At last night’s City Council meeting, Fire Chief Paul Wilson and Police Chief Travis Walker provided the Council with a summary of the Safe and Sane Fireworks program and their efforts to patrol and catch illegal firework operators.
During this past 4th of July period, six non-profits operated the Safe and Sane sales centers throughout the City. Collectively, they sold $177,000 worth of Safe and Sane fireworks and netted $57,700 in profits to be used for their particular missions. The six non-profits included Calvary Christian Church, Desert Elite Football, Central Valley Little League, Cathedral City High School Lions Boosters, PSCC Indians Football, and Cathedral City High School Band Boosters.
Between July 1st and July 4th, the police department received 55 calls for service related to fireworks from residents. A total of 23 citations, with a minimum of $1,000 fine each, were issued for illegal fireworks between July 2nd and July 4th. Additionally, more than 600 pounds of illegal fireworks were confiscated during this enhanced patrolling.
