Santa Maria has become a breeding ground for crime and criminals. On Aug. 19, 2008, at the City Council meeting, all the reasons were given to ban the sale of fireworks. I quote: “Illegal fireworks put such a burden on the police and fire department. … By banning fireworks, it would make it much easier to find the people with illegal fireworks.”
All these were the right reasons to ban the sale of fireworks.
Now the two deciding factors to not ban the sale of fireworks: “Legal fireworks were a wonderful way for people to celebrate the 4th of July. Banning fireworks was not the approach to take.” Also, one councilperson would “hate to see fireworks go away on the 4th of July. … It was a part of Americana.”
People who sell and use illegal fireworks go to cities that sell and use legal fireworks. That brings the criminal element to the city of Santa Maria. If someone is doing one illegal thing, rest assured they will do more.
I’ve had problems with people shooting off fireworks days before and days after the 4th of July for years. Fourth of July 2010 was one of the worst. It was like a war zone in my back and front yard. My dogs would not go outside and were trying to hide in the house.
When people shoot off fireworks any hour of the day or night, that is terrorism. It terrorizes my dogs, along with air pollution and noise pollution. I blame the city of Santa Maria’s elected officials for allowing it. If the city wants to help stamp out crime, leaders need to start by banning all fireworks—with the exception of public display.
What the fireworks do to the dogs and cats is animal abuse. When people have to sedate their dogs because of fireworks, it’s just plain wrong. I called animal control; as of March 2011, there were 3,396 dogs licensed—and even more dogs that are not licensed. No figure on cats. There are more dogs lost and killed July 5 and 6 than the average the rest of the year. If a pet cannot feel safe in its own home, the city is allowing it by not banning fireworks.
If anyone out in the public is unhappy with the increasing crime or has a pet the fireworks have affected, please write your mayor and council members. I read that the pen is mightier than the sword.
This article appears in Jun 23-30, 2011.