San Bruno council to revisit fireworks ordinance; residents split on ballot route

San Bruno, Calif. — The San Bruno City Council on June 9 agreed to ask staff to return June 23 with a report and options about whether to put the question of dissolving the local ordinance permitting "Safe and Sane" fireworks on the November ballot — but made no ballot commitment at the meeting.

Vice Mayor Alvarez opened the item and said recent years of operational costs and public-safety concerns prompted a request to put the question to voters. "Given that the city faces a loss every year and not to mention the safety, the cleanup, and any extra expenditure from our staff salary," Alvarez said, arguing residents should decide whether the city should continue allowing the sale of state-approved fireworks.

Public comment included sharply divergent views. Marian Limbalam, speaking for the San Bruno Police Association, said the fireworks booths have funded many local nonprofits and youth organizations for decades and cautioned that losing booths would cut those community donations. "100% of what we raise goes back out to the community," Limbalam said, listing Santa Cops, school music programs, Special Olympics and other beneficiaries.

Other speakers supported continuing sales because the proceeds fund youth sports and veterans' programs. Lynn Berliner of San Bruno Youth Baseball said the league relies on booth proceeds to pay for jerseys for more than 400 children. Post Commander Steve Arden said the American Legion depends on booth proceeds to fund boys and girls State programs and veteran services.

Residents opposed to authorized sales cited wildfire risk and illegal fireworks proliferation. One speaker said city hills, canyons and wind make San Bruno a "tinder box," and urged the council to let voters reconsider allowing sales.

Following public comment and a staff reminder that this meeting was only to determine whether to bring the item back for a fuller discussion, a majority of the council asked that staff return on June 23 with detailed information and options for possible ballot language and fiscal implications; no vote to place a measure on the ballot was taken that night.

Next steps: staff will prepare options and cost estimates for the June 23 meeting. If the council later decides to place a dissolution measure on the November ballot, the item would require formal council action and associated ballot costs and scheduling.

Sources: Vice Mayor Alvarez and multiple public commenters during San Bruno City Council meeting, June 9, 2026.