Arvin residents press council on illegal fireworks and roadside dumping; fire chief outlines enforcement options

Resident Jose Ojeda told the Arvin City Council Tuesday that fireworks being set off outside holiday periods are harming his three small dogs and that roadside dumping at the city entrance leaves the city looking "really ugly." He asked the council to take steps such as posting signs and imposing penalties.

Mayor Calderon said much of the dumping occurs outside Arvin city limits in county territory, described recent city efforts (public service announcements, volunteer cleanups and a bulk-waste event at DiGeorge Park run with BurTech) and said staff would be directed to identify county contact numbers and meet with the resident. She also asked staff to check whether the city has a local ordinance addressing illegal fireworks and to coordinate with the fire department.

Gary Blake, division chief of B shift for the Kern County Fire Department, told the council that illegal fireworks are a frequent issue around July 4 and New Year's and described county enforcement penalties: a $1,500 citation on initial enforcement and up to $2,000 for repeat violations. Blake said enforcement depends on community reporting and encouraged residents to work with the department. He also said Ridgecrest is drafting a local ordinance and that Arvin staff could explore similar measures.

The council did not adopt an ordinance at the meeting; the action recorded in open session was a direction to staff to research whether an Arvin ordinance exists and to provide contact information for county enforcement.