Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
San Bruno council sends fireworks ban question to voters after safety, fundraising debate
Summary
Council placed a Nov. 3 ballot measure asking voters whether to prohibit sale and use of safe and sane fireworks; proponents pointed to fire risk and high‑hazard zones, while opponents warned of lost fundraising for nonprofits and enforcement costs.
The council voted to place a measure on the Nov. 3 ballot asking voters whether to prohibit the sale and use of so‑called "safe and sane" fireworks in San Bruno. Staff said the city is increasingly designated as high fire hazard severity and that both legal and illegal fireworks have contributed to fires; last year the city recorded several July 4 exterior fires but no structural fires.
The vote followed public comment from organization and nonprofit representatives who said the annual fireworks program raises funds used by local charities and service clubs. "This is probably 40% of our funds that go back to the community to help the kids," one nonprofit volunteer told the council, urging the city to consider the fundraising loss. Council members said they were divided on the trade‑off but that the voters should decide; the council also allowed for council members to draft a factual argument and rebuttals for the ballot record.
