Introduction to the Issue
After years of struggling to curb illegal fireworks, Stanton’s new Fourth of July drone program has resulted in nearly $1 million in citations issued to 18 people. All the fines are being appealed, but unless the city dismisses them, officials say they expect the property owners to pay up.
The City’s Stance
Stanton Mayor David Shawver said in a recent interview, “You can take out a loan, right? You can borrow the money against something that you might own.” He suggested that one of the simplest ways for property owners to handle the fines would be to come in with a payment plan, which the city has done in the past, to make it affordable over a period of time.
The Appeal Process
Hearings at which people can protest the fines have already begun, and the next one is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 15 at Stanton City Hall. The administrative hearings are not open to the public, according to the city’s Public Safety Director, Jim Wren. Stanton uses Turbo Data Systems to process citations, and its certified administrative hearing officers conduct the hearings.
The Fines
According to city records, the majority of citations are in the tens of thousands of dollars range, but three are upwards of $100,000 – with the costliest fine at $300,000. Property owners are responsible for the citation regardless of whether they were on the property at the time of the alleged illegal fireworks activity.
Fireworks Regulations
From July 1 to July 4 between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. Stanton residents are allowed to spark up safe and sane fireworks on residential properties, according to Shawver. However, he noted that “Anything that explodes or leaves the ground is usually illegal.” Back in April, Stanton’s city council approved a social host ordinance, meaning that property owners are legally responsible for any illegal fireworks activity that occurs on their property.
Community Response
Stanton resident Jose Fernandez received the $300,000 citation and said he filed an appeal with the city, adding that he didn’t have anything to do with illegal fireworks activity. Two of Fernandez’s neighbors also received illegal fireworks citations: one for $1,000 and the other for $55,000. Another resident, 57-year-old Fermin Ayala, welcomes the Fourth of July fireworks, saying, “It’s like having this Disneyland next to your door.” However, not all residents are pleased with the fireworks, as some have been left shaken and injured.
Concerns and Consequences
Lin Landgren, the vice president of Stanton’s Hynes Estates Neighborhood Association, has called the equestrian community home for over six decades. She said safe and sane fireworks had been a regular part of holiday celebrations in Stanton for decades, but over the last five years, she noticed illegal fireworks activity was becoming “out of control.” This year, illegal fireworks activity led to two horse injuries, Landgren said. Though she wasn’t in Stanton for this year’s Fourth of July holiday, she heard from neighbors about the illegal fireworks. “Everybody is really upset about the amount of fireworks going off in our neighborhood. We’d like to be able to curb that,” Landren said.
Comparison to Other Cities
Some other Southern California cities have responded to illegal fireworks activity by issuing citations during the Fourth of July, but the fines don’t compare to Stanton’s. In nearby Brea, the Fourth of July drone program led to the city issuing one citation for $500, according to spokesperson Chris Haddad. While neighboring Anaheim received roughly 400 calls related to fireworks activity, the city issued zero illegal fireworks citations on the Fourth of July, according to spokesperson Esther Kwon. There, illegal fireworks fines begin at $1,000 for the first offense.
Conclusion
The city of Stanton is taking a strong stance against illegal fireworks, with nearly $1 million in citations issued to 18 people. While some residents welcome the fireworks, others are concerned about the safety and well-being of people and animals. The city’s drone program is expected to continue next year, with the goal of keeping the community safe and holding property owners accountable.
FAQs
Q: How much are the fines for illegal fireworks in Stanton?
A: The fines range from $1,000 to $300,000, with the majority in the tens of thousands of dollars range.
Q: Who is responsible for the citation?
A: Property owners are responsible for the citation, regardless of whether they were on the property at the time of the alleged illegal fireworks activity.
Q: What is the appeal process for the fines?
A: Hearings are being held at Stanton City Hall, where property owners can protest the fines.
Q: How does Stanton’s drone program compare to other cities?
A: Stanton’s fines are significantly higher than those in nearby cities, such as Brea and Anaheim.
Q: What is the goal of the drone program?
A: The goal is to keep the community safe and hold property owners accountable for illegal fireworks activity.
