Carson council votes to introduce ordinance banning fireworks sales, directs staff to study nonprofit relief

The Carson City Council introduced a first-reading ordinance on March 4 to prohibit the sale, use and discharge of all fireworks in the city of Carson, except for permitted public displays under Carson Municipal Code section 3101.9.

The ordinance introduction came after a staff presentation and extensive public comment that largely split between residents and nonprofit representatives urging the council to preserve "safe and sane" fireworks sales and public-safety voices urging a ban. Mayor Lula Davis Holmes moved to introduce the ordinance by title; the motion was seconded and the council voted to carry the motion.

Why it matters: Council members and residents said the vote responds to public-safety concerns including fires and illegal fireworks activity, while nonprofit leaders told the council the loss of fireworks sales would eliminate a major annual fundraiser that supports scholarships, food programs and youth services across Carson.

What staff recommended and why: City staff presented Ordinance No. 25-2507, intended to amend Chapter 1 (Fire Prevention) of Article 3 (Public Safety) of the Carson Municipal Code to prohibit retail sale, use and discharge of fireworks within city limits, while preserving the ability for permitted professional displays. The report noted the Public Safety Commission had unanimously recommended the ban and that the city and Dignity Health Sports Park will provide residents an on-site professional fireworks viewing opportunity on July 4.

Public comment: About 20 speakers addressed the fireworks item during a capped 20-minute public-comment block. Speakers representing local nonprofits — including the Knights of Columbus, Carson High Booster Club, Sigma Pi fraternity at California State University Dominguez Hills, Carson Christian Center, Lions Club and others — said fireworks stands are their primary fundraiser.

Fred Doc Dossell, representing Knights of Columbus Council 7116 and the Filipino community of Carson, told the council: "The proposed ordinance... unfairly penalizes responsible fireworks users and non profit organizations while failing to address the underlying issue of illegal fireworks." Kaye Wheeler, Carson High Booster Club, said: "To date, we have awarded over $700,000 in scholarships. The fireworks stand is our major fundraiser of the year." Several nonprofit speakers said the stands fund food distribution, scholarships and youth leadership programs.

Public-safety and risk arguments: Former and current public-safety officials and several residents urged a ban to reduce fires and injuries. Mike Wilson, who identified himself as a public-safety commissioner and retired LA County Fire captain, said: "Fireworks are dangerous. When you're playing with fire, it's dangerous stuff. And I am definitely in support of the ban." A resident who described a nearby fire affecting an elderly relative recounted how a spark from fireworks nearly burned a house.

Council debate and amendment: During debate, Councilman Jim Dear argued enforcement should focus on illegal fireworks and not legal "safe and sane" sales, saying, "Safe and sane fireworks are not the problem. It's illegal fireworks that are the problem." Council members expressed concern for both public safety and nonprofit fundraising. Councilman Dear moved — and the council accepted as a friendly amendment — direction to staff to study legal options to help nonprofit organizations that rely on fireworks revenues, rather than committing the city to a specific cash payment. The city attorney advised against using the general fund to make direct cash gifts to select nonprofits and recommended the motion be revised to direct staff to identify legally permissible options; council accepted that revision.

Outcome and next steps: The council introduced Ordinance No. 25-2507 for first reading by title only; the ordinance would prohibit the sale, use and discharge of fireworks in Carson except for permitted public displays. The motion included direction to staff to return with legally permissible options to help nonprofits replace lost funds, and the City Clerk will schedule the ordinance for a future public hearing/second reading. The transcript records the motion as carried; a later entry shows Mayor Pro Tem Johan Hilton asked for and obtained a reconsideration and the minutes reflect she voted "no" on item 28 (the transcript does not record a full roll-call tally in detail). Staff also signaled that professional July 4 fireworks at Dignity Health Sports Park (Galaxy Park) will remain available to Carson residents, with on-site viewing required and parking or ride-share arrangements in place.

Context and council direction: Multiple council members urged staff to identify alternative enforcement tools and ways to reduce illegal fireworks. Council members also asked staff to explore grant or other permissible funding sources that might support nonprofit programs harmed by the change.

Ending: The transcript shows broad public engagement and sharp disagreement: several nonprofit operators said their operations and services depend on fireworks revenue, while public-safety advocates warned of the fire risk and strain on first responders. The ordinance introduction sets the city on a path toward banning retail fireworks sales and pushes staff to return with legal options to support nonprofits and to develop enforcement strategies targeting illegal fireworks.