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Board approves ordinance to penalize prohibited fireworks after debate on enforcement and equity
Summary
Supervisors passed an ordinance to make first‑offense discharge of prohibited fireworks an infraction with modest fines and escalate penalties for repeat offenses; supporters cited injuries and enforcement gaps, while opponents said the penalty structure could disproportionately affect youth and low‑income residents.
The Board of Supervisors voted on July 21 to amend the police code to provide explicit penalties for prohibited discharge of fireworks. The ordinance would make a first offense an infraction punishable by a fine between $125 and $250 and raise penalties for repeat offenses within five years, including misdemeanor fines up to $750 and possible jail time for repeated violations.
Supervisor Wong, presenting the ordinance, said the change was intended to give officers a clear, practical citation to enforce an already existing local prohibition and to deter use that can cause burns, fires and harm to veterans and people with sensory sensitivities. "We do not need to wait for another serious injury or fire to act," Wong said in support.
Supervisor Fielder opposed the measure, arguing the ordinance misstates a civil grand jury's recommendations and warning the penalty scheme could criminalize minor conduct and hit young, low‑income people and communities of color the hardest. "Six months in jail is a long time for a sparkler," Fielder said, explaining a no vote.
The roll call on item 40 produced nine ayes and two nos (Walton and Fielder), and the ordinance passed on first reading.
What's next: The ordinance passed on first reading; further procedural steps (final reading or implementation) will follow the board's schedule.
