Santa Cruz to increase police patrols on 4th of July

As the Central Coast heads into the Fourth of July weekend, the City of Santa Cruz says it’s taking its fireworks ban seriously.

Though safe and sane fireworks are once again allowed in some Central Coast towns like Salinas, fireworks in the City of Santa Cruz are still illegal.

Police say there will be costly consequences for breaking the law.

“It’s expensive, a fireworks fine is almost $500 dollars alone” says Joyce Blaschke, Public Information Officer with the Santa Cruz Police Department. “During the Safety Zone Enhancement period, those fines are tripled so you’ll be paying three times the regular price for a ticket and that’s not cheap.”

That Safety Enhancement Zone begins at midnight July 4th and ends at 3 a.m. the next day. Still, police will be on the lookout for fireworks all weekend long.

“This weekend is hands-on weekend for everyone at the police department, every available officer will be working on patrol,” Blaschke says. “You’ll see officers in neighborhoods, in the beach areas, in the park areas, we’re in force this weekend.”

Even with increased patrols through the holiday, police say they can always use your help.

“Our non-emergency number is the same as 911, so call that number and do your best to give us a description of where you saw the firework ignited at,” Blaschke says.

Blaschke also added that triple fines are not just for fireworks violations. Violations like public intoxication, trespassing, littering and more will also be fined.