tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39604270911136242402024-02-07T16:26:35.079-08:00Save Fontana Fireworks!<i>"I believe that [Independence Day] will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival... it ought to be celebrated by pomp and parade, with… bonfires and illuminations [fireworks] from one end of this continent to the other..."</i>
<b>—John Adams</b> ---This blog has been established to keep State-Approved Fireworks (SAF) legal in Fontana by providing news and information to concerned citizens and the nonprofit groups that depend on their sale.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3960427091113624240.post-39489458285363050802007-01-30T10:23:00.000-08:002007-01-30T10:28:30.141-08:00Fireworks Vote Needed<blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">I do not need a small group of people to tell me that what I have been enjoying lawfully and with no harm to myself or others is now somehow bad...<br /><br />The vocal minority has foist a bad law on us that takes away yet another freedom and takes us one step closer to a nanny state.</span></blockquote><span style="font-weight: bold;">Daniel Blakely </span>of the Reader Advisory Board calls it like he sees it. Click on the title link to read his entire letter.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3960427091113624240.post-52868011610038728592007-01-26T09:57:00.000-08:002007-01-26T09:59:48.998-08:00"Fundamentally Unfair"<blockquote><span style="font-style:italic;">"We all know the problems on the 4th of July are caused by lawbreakers using illegal fireworks. Such a ban would only punish Fontana citizens who look forward to celebrating patriotic traditions, legitimate businesses, and the 45 nonprofit groups in the city that depend on fireworks sales to fund vitally needed services," Kelly said. "It seems fundamentally unfair to punish all the people who abide by the rules for the criminal actions of the few who knowingly break the law." </span></blockquote>But that's what has happened.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3960427091113624240.post-52440178722249694002007-01-25T09:29:00.000-08:002007-01-25T10:01:27.737-08:00What Are Other Cities Doing About Fireworks?While the Fontana City Council's approach was to ban State-Approved Fireworks (SAF), two other cities had simultaneous ordinance considerations on their agendas. Here's how <span style="font-style: italic;">they</span> chose to handle things:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_5080155">Grand Terrace</a>:</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">Following a lengthy debate, the City Council has agreed to keep fireworks legal...<br /><br />City officials said that without the sale of fireworks, the city would not have been able to afford increased enforcement against illegal fireworks last year...<br /><br />[City Manager Tom] Schwab said fireworks are a problem even in cities that have banned them.<br /><br />"Even if you outlaw them, all the fireworks are still going to be here," he said.</span></blockquote><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.whittierdailynews.com/news/ci_5079957">Whittier</a>: </span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">Bringing a little sizzle back to the holiday, Whittier City Council members have OK'd "safe and sane" fireworks this Fourth of July, reversing a ban that had been in place since 1986...<br /><br />By legalizing fireworks and charging permit fees to local civic groups that will sell them, the city will raise enough money to add officers beginning June 28, Councilman Joe Vinatieri said.<br /><br />"There had been very little enforcement" in the past, Vinatieri said. "There's going to be two-person patrol teams deployed citywide." </span></blockquote>In other words, they are using the revenue-generating potential of State-Approved Fireworks sales to help protect their cities from illegal fireworks, while preserving the rights of their citizens to celebrate Independence Day and their nonprofit groups to benefit their communities with needed funding. This sounds like a "Win" for everybody.<br /><br />As opposed to the unnecessary loss just imposed on the citizens and service groups of Fontana.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3960427091113624240.post-7887232709498710612007-01-25T09:20:00.000-08:002007-01-25T09:28:59.662-08:00End Nears for Firework Fundraising in Fontana<blockquote><span style="font-style:italic;">After three hours of testimony and discussion in a packed City Hall, with people wearing yellow "SAVE our fireworks & funding" stickers, the City Council on Tuesday unanimously banned all fireworks in the city's limits except for professional and civic displays effective July 5, 2008...<br /><br />The decision to ban fireworks was a blow to nonprofits, service organizations and high school band boosters - who all rely heavily on the sales each year to help pay for their programs and scholarships. </span></blockquote> <br />Yes, the people who do so much good in the community, those who enjoy celebrating Independence Day safely, sanely and legally with State-Approved Fireworks (SAF), and legitimate businesses that employ people, pay taxes and comply with all the regulations have been singled out to pay for the illegal activities of the scofflaws.<br /><br />Just remember: Such bans have been successfully challenged in other cities over the past several years. The one thing all those victories had in common: they took involvement by the citizens to make them happen.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3960427091113624240.post-80270048901657179832007-01-24T10:02:00.000-08:002007-01-24T10:31:46.792-08:00COUNCIL VOTES TO BAN FIREWORKS!<blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">Casting aside overwhelming opposition, the City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday night to ban the sale and use of fireworks within the city.<br /><br />Representatives of schools and service organizations pleaded with the council to vote down the ban, because shutting down the fireworks stands means cutting off one of the biggest sources of funding they have for their programs...</span></blockquote>Read the rest of the testimonials from people who gave up their evening to explain to the Council how the ban will hurt their fundraising efforts. Everyone from high school band members to veterans in need will suffer, and as we've been saying all along and some of the speakers confirmed, the problems come from lawbreakers shooting <span style="font-style: italic;">illegal fireworks</span>.<br /><br />Their pleas fell on deaf ears.<br /><br />Only one person from the community spoke out in favor of the ban, claiming fireworks burned her roof. Left unchallenged was how that could have been done with any of the newly-banned fireworks, since State Approved Fireworks (SAF)<span style="font-style: italic;"> DO NOT FLY UP IN THE AIR</span>.<br /><br />All is not lost--yet. First, the nonprofit groups will still be able to sell fireworks in the 2007 and 2008 seasons--the ban will go into effect after that. And don't forget that fireworks bans have been successfully challenged in the past.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3960427091113624240.post-37670315750216614162007-01-22T15:39:00.000-08:002007-01-22T15:54:59.631-08:00We Couldn't Agree More<blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">For most of us, a Fourth of July Celebration wouldn't be the same without fireworks.<br /><br />The Mayor and City Council Members hope that all Fontana residents have a fun and safe time celebrating this special holiday. City leaders encourage residents who want to use safe and sane fireworks, to do so in a prudent and appropriate manner...<br /><br />The City of Fontana allows non-profit organizations to sell safe and sane fireworks in order to raise much needed money for their groups. All safe and sane fireworks will have the State Fire Marshall Seal on it. City officials urge residents to follow all safety procedures when discharging fireworks. </span></blockquote>These words were posted on the City of Fontana's official website, and we couldn't agree with them more.<br /><br />You're absolutely right--it <span style="font-style: italic;">wouldn't</span> be the same, City Officials. And the money <span style="font-style: italic;">is</span> "much needed for [the] groups."<br /><br />What was true when you posted these words on your website <span style="font-style: italic;">is still true today</span>.<br /><br />Also still true:<br /><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">City officials along with the Fontana Police Department are taking necessary steps to stop the use or sale of illegal fireworks in Fontana.</span> </blockquote>Why not <span style="font-style: italic;">continue to work</span> with the fireworks wholesalers, the nonprofit groups and Fontana's law-abiding citizens to focus on those intentionally breaking the law--instead of punishing the vast majority who follow all the rules?Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3960427091113624240.post-35173617140220933462007-01-22T10:48:00.000-08:002008-12-09T05:56:14.725-08:00Keep Fireworks Legal in Fontana: Make Your Voice Heard<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQZ_BRZtW5mNr49H4BvYXWd4q9xGpCbDVvwr-4eJmfkXl3VL4ZVdTJ5J6D1e-2KKW0uUs4s8BSdo6GOngepoYIX-RRQ8oEJBwnTJzX0U6Lsm6ISmlfUpg4vjueR4HVqV29gnSJ4ymTXg/s1600-h/ScreenHunter_13.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQZ_BRZtW5mNr49H4BvYXWd4q9xGpCbDVvwr-4eJmfkXl3VL4ZVdTJ5J6D1e-2KKW0uUs4s8BSdo6GOngepoYIX-RRQ8oEJBwnTJzX0U6Lsm6ISmlfUpg4vjueR4HVqV29gnSJ4ymTXg/s400/ScreenHunter_13.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5022929974233768706" border="0" /></a><br />The <span style="font-weight: bold;">Fontana City Council</span> will be voting to BAN legal fireworks on Tuesday night, Jan. 23.<br /><br />The Council meeting will begin at <span style="font-weight: bold;">7:00</span>, in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The address is <span style="font-weight: bold;">8353 Sierra Ave. Fontana</span>, at the south east corner of Sierra and Upland.<br /><br />If you enjoy using legal fireworks on the 4th of July and don’t want the Council to make you a criminal, we’re asking you to help keep them legal in Fontana. Please show up at this meeting and let the Council know you want to keep fireworks legal.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3960427091113624240.post-31840683649522483192007-01-22T09:56:00.000-08:002007-01-22T11:18:28.250-08:00Who Will Be Most Affected if Fontana Bans Fireworks?The members of 45 Non Profit Groups in Fontana are donating many hours of their time every year to raise literally HUNDREDS of THOUSANDS of DOLLARS PER YEAR, that goes right back into their community. These Non-Profit Groups include:<br /><blockquote>4-H<br />AB Miller Band Boosters<br />AB Miller Football Boosters<br />AB Miller Girls Basketball<br />AM Vets Post 1240<br />American Legion Post 772<br />Apostolic Faith Tabernacle<br />Center of Christ Ministries<br />Church of the Chimes<br />Crossroads Church<br />Exchange Club of Fontana<br />First Baptist Church of Fontana<br />First Lutheran Church<br />Fontana Academy for Martial Arts<br />Fontana American Little League<br />Fontana Chamber of Commerce<br />Fontana Christian Fellowship<br />Fontana Community Little League<br />Fontana First Assembly of God<br />Fontana High School Band Boosters<br />Fontana Mummers<br />Fontana Rotary Club<br />Fontana Steeler Gridiron<br />Fountain of Life Community Church<br />Fountain of Truth Apostolic Church<br />Inland Empire Club for the Deaf<br />Inland Empire Fury Soccer<br />Kaiser Catamount Pride Boosters<br />Kaiser Kickoff Club<br />Kiwanis Club of Fontana<br />Knights of Columbus<br />Living Waters Church<br />Mountain View Christian Preschool<br />Mountain View Community Church<br />Peace in the Valley Church<br />Resurrection Academy<br />Rock Steady Girls Fastpitch<br />Sequoia Pride of the Eagles<br />Southridge Little League<br />Southwest Little League<br />St. Joseph's Catholic Church<br />V.F.W. 6563<br />Victory Outreach<br />Water of Life<br />Youth Accountability Board</blockquote>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3960427091113624240.post-55703016858783744302007-01-19T13:50:00.000-08:002008-12-09T05:56:14.938-08:00The Ordinance in Question<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYpl86YsgWdnOnNi850Abmk6QHVcqle_fWKS0vwVfU85vWLT-tfEe6K6FryKDHJ8cqXb1LogAq23r8ioW_KGpimNDavVypsSIRPtoy-epSgcqnQ3j1qpnrO_1GFuIOBkoAj1hraTdXgsc/s1600-h/ScreenHunter_9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYpl86YsgWdnOnNi850Abmk6QHVcqle_fWKS0vwVfU85vWLT-tfEe6K6FryKDHJ8cqXb1LogAq23r8ioW_KGpimNDavVypsSIRPtoy-epSgcqnQ3j1qpnrO_1GFuIOBkoAj1hraTdXgsc/s400/ScreenHunter_9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5021862460112347874" border="0" /></a><br /><br />THIS is why this blog exists.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3960427091113624240.post-67333757003970815962007-01-19T12:31:00.000-08:002007-01-19T12:36:00.115-08:00The Truth About State-Approved FireworksCheck out the <a href="http://www.ca-fireworks.presskit247.com/index.asp"><span style="font-weight: bold;">California Fireworks Newswire</span></a> to learn about "Safe and Sane" state-approved fireworks.<br /><br />Be sure and look at <a href="http://www.ca-fireworks.presskit247.com/content/content-article.asp?ArticleID=498">all the safety materials</a> that have been created for celebrating the 4th of July safely and sanely.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3960427091113624240.post-34411300897454374332007-01-19T12:13:00.000-08:002008-12-09T05:56:15.096-08:00What Can YOU Do?Show up at the Council meeting and show support to <span style="font-weight: bold;">SAVE FIREWORKS in FONTANA!</span><br /><br />Speak in support of your 4th of July traditions, or of the groups that do volunteer work for our youth and the less fortunate among us.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Contact the Council</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5C47FtnibcoSvYpuaf_kv1sIIfemmj2v-QIeB96vTN-2viJbKsEwi3hKmaDjyVkcbyMn8Zmxnm8pbO2TIP5eJoHCgN-blMvcqGXmJSgP2_jesz54y5wi7_ftLaOjc_0vDCenJt0XsJ6A/s1600-h/fontana+council.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5C47FtnibcoSvYpuaf_kv1sIIfemmj2v-QIeB96vTN-2viJbKsEwi3hKmaDjyVkcbyMn8Zmxnm8pbO2TIP5eJoHCgN-blMvcqGXmJSgP2_jesz54y5wi7_ftLaOjc_0vDCenJt0XsJ6A/s320/fontana+council.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5021839366073197186" border="0" /></a><br />Call them at <span style="font-weight: bold;">909-350-7600</span><br /><br />Email them. Their email addresses are on their <a href="http://www.fontana.org/main/city_clerk/council_info.htm">Council webpage</a>. Click on the name to bring up the page of the individual council members, and then click on their email link.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3960427091113624240.post-8672870590218521772007-01-19T12:03:00.000-08:002008-12-09T05:56:15.400-08:00Will YOU Be a Criminal?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfM4TuKBhqPDPQ-_ww9XTrI7HSDC6K0g1cntRmOu-0WAgc_W1I7pkc32ChsBt2YPhS3-hzDz-89qkLTZmOSlIGTAnyEo40eXtFqmWltLU_MbDnEP-h1t1VkbHs1jQu8LZWimh-h64T5Y/s1600-h/ScreenHunter_8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfM4TuKBhqPDPQ-_ww9XTrI7HSDC6K0g1cntRmOu-0WAgc_W1I7pkc32ChsBt2YPhS3-hzDz-89qkLTZmOSlIGTAnyEo40eXtFqmWltLU_MbDnEP-h1t1VkbHs1jQu8LZWimh-h64T5Y/s200/ScreenHunter_8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5021856030546305730" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">WILL FONTANA MAKE CELEBRATING THE 4TH OF JULY ILLEGAL?</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">The FONTANA CITY COUNCIL</span> will be meeting on Tuesday, January 23, to propose a ban on <span style="font-weight: bold;">LEGAL FIREWORKS</span>, the “Safe and Sane” kind that have been <span style="font-weight: bold;">APPROVED BY THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL </span>and that are sold by local community nonprofit service, religious and youth athletic groups. Some in city government have discussed banning them in the past.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujlOS5ZvdisT8fKae6xgmi5G0YRLMjpnfNpDpis9rvC9uqxFISNwfUHp7DjBhJbeG70qO4oCCFDv551mF_tPfd5KOKJ9Vainmh-2AQcO4jcq-lCdbOMQqZMFgJmKlD81L8SwSu7jBztE/s1600-h/ScreenHunter_7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujlOS5ZvdisT8fKae6xgmi5G0YRLMjpnfNpDpis9rvC9uqxFISNwfUHp7DjBhJbeG70qO4oCCFDv551mF_tPfd5KOKJ9Vainmh-2AQcO4jcq-lCdbOMQqZMFgJmKlD81L8SwSu7jBztE/s200/ScreenHunter_7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5021856107855717074" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">WE DON’T GET IT.</span><br /><br />If injuries are the concern, the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Consumer Product Safety Commission</span> reports that other sources –<span style="font-weight: bold;">NOT FIREWORKS</span>- account for 99.99% of all injuries—<span style="font-style: italic;">you’re over four times more likely to be injured by your kitchen stove!<br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">SO WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?<br /><br /></span>How about people using <span style="font-weight: bold;">ILLEGAL FIREWORKS? THAT’S the PROBLEM!</span><br />So why should the majority of us who <span style="font-weight: bold;">OBEY THE LAW </span>be punished for the <span style="font-weight: bold;">CRIMINAL ACTIONS</span> of a few?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">WHY SHOULD WE BE PUNISHED?<br /><br /></span>Why not go after the <span style="font-weight: bold;">LAWBREAKERS</span>, and leave those of us who responsibly use and enjoy State Approved fireworks alone?<br /><br />Why not make the <span style="font-weight: bold;">CRIMINALS PAY</span>, instead of patriotic families, legitmate businesses and Fontana’s charitable volunteers?Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3960427091113624240.post-57526991512378062282007-01-19T12:00:00.000-08:002007-01-19T12:12:11.545-08:00Fontana Council to Introduce Fireworks Ban!<span style="font-weight: bold;">The Fontana City Council</span> will be meeting on <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, Jan. 23</span> starting at <span style="font-weight: bold;">7:00 pm</span> to discuss an ordinance change that will phase out LEGAL (State Approved) fireworks!<br /><br />This is a call to action: If you enjoy using fireworks to celebrate Independence Day, or if you are a member of one of the nonprofit groups that depend on "safe and sane" fireworks to raise vitally needed funds used to benefit the community, please show up at this meeting and make your voices heard!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com