Salinas voters will decide on fate of fireworks in the area

A measure to legalize fireworks will fall on Salinas voters. As it stands now, fireworks are not legal within the City of Salinas. Measure C could change all that.

“Measure C was put on the ballot by some folks that went out and gathered signatures and it has to do with allowing fireworks to be in the City,” said Salinas Mayor Joe Gunter.

Signature gathering was funded largely by firework companies, which should be no surprise because a vote ‘yes’ would reverse the 2015 ban by the City Council.

“The City Council reacted to public outcry following several years of issues relating to safe and sane fireworks and illegal firework use.” Said Fire marshal Sam Klemek.

According to officials that public outcry came after fireworks littered streets, clogged storm drains, and started fires.

“There is no such thing as a safe and sane firework, they burn very hot and cause burns. Last year we had eight structure fires in the city of Salinas and over 12 vegetation fires,” said Fire marshal Sam Klemak.

“First of all the way the measure was written, if it passes, more yes’s then no’s it wipes out the ordinance that the city just voted for and it’s replaced by what was in the ballot measure,” said Gloria Moore of Gloria Moore Realtors.

She’s referring to the social host ordinance. That ordinance holds property owners responsible for the use of illegal fireworks by their tenants.

“They want to notify me that you’ve done this and if they so desire they can then fine me as the property owner or landlord for your misbehavior,” said Moore.

If legal, the only ones receiving fines would be those in possession of illegal fireworks. Another argument in favor of Measure C is that non-profits and Salinas schools received thousands of dollars in annual revenue from firework sales. However does the end justify the means?

“We’ve had houses burn down we had injuries. The fact that animals are scared. Seniors afraid. Veterans with PTSD. And if these firework companies really care about this City, maybe they would give the non-profits 50-percent versus the small portion that they do, rather than leave our town and take their big bucks to Sacramento or wherever they’re from,” said Moore.

If measure C does pass it won’t take effect until next year.