As July 4 nears, Garden Grove police officers raise their awareness of illegal fireworks activities and enforcing the city’s no-tolerance policy in the form of $1,000 fines.
“As people ignore the warnings and continue to use illegal fireworks, we’ll keep writing more citations. Even though we saw the number of citations go down last year, the pattern has been the opposite,” said Garden Grove Police Chief Kevin Raney.
As July 4 nears, Garden Grove police officers raise their awareness of illegal fireworks activities and enforcing the city’s no-tolerance policy in the form of $1,000 fines.
“As people ignore the warnings and continue to use illegal fireworks, we’ll keep writing more citations. Even though we saw the number of citations go down last year, the pattern has been the opposite,” said Garden Grove Police Chief Kevin Raney.
Last year, the Police Department issued 54, $1,000 administrative citations. In 2012, the number was 77; in 2011, 44; and in 2010, only 14. Violators can be cited up to $1,000 for possessing illegal fireworks, including misusing or tampering with legal ones, per the city’s municipal code on illegal fireworks.
This year, the Police Department will again deploy an additional 28 officers for July 4 coverage, in addition to two fire investigators. Police patrols will focus on high-activity illegal fireworks areas including Katella Street, between Euclid and Brookhurst; Dino Circle; Garden Grove Park; and the Buena-Clinton neighborhood.
All city parks will close by 5 p.m. on July 4. Park tennis courts, basketball courts and softball fields will also be locked by 5 p.m. Park sprinkler systems will be activated at 6 p.m.
The city has issued permits for a total of 45 fireworks booths. Garden Grove firework sales take place from July 1 through July 4.
Hours are: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., July 1 through 3; and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4.
In accordance with Garden Grove Municipal Code firework regulations, discharge of safe and sane fireworks is permissible on private property only.
For more information, call the Garden Grove Fireworks Hotline at 714-741-5270.
Fireworks1: Last year, the Police Department issued 54, $1,000 administrative citations for illegal fireworks (shown here, confiscated). In 2012, the number was 77; in 2011, 44; and in 2010, only 14. Violators can be cited up to $1,000 for possessing illegal fireworks, including misusing or tampering with legal ones, per the city’s municipal code on illegal fireworks.