New Santa Ana | Category Archives: Fires

Pop-up Santa Ana voting event cancelled due to the Silverado Fire

Posted on October 27, 2020 by Editor Posted in 2020 Elections, Fires, OC Voter Registrar, Santa Ana Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, CA – October 27, 2020 – Today’s pop-up mobile voting event, scheduled for 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 9801 Newport Ave., Santa Ana, has been cancelled as a result of the Silverado Fire evacuations.

The location is in the voluntary evacuation zone for the Silverado Fire and associated traffic may prevent resources from entering impacted areas.

As an alternative the Registrar of Voters office will be open today for voting from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and is located at 1300 South Grand Ave., Santa Ana. In addition, other pop-up voting events are scheduled for later in the week. Voters can visit ocvote.com/pop-up, or call 714-567-7600 for additional information.

For updated voting and drop box information impacted by the Orange County fires, or alternative locations, visit ocvote.com

Residents are encouraged to stay informed of the most current information by monitoring:

@OCFA_PIO on Twitter
#SilveradoFire
#BlueRidgeFire
@ocregistrar on Twitter and Instagram
@OCROV on Facebook

Local O.C. fires and high winds lead to warning to stay indoors and limit outdoor activity

Posted on October 26, 2020 by Editor Posted in Emergencies, Fires, Health and Medical, OCFA, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Due to nearby wildfires, the air quality in Santa Ana and much of Orange County is considered “hazardous” by the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

The AQMD advises a “health warning of emergency conditions. The entire population is more likely to be affected. Everyone should avoid all physical activity outdoors.” If you can smell smoke or see ash from a wildfire, avoid or limit outdoor activities.

The City of Santa Ana is closing public swimming pools, Boo at the Zoo and other outdoor City activities until the air quality improves. Today’s Santa Ana CARES Mobile Resource Center at Adams Park is ending early in order to protect the health of the public and City staff.

No evacuation orders have been issued for Santa Ana.

The National Weather Service has also issued a high-wind warning in our area until 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27. Please be cautious of downed trees, debris and power lines, low visibility caused by dust, and risks to high-profile vehicles.

The NWS advises that people avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive.

To report downed trees and debris, call the Santa Ana Public Works Agency at (714) 647-3380, email PWADispatch@santa-ana.org or download the mySantaAna app.

For downed power lines, call 911.

Public Safety Power Outages are also possible.

The County of Orange’s Emergency Operations Center has a public information hotline for wildfire-related questions: (714) 628-7085.

Get air quality updates at www.aqmd.gov/home/air-quality.

Instructions:

Stay indoors if possible and avoid all physical activity outdoors. Avoid trees and use caution when driving.

Permanezca en el Interior y Limite la Actividad al Aire Libre

Debido a los incendios forestales cercanos, el Distrito de Administración de la Calidad del Aire de la Costa Sur (AQMD) considera “peligrosa” la calidad del aire en Santa Ana y gran parte del Condado de Orange.

La AQMD aconseja una “advertencia sanitaria de condiciones de emergencia. Es más probable que toda la población se vea afectada. Todo el mundo debería evitar toda actividad física al aire libre”. Si puede oler humo o ver cenizas de un incendio forestal, evite o limite las actividades al aire libre.

La Ciudad de Santa Ana cerrará las albercas públicas, Boo en el Zoo y otras actividades al aire libre de la Ciudad hasta que mejore la calidad del aire. El Centro de Recursos Móvil CARES de Santa Ana de hoy en Adams Park está terminando temprano para proteger la salud del público y del personal de la Ciudad.

No se han emitido órdenes de evacuación para Santa Ana.

El Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (NWS) también ha emitido una advertencia de fuertes vientos en nuestra área hasta las 2 p.m. el martes 27 de octubre. Tenga cuidado con los árboles caídos, los escombros y las líneas eléctricas, la baja visibilidad causada por el polvo y los riesgos para los vehículos de alto perfil.

El NWS aconseja que las personas eviten estar afuera en áreas boscosas y alrededor de árboles y ramas. Si es posible, permanezca en los niveles más bajos de su casa durante la tormenta de viento y evite las ventanas. Tenga cuidado si debe conducir.

Para reportar árboles caídos y escombros, llame a la Agencia de Obras Públicas de Santa Ana al (714) 647-3380, envíe un correo electrónico a PWADispatch@santa-ana.org o descargue la aplicación mySantaAna.

Para líneas eléctricas caídas, llame al 911.

También son posibles cortes de energía de seguridad pública.

El Centro de Operaciones de Emergencia del Condado de Orange tiene una línea directa de información pública para preguntas relacionadas con incendios forestales: (714) 628-7085.

Obtenga actualizaciones sobre la calidad del aire en www.aqmd.gov/home/air-quality.

A man was arrested after he tried to burn down the Costa Mesa Police Department HQ this morning

Posted on October 7, 2020 by Editor Posted in Costa Mesa, Crime, Fires Leave a comment

The Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) front lobby was temporarily closed today after a man set a fire at the front doors.

Early this morning, at approximately 1:00 a.m., a man approached the front doors of the police department, placed traffic cones at the doors and lit them on fire.

A Good Samaritan, who was driving by, used a fire extinguisher to put out the fire. The police department’s fire alarm was triggered and alerted CMPD’s Watch Commander.

The man, 32-year-old Claudio Benjamin Vicente, from Costa Mesa, was located nearby by officers on Newport Blvd. and arrested for arson.

The investigation is ongoing. CMPD’s CSI processed the scene this morning and City Maintenance cleaned up and repaired the doors. The lobby was reopened at 11:30 a.m.

A home in the Santa Anita neighborhood is on fire late on Sunday night

Posted on August 23, 2020 by Editor Posted in Fires, OCFA, Santa Ana 3 Comments

Firefighters are on the scene of a residential structure fire at the 100 block of N Laurel St., as reported by the OCFA at 11:23 pm.

The fire is occurring in the Santa Anita neighborhood a few blocks West of the Santa Ana River off of West First St., just south of the Willowick Golf Course.

Update: The fire involved two adjacent houses. All the residents were able to escape without injury. Fire investigators were on the scene but no cause established at this time. A total of 15 people were displaced-9 adults, 6 children.

The Southern California Red Cross was requested to assist the families in finding shelter.

Firefighters are battling a blaze at a Santa Ana commercial building

Posted on August 23, 2020 by Editor Posted in Fires, OCFA, Santa Ana 1 Comment

A fire broke out this morning in Santa Ana at 8:11 AM at the area of S. Main St. and Commercial St, at a single story commercial building with heavy fire from 1 unit, according to the OCFA.

There is an aggressive offensive fire attack in progress. The fire has also been upgraded to a 2nd alarm.

UPDATE: The fire has been declared knocked down. Crews will be working here for an undetermined amount of time. Main St is closed both directions from Occidental to St. Andrew.

So. California air quality affected by 4th of July fireworks

Posted on July 5, 2020 by Editor Posted in Environment, Fires, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Valid Sunday July 05, 2020

This advisory is in effect through Sunday Afternoon. South Coast AQMD will issue an update if additional information becomes available.

Air quality is currently poor in portions of the South Coast Air Basin due to Independence Day firework celebrations. As of noon on Sunday afternoon, Air Quality Index (AQI) levels are Unhealthy in portions of Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties due to elevated fine particulate matter concentrations. Residents are encouraged to visit www.aqmd.gov/aqimap or download the South Coast AQMD mobile app at www.aqmd.gov/mobileapp to monitor conditions in real-time.

During the overnight and early morning hours, AQI levels reached the Hazardous category in portions of Los Angeles and Orange counties. Fine particulate matter concentrations are expected to decrease throughout the day on Sunday with increased atmospheric mixing. As a result, AQI levels are expected to decrease to Moderate levels in coastal locations and Downtown Los Angeles. In inland locations such as the San Fernando Valley, the San Gabriel Valley, and the Inland Empire, afternoon ozone will likely result in AQI levels in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups or Unhealthy categories. See www.aqmd.gov/forecast for details.

Fine particulate matter levels on July 4th and July 5th are typically among the worst (highest) days of the year in the South Coast Air Basin. Fireworks are known to emit high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) as well as metal air pollutants, all of which can contribute to negative health effects. The smoke and combustion products from fireworks add to the fine particles already present in the Basin that are primarily caused by motor vehicles, as well as fugitive dust and industrial emissions. Breathing of fine particulate matter can lead to a wide variety of cardiovascular and respiratory health effects such as heart attacks, asthma aggravation, decreased lung function, coughing, or difficulty breathing and may lead to premature death in people with heart or lung disease.

Areas of direct impacts and poor air quality may include portions of:

Los Angeles County: Central Los Angeles (Area 1),
Northwest Coastal LA County (Area 2),
Southwest Coastal LA County (Area 3),
South Coastal LA (Area 4), Southeast LA County (Area 5),
West San Fernando Valley (Area 6), East San Fernando Valley (Area 7),
West San Gabriel Valley (Area 8),
East San Gabriel Valley (Area 9),
Pomona-Walnut Valley (Area 10),
South San Gabriel Valley (Area 11),
South Central Los Angeles County (Area 12),
Santa Clarita Valley (Area 13),
San Gabriel Mountains (Area 15)
Orange County: Northern Orange County (Area 16)
Riverside County: Corona-Norco (Area 22),
Metropolitan Riverside County (Area 23)
San Bernardino County: Northwest San Bernardino Valley (Area 32),
Southwest San Bernardino Valley (Area 33),
Central San Bernardino Valley (Area 34),
East San Bernardino Valley (Area 35)

The SAPD reminds us to avoid illegal fireworks this 4th of July

Posted on July 2, 2020 by Editor Posted in Crime, Fires, Public Safety, Santa Ana, SAPD Leave a comment

As 4th of July approaches, we would like to remind our community that only fireworks bearing the “Safe and Sane” seal are permitted to be used within the City limits, during the following days and hours only:

• Wednesday, July 1st – 12:00pm (noon) to 10:00pm
• Thursday, July 2nd – 10:00am to 10:00pm
• Friday, July 3rd – 10:00am to 10:00pm
• Saturday, July 4th – 10:00am to 9:00pm

The use of illegal fireworks may contribute to serious injuries and fires in our community. The Santa Ana Police Department wants to remind the community that “Possession and/or Use of Illegal Fireworks” is a CRIME. Violators may be subject to $1000 fines and up to one year in jail. Community members can anonymously report the use of illegal fireworks at (714) 245-8771 or via email reportfireworks@santa-ana.org.

SOLO SE PERMITE “SEGURO Y SANO” FUEGOS ARTIFICIALES

A medida que se acerca el 4 de julio, La Ciudad de Santa Ana les recuerda que sólo los fuegos artificiales que llevan el sello “Seguro y Sano” (“Safe and Sane”) están autorizados para uso dentro de los límites de la ciudad y solo durante los siguientes días y horas:

• miércoles, 1 de julio – 12:00pm (mediodía) a 10:00pm
• jueves, 2 de julio – 10:00am a 10:00pm
• viernes, 3 de julio – 10:00am a 10:00pm
• sábado, 4 de julio – 10:00am a 9:00pm

El uso de fuegos artificiales ilegales puede contribuir a lesiones graves e incendios en nuestra comunidad. El Departamento de Policía de Santa Ana quiere recordarle a la comunidad que “posesión y / o uso de fuegos artificiales ilegales” es un DELITO. Los infractores pueden estar sujetos a multas de $ 1000 y hasta un año de cárcel. Miembros de la comunidad pueden reportar el uso de fuegos artificiales ilegales anónimamente al (714) 245-8771 o por correo electrónico reportfireworks@santa-ana.org.

A Santa Ana mobile home fire was put out by OCFA firefighters

Posted on July 2, 2020 by Editor Posted in Fires, OCFA, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Firefighters are on scene in the 4000 block of W MacFadden Ave battling a stubborn double-wide mobile home fire. Crews encountered excessive storage conditions which is making the firefight difficult. An adult couple was able to make it out without injury. No cause @ this time. pic.twitter.com/nNyLeJqTWf
— OCFA PIO (@OCFA_PIO) July 2, 2020

OCFA firefighters fought a stubborn double-wide mobile home fire at the the 4000 block of W. MacFadden Ave. yesterday, according to the OCFA’s Twitter account.

The fire took place just north of Northgate Market, just a few blocks west of the busy W. McFadden and S. Harbor commercial intersection.

The fire crews encountered excessive storage conditions which made the firefight difficult. An adult couple was able to make it out without injury.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. There was no report as to the extent of the damage.

The O.C. Red Cross responded to the scene to assist the couple that was displaced. They were able to assist the couple with a SAVE card which provided them with funds to help out for the initial displacement.

Where you can buy safe and sane fireworks in Santa Ana

Posted on July 1, 2020 by Editor Posted in Charities, Civic Affairs, Fires, Santa Ana, Youth Activities 2 Comments

The City of Santa Ana allows the sale of Safe and Sane fireworks during the week of the 4th of July, starting today, July 1. Here is where you can buy the fireworks:

Phantom Fireworks Booths:

Calvary Temple Young Married – 2009 W. First St.
Jaguars Foundation – 2140 S Bristol St
H.A.B.B.M. – 3700 W. McFadden Ave.
Los Angeles Youth Arts – 230 N Harbor Blvd
Samueli Academy – 1710 S Main St
Rock of Salvation – 2311 S. Bristol St.
Vietnamese Eutharistic Youth Movement – 5127 W. Edinger Ave

TNT Fireworks Booths:

Bethel Baptist Church – 770 S. Harbor
Calvary Chapel HS Football – 3800 S. Fairview
Phoenix House – 2800 N. Main St.
Run The Race Ministries – 3811 S. Bristol St.
Saints Cheerleading Booster Club – 420 W. 17th St
Santa Ana Edinger St. Hispanic Church of the Nazarene – 1220 N. Bristol
Calvary Chapel Wrestling – 3610 S. Bristol St.
Saints Baseball – 2860 S. Bristol St.
Alano Club Santa Ana – 1701 E . McFadden Ave
Balderas International – 1148 S. Bristol
California Youth Soccer League – 1131 Grand Ave.
Calvary Temple Royal Rangers – 2235 Tustin Ave.
Centurion Cheer Booster (Century Pep) – 1230 E. McFadden Ave
Century HS Baseball – 2727 N. Grand Ave.
Church of the Bible – 4601 W. McFadden Ave.
Church Of The Nazarene-SA – 400 N. Grand Ave.
District 30 Little League – 2343 Tustin Ave.
First Samoan Congregation Christian Church – 3600 W. McFadden
Godinez Fundamental HS Band – 811 N. Fairview
Jaguar Diamond Booster Club – 3301-3361 S. Bristol
John Muir – OC Eagles – 2151 E. Santa Clara Ave.
John Muir Fundamental School- OC Eagle Boosters #2 – 2000-2278 E. Seventeenth St.
Kellogg’s American Kenpo Karate – 413 N. Euclid
Knights of Columbus #14430 San Jose Council – 2429 W. McFadden
OC Eagle Boosters – 2300 N. Tustin Ave.
OC Educational Arts – 1701 Main St.
OC Worship Center – 1601 N. Tustin
Pho Da Temple – 511 N. Harbor Blvd.
Raya Foundation – 1523 W. 17th St
Roadrunner Band Boosters – 2802 S. Flower
Saints Soccer (Santa Ana HS Women’s Soccer) – 315 E. First St.
Santa Ana Development Soccer Programs – 1425 W. Warner Ave.
Santa Ana H.S. Drumline – 2603 Westminster Ave
Santa Ana HS Band Boosters – 2000 E. Seventeenth St.
Santa Ana HS Tennis-Boys – 100 S. Main St
Santa Ana HS Tennis-Girls – 631 S. Main St.
Santa Ana Memorial Park Little League – 902 W. Edinger Ave.
Santa Ana Northeast Little League (NESALL) – 1640 E. First St.
Santa Ana Pony Baseball – 1350-1382 McFadden Ave.
Santa Ana United Methodist Church – 2360 N.Tustin Ave
Santa Ana Xtreme Softball – 2745 E. McFadden Ave.
Santiago Little League – 818 W. Seventeenth St.
Seven One Four Athletics – 2703-2735 N. Bristol St.
Te-Kenjutsu-Kan Karate-Do – 3001-3041 S. Bristol St.
Trinity Lutheran Church & School – 901 S. Birch St.
United Soccer Talent-U10 – 2630 W. Edinger Ave.
Valley HS Soccer – 1442 S. Bristol St.
Valley HS Wrestling – 1801 S. Greenville
Victory Outreach (Spanish) – 216 E. Warner
Victory Outreach Special Services – 1302 N. Grand Ave.
Nueva Esperanza – New Hope Church – 605 S. Harbor Blvd.
Orange County Girls Basketball – 2521 W. McFadden Ave.

Click here for TNT Fireworks coupons.

Click here for Phantom Fireworks coupons.

The City of Santa Ana offers the following safety tips for the discharge of Safe and Sane Fireworks:

Only purchase and discharge fireworks purchased from a licensed fireworks booth located in the City of Santa Ana.
Fireworks may only be purchased, possessed or discharged from July 1 through July 4.
Fireworks may be purchased, possessed or discharged only by people 18 years of age or older.
Dispose of discharged fireworks by placing them in a metal container, or immersing them in a bucket of water. (CAREFUL!!! DISCHARGED FIREWORKS WILL BE HOT)
Follow all manufacturers’ directions for discharging Safe and Sane fireworks.
Make sure the area you will be discharging your Safe and Sane fireworks in, is free of dry grass, brush, trees, or litter.
DO NOT discharge any firework that explodes or leaves the ground. (M-80, FIRECRACKERS, BOTTLE ROCKETS, MORTAR AND AERIAL SHELL)
DO NOT tamper or alter any Safe and Sane fireworks to cause it to explode or leave the ground.
DO NOT throw any firework or other burning material into the air.
DO NOT discharge any fireworks in any City park

The SAPD seized over 5,000 illegal fireworks in one big bust

Posted on June 26, 2020 by Editor Posted in Crime, Fires, Public Safety, Santa Ana, SAPD 3 Comments

The SAPD announced another big illegal fireworks bust, on their Twitter account, today.

SAPD patrol officers confiscated 18 cases of illegal fireworks with a street value of $15,000-included assorted Roman Candles, Firecrackers, Rockets, Mortars, & Arterial Shells totaling over 5000 pieces.

The SAPD Special Enforcement Team is out there continuing to confiscate illegal fireworks and taking enforcement action against those who are caught in possession and/or lighting them.

Report the use of illegal fireworks to (714) 245-8771 or via email to reportfireworks@santa-ana.org.

The SAPD seized a large amount of illegal fireworks yesterday

Posted on June 25, 2020 by Editor Posted in Crime, Fires, Public Safety, SAPD Leave a comment

The SAPD’s Special Enforcement Team conducted several follow up investigations regarding sales of illegal fireworks throughout the city yesterday, according to their Twitter account.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1276038368057425920

The SAPD was able to seize a large amount of fireworks as a result.

Use of illegal fireworks in Santa Ana is a crime that is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and up to one year in jail.

Find out what Santa Ana is doing about illegal fireworks at a virtual meeting tonight

Posted on June 25, 2020 by Editor Posted in Civic Affairs, Crime, Fires, Neighborhood Associations, SAPD, Vince Sarmiento, Water Leave a comment

Water, Fireworks Topics at Communication Linkage Forum on June 25

The Board of the Santa Ana Communication Linkage Forum (Com-Link) invites you to participate at their next Virtual General Meeting, scheduled for Thursday, June 25, 2020, at 7 p.m.

The main presentation will be given by City of Santa Ana Councilmember and Orange County Water District (OCWD) President Vicente Sarmiento regarding the collaboration between the OCWD and Santa Ana to provide high-quality, reliable water and updates regarding the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS). City Public Works Executive Director Nabil Saba will also join the presentation.

Brief updates will be shared at the beginning of the meeting regarding:

1) City’s Fireworks enforcement plan by Santa Ana Police Commander Weber.

2) Public Input Opportunity on Proposed City Charter Changes.

Refer to instructions below to participate in the virtual meeting:

Option 1:
Using your desktop, laptop computer, smartphone, or tablet device: go to www.santa-ana.org/neighborhood-initiatives/com-link and click on the registration link.

The registration will ask you to fill in the following information: your first name, last name and an email address. You will automatically be registered to participate and will be provided with a hyperlink to join the webinar for the Thursday, June 25, 7 p.m. Com-Link Virtual Meeting.

Option 2:
From your landline, please call to listen to the presentation on your phone by dialing the toll-free number 1-877-309-2071 and entering Audio Access Code: 870-177-967.

You will have an opportunity to enter your questions on the “questions” tab feature of the webinar page. Email your questions to the City’s Neighborhood Initiatives Team email neighborhoodinitiatives@santa-ana.org.

If you encounter any technical issues trying to join the webinar from your computer or phone, please call the City’s Neighborhood Initiatives Office line at (714) 667-2260 before or during the meeting.

Spanish interpretation for this meeting will be available by phone by dialing toll-free number (669) 900-9128 and entering Meeting ID: 542-334-173.

Agua, Fuegos Artificiales son Temas del Foro Com-Link el 25 de Junio

La Mesa Directiva del Foro de Enlace Comunicativo (Com-Link) de Santa Ana le invita a participar en la próxima reunión general virtual, programada para el jueves, 25 de junio, 2020 a las 7 p.m.

La presentación principal será realizada por el Concejal de la Ciudad de Santa Ana y Presidente del Distrito de Agua del Condado de Orange (OCWD) Vicente Sarmiento con respecto a la colaboración entre el OCWD y Santa Ana para proporcionar agua confiable y de alta calidad y actualizaciones sobre el Sistema de Reposición de Agua Subterránea (GWRS). El Director Ejecutivo de Obras Públicas de la Ciudad, Nabil Saba, también se unirá a la presentación.

Se compartirán breves actualizaciones al comienzo de la reunión con respecto a:

1) El plan de la Ciudad para la aplicación policial a los fuegos artificiales por el Comandante Weber del Departamento de Policía de Santa Ana (SAPD).

2) La oportunidad para sugerencias del público sobre los cambios propuestos de la Carta Municipal (leyes locales de la Ciudad).

Consulte las instrucciones a continuación para participar en la reunión virtual:

Opción 1:
Con su computadora de escritorio / computadora portátil / teléfono celular / su tableta, visite www.santa-ana.org/neighborhood-initiatives/com-link y seleccione el enlace de registración.

El registro le pedirá que llene la siguiente información: su nombre, apellido y su correo electrónico. Se registrará automáticamente para participar y se le proporcionará un hipervínculo para unirse al seminario web de la reunión virtual de Com-Link el jueves 25 de junio a las 7 p.m.

Opción 2:
Desde su teléfono fijo, llame para escuchar la presentación de su teléfono. Marque el número gratuito 1-877-309-2071 e ingrese el código de acceso: 870-177-967.

Durante la reunión, usted tendrá la oportunidad de escribir sus preguntas en la sección de “preguntas” ubicado en la página del seminario web. Para enviar sus preguntas por correo electrónico al Equipo de Iniciativas de Vecindarios de la Ciudad envíe un correo electrónico a neighborhoodinitiatives@santa-ana.org.

Si encuentra algún problema técnico al intentar unirse al seminario web en su computadora o teléfono, llame a la línea de la Oficina de Iniciativas de Vecindarios de la Ciudad al (714) 667-2260 antes o durante la reunión.

Interpretación en español estará disponible por teléfono para esta reunión. Marque el número gratuito (669) 900-9128 e ingrese el número de la reunión: 542-334-173.

Can the SAPD really do anything about the illegal fireworks in Santa Ana?

Posted on June 24, 2020 by Editor Posted in Crime, Fires, Santa Ana, SAPD Leave a comment

https://twitter.com/i/status/1275807375576850432

The SAPD has been warning us about use of illegal fireworks for a couple weeks but it seems that every night has been a mini 4th of July of late. No one appears to care about the SAPD’s warning.

It turns out this is not a problem unique to Santa Ana.

llegal fireworks are a regular part of summer nights in most cities, but residents are complaining that this year, the fireworks appear to be louder, more frequent and going on longer than before, waking up neighbors into the early hours of the morning, according to NBC.

Boston police recorded 1,445 fireworks complaints in the first week of June, compared with just 22 in the same week last year. This seems to have started when the weather began warming up—complaints in May were also up by more than 2,300 percent compared with May 2019. The mayor of Syracuse, New York, vowed action after a rash of 911 calls about fireworks last Tuesday night, and Syracuse police claim a 335 percent increase in fireworks complaints since the beginning of the year. Looking at New York City’s 311 data, it appears there has been a 920 percent year-over-year increase in fireworks complaints for the month of May, according to Slate.

Why are people popping off so many illegal fireworks now?

Vox.com posted an article about this with these ideas about why fireworks have increased:

Robert Jones Jr., a writer whose debut novel The Prophets is scheduled for release in January, has offered what’s probably the most detailed version of the conspiratorial account of the fireworks surge. In his view, the fireworks are part of a two-pronged effort to promote sleep deprivation and desensitization to explosive noises in urban minority neighborhoods.
The American Pyrotechnics Association reports that nearly 80 percent of display firework revenue is associated with July Fourth celebrations. This year, many of those celebrations have been canceled, and many other firework-intensive events like pro sports have also been impacted by the pandemic. This creates the potential for diversion of fireworks from the professional display market to the consumer market, complete with the possibility of bargain-basement prices.
“People are starved for entertainment. There’s no concerts, no theme parks, no casinos,” said Joe Van, managing partner of Florida-based Sky King Fireworks, which has locations in Florida, Indiana and Pennsylvania. “People are resorting to coming up with their own entertainment.”
Many people are likely to be more hesitant to ask for police intervention when they see something illegal but not particularly harmful taking place. Studies also indicate that it’s fairly common for police departments to reduce their effort level when they feel they are under political scrutiny. And in this case, less zealousness about policing nonviolent mischief is arguably part of what people are asking for.

So what can we do about the illegal fireworks? The SAPD is asking folks to call them if their neighbors are setting off illegal fireworks, at 714-245-8771.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio recently announced a multiagency task force to stem the flow of illegal fireworks into the streets of all five boroughs, after record numbers of complaints about the crackles and booms keeping residents up at all hours of the night, according to NBC.

Some people in town think that we could stop the illegal fireworks in Santa Ana by banning all fireworks. That is a silly idea. All that will do is deprive our local non-profits (which include many high school sports teams) from making money off the sale of legal, safe and sane, fireworks. Will such a ban stop people from setting off illegal fireworks? Of course not! They will double down on the use of illegal fireworks since banning the legal ones would deprive the market of a safer option.

Bottom line – we cannot hope to stop the tsunami of illegal fireworks. It just isn’t in the cards, particularly this year. My plan is to set up some chairs in our driveway, grill some dinner and enjoy the free fireworks show on the 4th of July.

Now if you see folks doing really crazy things with the illegal fireworks then by all means call the police. My guess is they will have their hands full on the 4th of July.

When you can legally buy and use safe and sane fireworks in Santa Ana

Posted on June 19, 2020 by Editor Posted in Crime, Fires, Santa Ana, SAPD Leave a comment

As 4th of July approaches, we would like to remind our community that only fireworks bearing the “Safe and Sane” seal are permitted to be used within the City limits, during the following days and hours only:

• Wednesday, July 1 – 12 p.m. (noon) to 10 p.m.
• Thursday, July 2 – 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Friday, July 3 – 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Saturday, July 4 – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Community members can anonymously report the use of illegal fireworks at (714) 245-8771 or via email at reportfireworks@santa-ana.org.

Cuando se puenden comprar y usar cuetes legales en Santa Ana

• miércoles, 1 de julio – 12 p.m. (mediodía) a 10 p.m.
• jueves, 2 de julio – 10 a.m. a 10 p.m.
• viernes, 3 de julio – 10 a.m. a 10 p.m.
• sábado, 4 de julio – 10 a.m. a 9 p.m.

Miembros de la comunidad pueden reportar el uso de fuegos artificiales ilegales anónimamente al (714) 245-8771 o por correo electrónico a reportfireworks@santa-ana.org.

Safe and sane fireworks will be sold in Santa Ana this year

Posted on June 18, 2020 by Editor Posted in Crime, Fires, Public Safety, Santa Ana, SAPD Leave a comment

• Wednesday, July 1st – 12:00pm (noon) to 10:00pm
• Thursday, July 2nd – 10:00am to 10:00pm
• Friday, July 3rd – 10:00am to 10:00pm
• Saturday, July 4th – 10:00am to 9:00pm

SOLO SE PERMITEN CUETES SEGUROs Y SANOS EN SANTA ANA

• miércoles, 1 de julio – 12:00pm (mediodía) a 10:00pm
• jueves, 2 de julio – 10:00am a 10:00pm
• viernes, 3 de julio – 10:00am a 10:00pm
• sábado, 4 de julio – 10:00am a 9:00pm