area in a quiet space away from windows – such as a basement or a larger closet – so that they can’t hear or see fireworks. Use a crate if that’s where your dog feels safe, and make sure to provide your pup with familiar toys and treats.
Play White Noise
You can try leaving a fan, TV, or radio on to help mask the sounds of the fireworks.
Comfort Your Dog
If you can, try staying home with your dog or leaving them in the hands of a trusted person. Petting them can be comforting. Try your best to remain calm and reassuring to help your canine companion.
Walk Them Before the Fireworks Start
Head out for your long walk before the sun sets to increase the chances that you’ll avoid the sounds. When you do go out, you’ll want to ensure your dog is secure on a leash before your walk.
Talk to Your Vet
If your pet’s anxiety is severe, consider booking an appointment with your vet so you can discuss a medication that could help soothe your dog’s anxiety.
Fireworks Safety from the Santa Barbara County Fire Department
Source: Santa Barbara County Fire Department
The Santa Barbara County Fire Department reminds the public that all fireworks, including the so-called ‘safe and sane’ variety, are illegal in all unincorporated areas of Santa Barbara County, including the cities of Santa Barbara, Goleta, Carpinteria, Buellton and Solvang. Safe and sane fireworks are allowed within the city limits of Santa Maria, Guadalupe and Lompoc. Fireworks that are purchased in any of these cities must be used within those city limits.
Each July Fourth, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using illegal fireworks. On average, 32,000 fires occur and 9,300 injuries result from fireworks nationally according to the National Fire Protection Association. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks, which include devastating burns, eye injuries, fires, and even death.
The Santa Barbara County Fire Department recommends the best way to view fireworks is to attend one of the public fireworks displays conducted by professional pyrotechnicians hired by local communities.
The following tips will help make the display more enjoyable to the public, as well as make the display as safe as possible:
- Resist any temptation to get close to the actual firing In fact, the best viewing is from a quarter mile away.
- Pets have very sensitive ears and the booms and bangs associated with a fireworks display can be quite uncomfortable, particularly to Leave pets at home if you are planning on attending a fireworks show.
- Although it rarely happens, it is possible that a firework component might fall to the ground without exploding. The public should be cautioned not to touch these fireworks and contact your local fire
The Santa Barbara County Fire Department urges the public to enjoy public displays of fireworks conducted by trained professionals and have an enjoyable and safe Fourth of July.
It can be hard to keep track of all the rules and regulations around here, but there is a simple rule of thumb to guide you this holiday weekend. If you are unsure if something you would like to do is legal, ask yourself if it would be fun or convenient. If you answered yes, it’s illegal.