PLEASE --- ACT NOW!!!

“Dear Councilmember              ,
It is my understanding that this coming Tuesday, October 15, 2024, you will discuss and vote on whether to;

1. Keep the current rules in place.
2. Ban the sale and use of State Fire Marshal-Approved Safe and Sane Fireworks.
3. Place the issue on the 2026 election ballot.
4. If they decide to choose #3 above, then ban the sale and use of State-Approved Fireworks until then.

Each year twelve Oroville nonprofit organizations ranging from youth sports, high school sports programs, churches, service clubs, and fraternal organizations compete in a city-run lottery where they are selected to operate State-Approved Fireworks stands. Here is a list of the nonprofit organizations that will be impacted by the City Council’s decision:

• American Legion Post #95
• Feather River Gymnastics Boosters
• Kiwanis Club of Oroville
• Knights of Columbus #2603
• Oroville Orcas Swim Team
• St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
• VFW Post #1747
• Exchange Club of Oroville
• S & C Club Shriners
• Fraternal Order of Eagles #196, #1
• Fraternal Order of Eagles,#196, #2
• Oroville High School Athletic Booster Club

These twelve Oroville nonprofit organizations collectively raise almost $350,000 each year that is invested back into our community. The sales of these State-Approved Fireworks fund critical programs and needs in Oroville that neither federal, state nor local government can or do underwrite, but we all recognize are critical to the fabric, security, and well-being of our community.

As a resident and voter in Oroville, I am respectfully urging you to consider the following:

• State-Approved Fireworks are not the problem in California…Illegal Fireworks are the problem! City Councilmembers and the Oroville Police and Fire Departments have all acknowledged this fact!
   
• On September 24, 2024, Cal Fire announced that since September 1, 2024, it had arrested 91 suspected arsonists. Only one of those used a state-approved firework to cause their intended harm. That one suspect was the individual accused of starting the Thompson Fire.
   
• Banning safe and sane fireworks because of one individual’s irresponsible or malicious actions is like banning cars because a drunk driver killed someone. In both cases, it’s not the object itself that’s dangerous—it’s the person’s misuse of it.
  
  In Oroville, the fire was allegedly started by a suspected arsonist who intentionally misused a safe and sane firework. But if he hadn’t had access to a legal firework, he likely would have found something else to start the fire. Just as banning cars won’t stop people from driving drunk, banning fireworks won’t prevent someone with harmful intentions from causing damage.
  
  We don’t punish responsible drivers for the actions of one reckless individual. Similarly, we shouldn’t punish our entire community—and the nonprofits that depend on fireworks sales—for one person’s criminal behavior.
  
  The focus should be on addressing the real problem: personal responsibility and proper enforcement of existing laws.

Instead, we would urge the City Council to:

1. Amend the Oroville fireworks ordinance to limit the use of state-approved fireworks to the following dates and times each year:
   • June 28 from Noon till 11:00 pm,
   • June 29 through July 5 from 9:00 am till 11:00 pm,
   • New Years Eve from 6:00 pm till 12:30 am, and
   • Veterans Day from 9:00 am till 11:00 pm
2. Develop and adopt a Fireworks Social Host Ordinance.
3. In collaboration with the nonprofit organizations and the state-approved fireworks wholesalers develop and implement a public education effort about the dangers of illegal fireworks and the safe and responsible use of state-approved fireworks.
4. Implement and use the free, illegal fireworks smartphone reporting app to allow Oroville residents to be the eyes and ears for illegal fireworks use or sales.

          Sincerely,

          <Your Name>