This Year's New Year's Fireworks

Just a quick heads up, since the fireworks ban adopted by City Council in June does not go into effect until June 18, 2014.  So, there will more than likely be fireworks at New Year's later this month. They are still "allowed" this year," from 6PM on New Year's Eve (12/31/13) until 1AM on January 1st. Hopefully the current cold weather will still be around so that there will be very few fireworks being shot off.  Later . . .

Election Results Looking Good Fireworks-Wise!

With Roxanne Murphy and Pinky Vargas leading by "comfortable" vote count results of more than 70% and 60%, respectively, of the counted votes, it would appear that any threat to the recently adopted fireworks ban in Bellingham is gone.  Thanks to everyone who considered their public support of the ban when voting for them for the At-Large and Ward 4 City Council positions.  Later . . .

Murphy and Burr on Fireworks Ban

Once again, "assuming" you support the fireworks ban adopted by City Council in June, I urge you to read John Stark's front page piece in today's Herald. It clearly shows how Murphy and Burr do not agree on this issue. Later . . .

Burr and Murphy vie for seat on Bellingham council | 2013 Local Elections | The Bellingham Herald

www.bellinghamherald.com

BELLINGHAM - City Council candidate Bob Burr tries to turn his lack of campaign cash and high-powered endorsements into an asset.

Vargus and Petree on Fireworks Ban

Assuming you support the fireworks ban adopted by City Council in June, I strongly suggest you check out this front page piece in today's Herald, since it indicates how Vargas and Petree differ on this issue. Later . . .

Vargas, Petree in race for Bellingham council seat | 2013 Local Elections | The Bellingham Herald

www.bellinghamherald.com

BELLINGHAM - Pinky Vargas faces Clayton Petree in the race for a four-year term on City Council.

My Choices

This year's Voters' Pamphlet arrived in Friday's mail.  My ballot arrived this afternoon.  This allowed me plenty of time to study the pamphlet and be fully informed and prepared to vote when my ballot arrived today.  My choices included:

• Pinky Vargas and Roxanne Murphy for Bellingham City Council.
• Ken Mann, Carl Weimer, Rud Browne and Barry Buchannan for Whatcom County Council.
• Renata Kowalczyk and Michael McCauyley for Port of Bellingham Commission. 
• John H. Blethen for the Bellingham School Board.
• NO on I-517.
• YES on I-522.

And remember, if you fail to vote, you have relinquished your right to "belly ache" about the election results.  Later. . . 

Sweeny Nailed This One!

It's no wonder we are getter more disallusioned everyday with our political system when things like what Sweeny describes are pretty conclusive evidence that this system has become "the best that money can buy".  Check it out here.  Later . . .

Upcoming Election

I have been a registered voter since 1965, just 2-years shy of half a century. I am proud to declare that in these 48-years, I have never missed a chance to vote. Usually my intended voting choices are kept close to my chest, seldom shared with anyone, including my "bride" of nearly 50-years, until after I have voted. The part I played in the recently successful "campaign" to get a fireworks ban in Bellingham was one of a very few times in my life I that I publicly advocated anything. However, I believe that in the upcoming election, I need to step up with my recommendations: First of all, for Bellingham City Council, I base my choices for the Ward 6 and At-Large two-candidate contests on my fireworks bans efforts – both Pinky Vargas and Roxanne Murphy support the recently approved ban – they will get my vote. Secondly, for the Whatcom County Council, the Whatcom Wins 2013 slate is my choice. With important decisions related to coal and growth management on the horizon, keeping Ken Mann and Carl Weimer on the Council and adding Rud Browne and Barry Buchannan to the Council, is vitally important.  Later . . .

It's Been Awhile

There's been little noteworthy of late regarding fireworks, that is, until this morning.  I invite you to check out an "interesting" letter-to-the-editor in today's Herald.  After reading the letter, scroll down to review the comments.  If you would consider it, I encourage you to "jump into the fray".  Later . . .

Primary Results!

Great to see that Murphy advanced to the November General Election in her effort to become Bellingham City Council Member-at-Large. This is significant "fireworks-wise" since she has publicly expressed her support for the recently passed revised fireworks ordinance which goes to effect in June, 2014.  Congratulations to Rozanne on her primary victory!  Later . . .

Bellingham City Council Elections

The revised fireworks ordinance was adopted with the supporting votes of four (4) of the seven (7) Bellingham City Council Members.  Again, many thanks to Knutson, Lehman, Weiss and Snapp.

Knutson and Lilliquist are running, both unopposed, for re-election to 4-year terms. Snapp is retiring, and he has endorsed Pinky Vargas for his seat on Council. She is running against Clayton Petree for this 4-year Ward 4 seat. Fleetwood is not running for re-election, and he has endorsed Roxanne Murphy. She is running in the primary against Bob Burr and Allen Brown for this 2-year at-large seat.

You may ask, "So, what does this have to do with fireworks?"  A whole lot.  Let me explain:

Pinky supports the fireworks ban.  In fact, at the 6/3/13 public hearing before Council, she spoke forcibly in favor of then proposed ban, urging the Council to approve it.  Jerry Farwell, the "suit" who testified against the proposed ban that same evening, represents the Consumer Fireworks Safety Association PAC, which has recently contributed financially to Petree's campaign.  If elected, Pinky will preserve what Snapp did in support of the recently approved revised fireworks ordinance.

Roxanne also supports the fireworks ban.  In John Stark's 7/25 Herald regarding the Murphy, Burr, Brown 3-way primary race, he wrote: "Murphy says she agrees with the personal fireworks ban . . . because she believes most city residents favor it."  If elected, Roxanne will join Knutson, Lehman and Weiss in support of the new ban.

BOTTOM LINE:  Please consider showing your continued support of the fireworks ban by voting for Roxanne Murphy in the primary and for both Pinky Vargas and Roxanne in the general election in November.  THANKS!  Later . . .

Interesting Letter-to-the-Editor

Today's Bellingham "Halibut" - aka the Herald - included an interesting letter-to-the Editor about fireworks.  The author's lack of understanding of both the current ordinance and of the new ban is significant.  Comments to the letter are also intriguing, as folks like Earnest are beginning to show a very acute understanding of the shortcomings of current ordinance and solid support of the new ban. While remembering what this is really all about - making our City an even better place to live - I urge you to check out the letter and comments thereto here.  Later . . .

UPDATE:

When this posting, and a similar one on our FB page, went out this morning, there were just a half-dozen comments.  Now (5:15PM B'ham time) there are more than another dozen.  Thanks to Ernest, DickConoboy and reasonable_man for "informed" comments in response to others who show a total misunderstanding of the existing City fireworks ordinance and of the recently adopted ban that is slated to go into effect on 6/18/14.  Total bans have been successful in 58-other cities in our State.  Spokane and Spokane County have had incredibly successful total bans for 2-decades.  Bellingham's new total ban is expected to make our City an even better place to live.  Later . . . 

All's Been Quiet on the Southside

For the most part, it appears that the illegal use of fireworks has run its' course on the Southside.  I hope its been quiet where ever you live in the City.  So, that leaves us to have to tough it out this coming New Years and look forward to the implementation of the recently adopted ban when it goes into effect on June 18th, 2014.  I do not think, however, that we can back off now.  Quite the opposite!  We need to do some serious thinking as to what we can do, either individually or collectively, to help implementation of the new ban succeed.  Please think about this and get back to me with your ideas.  THANKS!  Later . . .

Illegal Fireworks Likely Cause of Local Apartment Fire on the 4th of July

Here's just one more reason why the recently passed total fireworks ban is a "no brainer".  Check it out here.

2nd Night in a Row

Last evening was the second in a row that it was quiet.  Perhaps the explosions are over until New Years.  Let's hope so.  Later . . .

The Sunday Quiet Did Not Last!

Here's the deal:  Not only are these idiots unable to read a calendar.  They are also apparently into Sunday being a day of rest.  After a wonderfully quiet Sunday evening, last evening, just past 11PM, the blasts returned.  Although they were distant, Panda certainly knew what was going on. And she did not like it one bit!  A queen-size bed is simply too small for my wife and I and our Aussie!  It's such a helpless feeling to be able to do nothing for a dog who is trembling in your arms as the explosions continued for over an hour.  I so look forward to next year.  Later . . .

A Good Night's Sleep

Although I could just barely hear far away fireworks going off last evening, my Aussie did not.  So we all had the our first good night's sleep since the 3rd.  By the way, my search for fireworks trash with very unproductive yesterday morning.  The only trash I found was over at the intersection of McKenzie and Varsity Place.  Later . . .

The Barrage Continues

Being able to read a calendar is apparently not an ability needed by folks that get their "rocks off" blowing stuff up.  What began on the Southside on the 4th continued into the wee hours this AM.  My calendar indicates it's the 7th.  It's been a tough night for my Aussie and the rest of my family.  What to do . . . ?  Well, I've decided to go look for fireworks trash, which over this weekend is accumulating in Happy Valley, where this blatantly illegal fireworks use continues.  Where there is trash, there are addresses which will help in future calls to 911.  This is something that will at least be better than just putting up with this situation.  Later . . .

Updated Southside Report

The 4th was pretty awful on the Southside. The barrage got started at dusk and continued well into the 5th. Called 911 a couple of times, but frankly, without any exact location info from me, nothing much happened. My Aussie went pretty much ballistic on me. It was not a fun Independence Day for me and mine!  To a lesser degree, at least one idiot who apparently cannot read a calendar shot off some really big stuff last evening.  Apparently this person did not get enough pyrotechnical self-gratification on the 4th or perhaps had leftover "munitions" that needed to be used before they "spoiled".  It seems very strange that this person's close by neighbors put up with this instead of calling 911.  As concerned citizens, we all need to do our part, especially next year when the ban becomes enforcible.

The only conclusion that I can come to is that the BPD/BFD made an impressive effort to make the current "restrictions-only" fireworks ordinance work this year, but it's pretty obvious that the total ban that goes into effect on 6/18/14 is the only real solution to our City's fireworks insanity. Next year, with no sales within the City and law enforcement no longer hindered by having to witness the actual lighting of a fireworks, many idiots who have scoffed at the current ordinance will be much more vulnerable to fines and/or imprisonment in 2014. Later . . .

It's OFFICIAL!

It seems very fitting that I discovered the link below this afternoon, on Independence Day, July 4th, 2013. It is access to the "official" ordinance that puts a fireworks ban in place in June, 2014. Check it out here! Thanks to everyone who has been part of our grass roots campaign to make Bellingham an even better place to live. Have a safe and enjoyable - and perhaps quieter - 4th. Later . . .  

Southside Report

It has been amazingly quiet here on the Southside until last evening. Loud fireworks started north of the Parkway mid-evening and continued well past midnight. I was busy consoling my Aussie, who went bonkers as usual.  It ended up being a short night sleep-wise.  So the likely barrage begins today, on the 4th.  Sure hope it's over by midnight, or not, right?  Sure reinforces why we worked together so long and hard to establish a City-wide ban starting next year.  Later . . .

Spokane's 2013 News Conference

Spokane's successful fireworks ban is 21 years old this year.  It's success has been in part a result of continuing education of the public.  Fundamental are now yearly press conferences.  Check out this year's by clicking here.

Too Good to be True

It was too good to be true.  It's been uncharacteristically quiet since fireworks went on sale Friday morning.  However, this evening at 7:40PM, there was a very loud explosion in Happy Valley, somewhere between 20th and 24th.  "Assuming" it was a firework shot off by some idiot, it was obviously outside the 9AM to 12 midnight time period on the 4th and therefore illegal.  Called 911 - police to check it out but with little exact location information, nothing much enforcement-wise is likely to happen.  To follow with a posting to the BPD later.  Later . . .

This Year's Fireworks Stands

There was an intriguing page A2 story in this AM's Herald, bemoaning the fact that there will be no fireworks sales within the City next year.  It contains some interesting information.  For example, this year there are seven (7) stands, and, contrary to what opponents of next year's ban claimed, not all of them support non-profits.  The article is an interesting read, as are the on-line comments.  You might want to check it out here.

During research regarding this year's sales of fireworks in Bellingham, some enlightening facts were discovered:

• Last year there were ten (10) stands.  
• Last year, fireworks sold at these stands came from two (2) vendors.  
• This year only one (1) of those vendors supplies fireworks to all seven (7) stands.
• This vendor, whose headquarters are in Florence, AL, also supplies fireworks to stands out in Whatcom County and numerous other locations throughout Washington.

So far this year, there have been minimal fireworks on the Southside.  It will be interesting to see how much barrage-type activity takes place outside the 9AM to 12 midnight "legal window" on the 4th.   But just imagine how wonderful it will be next year with no sales in the City.  Later . . .

A Rhetorical Question

Recent publicity provided by the City of Bellingham, as it relates to fireworks in our City, indicates that the City is keen to facilitate a safe and lawful 4th of July this year.  This publicity includes

1. A June 13th Press Release on the City's website.
2. A June, 2013 Blockwatcher E-Mail distribution to neighborhood block captains.
3. An editorial in yesterday's Herald.

Each of these contain essentially the same information, that is, an explanation of the existing fireworks ordinance, of how the BFD and BPD intend to increase the enforcement efforts this year and a "heads-up" that a total ban will be in effect next year.  

All of which leads to this rhetorical question:  Is it not somewhat ironic that, had such due diligence been exercised when the current fireworks ordinance went into effect a decade ago, the recently adopted fireworks ban might not have been necessary?   Later . . .

Editorial in Today's Bellingham Herald

This editorial, written by Fire Chief Roger Christensen and Police Chief Clifford Cook, outlines the City's efforts this year to enforce Bellingham's current fireworks ordinance. It will be even easier next year for our City to enjoy a safe and quiet 4th when the recently adopted fireworks ban goes into effect. Later . . . 

City Fireworks Information for This Year

Midday today, the City of Bellingham put some updated fireworks information out on the City's website.  Included was an explanation that next year at this time, a recently adopted fireworks ban will take effect.  The requirements of the existing fireworks ordinance are explained in detail, along with the City's plans for increased efforts to enforce the current ordinance this year.  Check it out here.  Later . . .

Late to Get On-Line

This letter was in my home delivery Herald over the weekend, but, for whatever reason, did not appear on-line until yesterday.  The letter, which praises the Council's 1st and 2nd reading of, and 4-3 affirmative vote in favor of, the ban on 6/3, once again brought out the not unexpected, "over-the-top" on-line comments of folks who hopefully now realize that the ban attained a 3rd reading and final 4-2 affirmative vote at Council on 6/17.  You can check out the letter and comments by clicking here.  Later . . .

6/17/2013 Council Meeting Video

Video of Monday evening's Bellingham City Council meeting is now available on the City's website.  The video runs for nearly 97-minutes.  The part of interest fireworks-wise begins at just past 91-minutes into the video.  That's when Terry Bornemann, standing fast by his assertion that the fireworks ban is unnecessary, could not resist adding another of his hand-waving comments just before the Council Members present voted 4-2 to codify the ban.  Thanks definitely goes to Lehman, Weiss, Knutson and Snapp for approving the ban.  My personal appreciation goes to Councilman Snapp, who from the first time I met him in September, 2009 supported our efforts to put a ban in place.  Click here to check it out the video.  Later . . .

Stark's Wednesday Article

John Stark's article about the City Council's Monday evening "3rd and final" approval of the fireworks ban did not appear in the Herald until this morning, and alas, on page A2.  The usual "suspects" are burning up their keyboards with on-line anti-ban comments, but there are also many comments in favor Council's action.  Check it out right here.  Later . . .

The GREAT ENDING

First of all, relax!  This posting is not in support of fireworks!  Below is an excerpt from a late June advertisement last year in the Herald.  My intention is to use it as a visual aid for this post, OK?

The fireworks shown below are so-called cakes.  The caption illustrates why our Mayor and Fire Chief have prohibited their sale in the City this year - they clearly shoot into the heavens and create loud noise.  But here's what I want to highlight.  The lower cake shown in the advertisement is called the GREAT ENDING.  Ironic, is it not, that with the Council's passing of a fireworks ban this evening, a significant different type of "great ending" has been reached.

However, it is simply foolhardy to believe this thing is a done deal, because now the real work begins.  Now we all need to step up and do everything we can to make the ban successful.  It is going to take time, but remember what this is really about, and that's making Bellingham an even better place to live.  In the past four years, I have interfaced with about 4000 local folks supporting the promotion of a fireworks ban.  Thanks to all of you for your interest, that support and participation in this grass roots effort.  More later . . .

Lastly, many thanks to Cathy Lehman, Jack Weiss, Gene Knutson and Stan Snapp for your "3rd and final" approval of the fireworks ban.  Later . . .

My Father's Day Wish

Hey, I got my belated birthday wish two weeks ago tomorrow, when the Bellingham City Council came down 4-3 in favor of a fireworks ban in our City.  My Father's Day wish is that Council finish what it started at the 6/3 Council Meeting:  A final affirmative vote, at tomorrow's evening's Council Meeting. would grant my wish.  Later . . .

Agenda Bill AB19986 Available For Review

The Agenda Bill regarding the 3rd reading of, and final vote on, the fireworks ban, to take place this coming Monday evening, 6/17/13 at Council, just appeared on the City's website.  AB 19986 has some interesting attachments, including copies of comments from folks to Council regarding the ban.  Seventy-five percent of those comment express support of the ban.  Check it out by clicking here.  Later . . .

Yet Another Rik Dalvit Cartoon

 

Once again, Dalvit's cartoon in this morning's Herald is intriguing.  And once again, his cartoon keeps this issue in the public view.  It illustrates how necessary it is for those of you who support this ban must make in clear to the Council how important it is that the "3rd and final" on 6/17 support the ban.  Please do not forget that what this is ultimately about is making Bellingham an even better place to live!  Later . . .

What Happened and What's Next . . .

True democracy and grass roots politics are wonderful things to watch.  And what went down this past Monday evening at Council was pretty remarkable:

Nineteen (19) folks testified at the Public Hearing.  Just four (4) of those were against the ban.  Two (2) of the four (4) were not only from out of town, but also represented the fireworks industry.  The remaining fifteen (15) spoke eloquently and passionately in favor of the ban!

Discussion at Council after the hearing was vigorous and intense.  Since our initial one-on-one in September, 2009, Snapp has been steadfastly for a ban.  Knutson, who was on Council with Bornemann in 2002 when the current fireworks ordinance was put in place, came around earlier this year when he came to to the realization that what he and others on Council believed would work in 2009 simply did not!  Weiss and Lehman, both admitting to their love of fireworks, came down on the side of making Bellingham an even better place for us to live.  The non-support of the ban by Bornemann and Lilliquist was not unexpected.  What makes Fleetwood's non-support of the ban perplexing was it's contrast to his past support of a plastic bag ban.  That having been stated, the 4-3 vote was awesome!

However, the next step is vital, and it's very important that we all keep the pressure on Council.  At the next evening Council meeting on 6/17, what's called the "3rd reading" of the ban will take place and a final roll call vote taken.  Votes of this kind happen towards the end of Council meetings.  So, there is still an opportunity, during the Public Comment period at the beginning of the meeting, for folks to come forward and comment, for or against the ban.  This is why it is so very important that you let Council know before then that you support what was done last Monday evening and expect final approval of the ban on 6/17.

Later . . .

Video

The video of Monday evening's Public Hearing about, and Council discussion of, the fireworks ban in now available here.  Check it out!  Later . . .

4 to 3 is Fine With Me

Just home from this evening's City Council Meeting.  Public Hearing went beautifully, as did the Council's vote to move the proposed ban ahead for "3rd and final reading" and roll call vote on the 6/17/13 Council Meeting.  Voting in favor of the ban were Councilwoman Cathy Lehman and Councilmen Snapp, Knutson and Weiss.  Voting against the ban were Councilmen Lilliquist, Bornemann and Fleetwood.  However, 4 to 3 is fine with me.  More details to follow.  Later . . .

The Third Time's a Charm, Hopefully!

The next Bellingham City Council meeting, which begins at 7:00PM this next Monday, June 3rd, includes a Public Hearing regarding a proposed ordinance to prohibit consumer fireworks within the City of Bellingham in 2014.  Several of us have already visited Bellingham City Council meetings to express our fireworks concerns via Public Comments.  Actually we have done this twice this year, on Jan 28th and March 11th.  Several of us are returning again Monday evening to testify at the Public Hearing, and we are hoping, to cite an old adage, that the "third time's a charm"!  If testifying is "not in your network", you might consider showing your support of the proposed ordinance by simply being in Council Chambers during the hearing.  If you cannot be there, the meeting will be televised live on BTV10.  You can learn more about our efforts to ban fireworks by visiting this FaceBook page.  Later . . .

Monday's City Council Meeting Agenda

Just found the Agenda for the 6/3 evening City Council Meeting.  It includes an updated AB 19866, an Agenda Bill and it's attachments.  It's an interesting read!  Check it out here.  Hope many of you can testify during the public hearing and/or just watch our Council in action in person on Monday evening.  Later . . .

Spokane's Successful Fireworks Ban

The City of Spokane has had a fireworks ban for two decades.  The success of the Spokane ban is remarkable.

Spokane's success shows what can be done if a city adopts an easily understandable and enforceable fireworks ordinance, reaches out to educate it's citizens as to what the ordinance means and then enforces it's ordinance fairly and consistently.  The City of Bellingham can do the same thing that Spokane and fifty-seven (57) other cities in our State have done.  Let's do it!

Lisa Jones, Fire Marshal of the Spokane Fire Department, recently provided the graphs below which illustrate this success of Spokane's ban.  Some explanation is required:  The ban was put in place in 1992.  After 10-years, yearly data, for a period of June 28 through July 6, was gathered for the 10-years before and 10-years after the ban was enacted.  The comparison of the number of firework-related injuries and fireworks-related fires for these two periods is stunning:

(NOTE: "Left Click" on graph to enlarge.)

As shown in this top graph, injuries dropped 87% from 290 between 1983 and 1992 to 37 between 1993 and 2002.  Since 2003, there have been 49 fireworks-related injuries, with no fireworks-related injuries in 2012.

 (NOTE: "Left Click" on graph to enlarge.)

As shown in this bottom graph, fires dropped 95% from 1043 between 1983 and 1992 to 46 between 1993-2002.  Since 2003, there have been 47 fireworks-related fires, with just a single fireworks-related fire in 2012.

Spokane's Fire Marshal, Lisa Jones, attributes much of the success of the Spokane ban to education and outreach to the public.  An example of this is a 6/28/12 press conference which you can check out here.  Later . . .

Something to Think About, Right?

Einstein defined insanity as “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” The existing Bellingham fireworks ordinance - BMC 10.24.130 - has been in effect for over a decade. When Council updated this ordinance in 2002, it was with the expectation of Councilman Bornemann and his fellow Council members that fireworks which flew into the sky and exploded loudly had been prohibited. The "over and over again" yearly attempts to enforce this ordinance have not prohibited flying, explosive fireworks. And the insanity is "expecting different results", which will likely be shown very clearly in a few weeks. The bottom line is that it is time for the current fireworks ordinance to be simplified and strengthened. And that is exactly what the proposed ban will do. I urge you to testify in support of the proposed ban at Council on 6/3. Or perhaps, you could show your support by simply attending upcoming City Council meetings on 6/3 and 6/17. Something to think about, right? Later . . .

City Of Bellingham News

This is not really news to those who have been following this blog or the Fireworks Guy FaceBook page.  However, the City's "official announcement" of what's coming is significant.  Check it out here.  Later . . .

Success May be Attainable

When our Freedom from Fireworks in Bellingham group and the blog was initiated back in 2010, we certainly hoped we could bring the idea of a ban of fireworks in our City this close to what might be legislative success.  Yet that's exactly where we are right now:

1. A public hearing at Council is scheduled for 6/3/13.  Council can complete a 1st and 2nd reading of the ban under their consideration that evening and vote to move forward.  With a majority affirmative vote, the ban can then be scheduled for final consideration at Council on 6/17/13.
2. On 6/17/13, the Council can complete a 3rd reading of the proposed ban and take a final vote.  With a majority affirmative vote, the ban is adopted by Council.
3. The resulting ordinance, after endorsement by Council President Seth Fleetwood, approval by Mayor Kelli Linville, the Finance Director, the City Attorney and publishing, becomes the "law of the City" no later than 6/27/13.
4. After the State-mandated 1-year "waiting period", this revised fireworks ordinance - BMC 10.24.130 - is enforceable before the 4th of July next year.

During our efforts to promote the idea of a ban, over 3700 folks have supported us via two petition campaigns.  We hope that many of these people will attend the 6/3 and 6/17 Council meetings to show, by their presence, their support of the proposed ban.  THANKS!  Later . . .

Second Stark Piece This Week

There was another well-written, front page article below John Stark's by-line in this morning's Bellingham Herald.  It reports that a public hearing regarding the proposed fireworks ban currently under consideration by the City Council will take place at Council on 6/3/13.  As usual, on-line comments resulted.  Check out article and the comments here.  Later . . .

Tuesday AM Front Page Article in Herald

You know progress is being made toward a ban of fireworks in our City when local columnist John Stark gets coverage on front page of in the Bellingham Herald.  It's a well-written piece that deserves a read - cannot say that about the on-line comments but most of these comments illustrate where the reluctance to put a ban in place comes from.  Check the article out here.  Later . . .

Public Hearing on 6/3

This evening's City Council meeting ran very long. It was past 10PM before the subject of a fireworks ban was addressed. The substantive result of discussion this evening was the a motion, passed unanimously, scheduling a public hearing regarding a ban, to take place at Council on 6/3. Later . . .

Conoboy's Latest Northwest Citizen Piece

Local activist Dick Conoboy continued today to show his support of a fireworks ban in our City.  After attending this morning's meeting of the Public Safety Council Meeting, during which a lively discussion took place, Conoboy shares is view of what took place.  His suggested use of the money that is wasted on the purchase of fireworks is a great one!  Check out his posting here.

Ban Discussion Televised this AM

BTV10 will be broadcasting live the Public Safety Council Meeting today at 9:00AM. Assuming you cannot attend the meeting in person, I encourage you to instead check out the scheduled discussion of the DRAFT fireworks ban on TV this morning. Later . . .

DRAFT Ban is Available for Review

The Agenda for next Monday's City Council activities appeared on the City website today. This Agenda includes AB 19986, which includes as an attachment the DRAFT fireworks ban that is to be discussed at the Public Safety Council Committee meeting on Monday morning. If you are so inclined, please click on the link below and check it out.  Later . . . 

http://www.cob.org/web/council.nsf/0/6F82BCD0B9C834BB88257B6D00640BD6/$File/20may2013_AB19986.pdf?OpenElement

Good News at Council on Monday Evening

City Council members Cathy Lehman and Stan Snapp made statements at Monday evening's Council meeting (at about 97.00-minutes of the linked video) that clearly indicate that the fireworks issue continues to be of interest to Council.  The Mayor's statements regarding this issue (at about 102.00-minutes of the video.) show that efforts continue to address this issue prior to this year's 4th of July.  This is indeed good news!  The video is available on-line at http://www.cob.org/services/education/btv10/videos/council/2013-05-13-council-meeting.aspx.  Later . . .

Another Sunday Political Cartoon

 

This Rik Dalvit cartoon in today's Bellingham Herald is intriguing.  However, anytime Dalvit makes a  reference to fireworks - even "fireworks manufacturer?" - is significant, in that it keeps the idea of a ban of personal fireworks in City in view of the public.  Later . . .

Recent Letter-to-the-Editor

You might want to check out this recent letter-to the Editor in the Bellingham Herald.  It seems to have hit home as it brought the anti-fireworks-ban folks out in droves.  There appear to be strikingly different views of what a Civil Society really is.  It's a great letter - some of the comments, not so much!  Interesting reading, to say the least.  Later . . .

Poll Results

Evan Marczynski, Lead Reporter at the Bellingham Business Journal, after reading Stark's front page Herald fireworks piece on Tuesday, April 23rd, launched a fireworks ban poll on April 25th. It's question was simple: Should Bellingham ban personal-use fireworks?  Evan posted results (See below) of the poll to me this afternoon, and I believe it's important to share them with interested members of the Public. Although the poll is not "scientific", l hope you find the results compelling and well worth consideration.  Later . . . 

---------- Forwarded Message ----------
From: Evan Marczynski
To: Control Fireworks in Bellingham, WA
Subject: RE: Follow Up to Our Telcon
Date: Fri, 3 May 2013 15:50:32 -0700

The fireworks ban poll from last week received 231 total votes. 78 percent were in favor; 21 percent against; 1 percent not sure. We have been running weekly polls on our website since March 2012. This is the third most-popular poll (by number of total votes) that we have run. The two polls that received more votes involved questions about whether Bellingham would be a good fit for a Winco Foods grocery store, and one that asked respondents if they supported the Gateway Pacific Terminal.

And just so we are clear, neither myself nor The Bellingham Business Journal have taken a position on whether personal-use fireworks should be banned in Bellingham. This poll, which is not scientific and relies on voluntary votes, was done to engage with our audience and measure community opinion on this matter.

Best of luck to you!

Evan Marczynski

Lead Reporter

Bellingham Business Journal Fireworks Opinion Poll

 In my search for a Comcast fireworks opinion poll - which I have yet to locate -  I discovered this Bellingham Business Journal fireworks ban poll.  Please go out to vote your opinion at BBJ Opinion Poll.  THANKS!  Later . . .

Sunday Political Cartoon

The Rik Dalvit cartoon in today's Bellingham Herald clearly indicates that our Mayor is very much aware of the persistent grass-roots efforts of the Freedom From Fireworks folks to promote better control of personal fireworks in our City.  Later . . .

So Much for the Month of May

The elation I felt, this past Monday morning, when I watched a discussion of a City fireworks ban, was soon after dashed as I began to ask myself, "So, what happens next?", especially in view of the fact that whatever is to be none must be done before the 4th of July this year for it to be enforced before the 4th of July next year.  It looks like any real progress is now stalled until no earlier than May 20th.  Here's why: 

      

• The discussion itself remains in the Public Safety Council Committee.  Two sitting members of this committee will be "out of pocket" for the Committee's 5/13 meeting.  Hence, it would appear that nothing substantive can happen in that committee until it's 5/20 meeting.
• It is my understanding that a City Assistant Attorney is at work on a DRAFT fireworks ban.  The City Attorney's Office was very helpful with the development, in late 2011, of a petition designed to put a ban on the November, 2012 General Election ballot.  This being the case, the task of writing a DRAFT fireworks ban to present to the Public Safety Council Committee should be a relatively easy one.  Hopefully work on a DRAFT ban, which the Public Safety Committee needs to continue discussion of this issue, is proceeding productively.
• It is also my understanding that the Mayor will be "out-of-pocket" between May 1st and 8th and between May 17th and 24th.  I am hopeful that during these "out-of-pocket" periods that City staff and the Council will continue to work on this issue.

BOTTOM LINE: Perhaps the over 3200 registered voters in Bellingham who support better control fireworks in our City would be very disappointed to learn that the City's address of this issue before the 4th of July this year is jeopardized by the loss of most of the month of May.  Comments?  Later . . . 

Monday's Council Public Safety Committee Meeting Video

The recent front page article in the Herald covered, from John Stark's perspective, what took place at Monday's Council Public Safety meeting.  Just discovered that the City has put the video of that meeting up at http://www.cob.org/services/education/btv10/videos/council/2013-04-22-council-committee-meeting.aspx.  The Committee's discussion of fireworks comes up first and lasts about an hour.  Strongly suggest that you check it out.  Later . . .

Front Page in Today's Newspaper

John Stark's front page piece in this morning's Bellingham Herald is very interesting reading.  Your can view it on-line here.  You might want to check out the on-line comments too.  Amazing how many folks have stepped up in support of a total ban of personal fireworks in our City.  Later . . .

Freedom From Fireworks in Bellingham is on Facebook

This is not a new Facebook page, but it's only recently been utilized.  Check it out at Fireworks Guy.  Later . . .

Discussion of Fireworks to Begin on Monday

The City recently posted the Agenda for this coming Monday's City Council activities.  At long last, a discussion of fireworks in our City is slated as the first order of business at the morning Public Works/Public Safety Council Committee.  The committee, chaired with Councilman Stan Snapp, includes Councilmen Gene Knutson and Terry Bornemann.  Monday's meeting is to begin at 9:00AM in the Council chamber at City Hall.  This is a working session, open to the public and available for viewing live on BTV10.  For more information, please access this link: http://www.cob.org/web/council.nsf/$vAllByUnid/4CA6BA5AF5C9B01888257B510054FCF8?OpenDocument. A review of the listed City Council Agenda Bill regarding a fireworks ban discussion (AB19942) is highly recommended.  Later . . .

Another Conoboy Piece

Once again, supporter Richard Conoboy has written yet another piece for the Northwest Citizen.  Check it out at  http://www.nwcitizen.com/entry/status-of-the-move-to-ban-fireworks-in-bellingham.  Later . . .

To Whom It May Concern

In order for any changes to the existing City noise and fireworks ordinances to be enforceable before the 4th of July in 2014, these changes must be adopted legislatively by the City before the 4th of July this year.  As the items below clearly show, since July of last year, the City has made very little progress in this regard:

• During City Council sessions on July 25th and August 6th of 2012, the Mayor reported to Council that she would direct City Attorney staff to review what the City might do to address concerns regarding fireworks in our City.
• On September 18th, 2012, Taimi Gorman, Richard Maneval and I visited MNAC to express our concerns regarding fireworks in our City. Following that MNAC meeting, the Mayor again indicated that she would have staff look into this matter.
• In response to my October 30th, 2012 posting requesting any results of staff actions with regard in our concerns regarding fireworks in our City, I received a posting that stated in part, "In early 2013, Mayor Kelli plans to work with our public safety officials on a plan for increased neighborhood presence to assist in the education and enforcement of existing fireworks restrictions."  There was no mention of any of the staff work that had been promised.  
• On January 28th and March 11th of this year, I was accompanied by several eloquent residents of our City, to voice, in 3-minute Public Comments to City Council, our concerns regarding fireworks in our City.
• Twice now, during City Council sessions on February 11th and March 11th of 2013, motions to get a discussion of fireworks in our City started in the Public Safety Council Committee, which is chaired by Stan Snapp, have passed unanimously.
• During the Mayor's Report portion of the evening Council Meeting on February 11th, 2013, the Mayor  and Fire Chief Roger Christensen announced an "interpretation" of our existing fireworks ordinance which prohibits, starting this year, the sale at fireworks stands in our City of so-called "cakes".  This is a minimal but significant step forward.
• During an exchange between the Mayor and Councilman Snapp at the City Council meeting on March 25th, 2013, the Mayor once again stated that she would direct staff do whatever is required to enable the Public Safety Council Committee to take up this matter.
• A recent review of the City Council Agenda for this coming Monday, April 8th, 2013 indicates that fireworks is not yet an Agenda item for the Public Safety Council Committee. 

     This leads me to one simple question:  Why is it taking so long for the City to act?

     It has always been my belief that elected officials serve at the pleasure of those who elected them.  To say the least, I am not pleased with the City's minimal reaction to our concerns.  I for one will keep this in mind the next time I vote. 

     Later . . . 

The Mayor's Commitment - AGAIN!

Mayor Linville has once again committed publicly to instruct her staff to do whatever it is must be done by her staff to get the discussion of a fireworks ban officially to Council.  At this past Monday's daytime Council Committee meeting, Stan Snapp once again asked her when this issue was to be sent to the Public Safety Committee which he chairs.  His query and her response can he viewed on the video of that meeting at the following link:  http://www.cob.org/services/education/btv10/videos/council/2013-03-25-council-committee-me eting.aspx.  This exchange begins at 1:52:30 of the video and continues for about 2-minutes.  Check it out!

If anyone out there in cyberspace would like to help "push this thing along", a polite but firm posting to the mayor - klinville@cob.org - urging her to follow up on her commitment to put her staff to work on this might be very persuasive.  THANKS!  Later . . . 

A Bit of Humor

The cartoon below was provided by one of our most steadfast supporters.  Funny?  Yes, it is while also being very pertinent.  Later . . .

Stan Snapp on Joe's Show on 3/19/13

City Councilman Stan Snapp recently announced that he will be leaving the Council at the end of his term at the end of this year.  Councilman Snapp has been on the "same page" with us regarding a fireworks ban since I first met him one-on-one in 2009.  His support of a fireworks ban in Bellingham is based in part on his personal experiences as a member of the Bellingham Fire Department.  His recent radio interview on Joe's Show - http://kgmi.com/play_window.php?audioType=Episode&audioId=6288295 - includes, at two points during the interview, his insightful thoughts about a ban.  These comments begin at 34:30 and 37:40 into the interview.  Check them out.  Later . . .

To Council We Did Go - AGAIN on 3/11/13!

A group consisting of six (6) residents of Bellingham voiced their concerns about fireworks at Monday evening's City Council meeting.  Check it out at http://www.cob.org/services/education/btv10/videos/council/2013-03-11-council-meeting.aspx.  Our comments begin on the video at the 2-minute and 30-second point and last for about 17-minutes.

NW Citizen Article

Local activist Richard Conoboy has penned another posting to the Northwest Citizen blog in support of total ban of the sales and personal use of fireworks in our City.  It is very well written and well worth a read.  Check it out at http://www.nwcitizen.com/entry/support-our-troops-ban-fireworks.  Later . . .

To Council We Shall Go - AGAIN!

After our successful visit to City Council on 1/28/13, it seems appropriate that we return once again.  Several new concerned citizens of Bellingham will be joining me on 3/11/13, in a return to Council to voice our concerns about fireworks, 3 minutes at a time, during the Public Comment period.  The Mayor's and the Council's attention to this situation, including a serious consideration of a ban on the sales of - and personal use of - fireworks in our City, seems to have waned.  Perhaps our appearance will remind the City that now is the time to get moving on this.  Later . . .

Monday was a Good Day at Council

The Bellingham City Council met on Monday, 2/11/13. And some good things took place fireworks-wise:

• During the mid-day Committee of the Whole Meeting, Stan Snapp moved, under Old or New Business, that the fireworks issue be sent for discussion to Public Safety Committee which he chairs.  After the required second, the motion was passed 6-0 with Councilman Bornemann absent.
• During the Mayor's Report portion of the evening Council Meeting, Mayor Linville and Fire Chief Roger Christensen announced an "interpretation" of our existing fireworks ordinance (i.e., BMC 10.24.130) intended to prohibit the sale at fireworks stands in our City of so-called "cakes" (A cake is a dense-packed collection of mine/shell tubes that are fused together). It’s “a small step forward” but a good indication that City officials are serious about acting to get the fireworks situation under control. All other consumer fireworks identified as such by RCW 70-77-136 are still allowed to be sold in the City, including such aerials and/or blasters as Roman Candles, Mines/Shells and Reloadable Mortars.
  Later . . . 

More Interesting Facts

While reviewing State-wide fireworks information for my previous posting to this blog, I decided to also compare the City's fireworks ordinance (i.e., BMC 10.24.130) with Washington State fireworks laws (i.e., RCW 70.77 and WAC 212-17).  This review revealed the following items which I need to share with you:

1. Since my last visit the the Fire Marshal's compilation of fireworks bans and restrictions in Washington, the numbers of both have increased noticeably: Bans in Cities have increased from 51 to 58. Restrictions in Cities have increased from 55 to 91.  And restrictions in Counties have increased from 9 to 13.  Bellingham public officials need to recognize the significance of these increases and make ours the 59th city in Washington to put a total ban of fireworks in place.  
2. Since I began, nearly four years ago, to voice my concerns about fireworks in Bellingham, many residents of our City -  including a couple of Members of City Council and a former Mayor - have stated that they thought fireworks were already banned in our City.  WRONG!  As allowed by RCW 70.77.250(4), Bellingham revised its' fireworks ordinance by putting restrictions, but not a ban, in place in 2005.  The current fireworks ordinance (i.e., BMC 10.24.130) includes restrictions that are above and beyond the minimum requirements of RCW 70.77 and WAC 212-77.  Consumer fireworks are not currently prohibited.
3. So, the obvious question is, what restrictions are currently in effect in our City?  One fact is somewhat surprising: no types of fireworks other than those already prohibited by State or Federal statutes were added to the current fireworks ordinance.  And the actual restrictions that were added have proven to be unenforceable and hence ineffective.  Both are in force each year during the June/July time frame.  RCW 70.77.395 and WAC 212-17-060 stipulate the 8-days when consumer fireworks may be legally sold and used in our State, from the 28th of June through the 5th of July.  The current Bellingham fireworks ordinance reduces consumer fireworks sales by just one day, allowing no sales on the 5th of July, and consumer fireworks use to just one day, the 4th of July.  A total ban in our City would prohibit the sale and use of consumer fireworks year round except so-called "toy cap, trick and novelties", as provided for in RCW 70-77-405 and WAC 212-17-30, and those already listed at BMC 10.24.130.D.

Later . . .

County and City Bans

After Mayor Linville inquired last week as to whether Whatcom County officials had been contacted regarding our seeking a fireworks ban in Bellingham, I decided to do a bit of review of State-wide fireworks information, and below is compiled what I have come up with.

BTW, the data shown below is a summary of information available here on our website (Click on "Page 1 of Existing Consumer Fireworks Bans and Restrictions") at and from the State Fire Marshall at http://www.wsp.wa.gov/fire/docs/fireworks/ordinances.pdf.

1. Fifty-eight (58) cities in Washington have total bans.
2. Of the thirty-seven (37) counties in Washington, four (4) counties have total bans.
3. These counties are Franklin, Spokane, Yakima and Okanogan.
4. Within Franklin County, two (2) cities - Connell and Pasco - have total bans.
5. Within Spokane County, five (5) cities - Cheney, Liberty Lake, Millwood, Spokane and Spokane Valley - have total bans.
6. Within Yakima County, seven (7) cities - Naches, Selah, Sunnyside, Tieton, Toppenish, Union Gap and Yakima - have total bans.
7. Within Okanogan County, one (1) city - Oroville - has a total ban. 

BOTTOM LINE:  Of the fifty-eight (58) cities in our State with total bans, just fifteen (15) are located within counties with total bans.  That means that forty-three (43) cities in our State with total bans are not located within counties with total bans.  It's time to make Bellingham the 44th!  Later . . .

To Council We Did Go!

A group consisting of nine (9) residents of our City who support the efforts of Freedom From Fireworks in Bellingham voiced their concerns about fireworks at Monday evening's City Council Meeting during it's Public Comment Period.  Check it out at http://www.cob.org/services/education/btv10/videos/council/2013-01-28-council-meeting.aspx.   This group's Public Comments come early in the video (between 2:30 and 31:00).  You should also check out Mayor Linville's comments during the Mayor's Report toward the end of the meeting (from 112:00).  Later . . .

To Council We Shall Go!

At long last, some good things are starting to happen relative to the fireworks problem here in Bellingham, in part because of this year's New Years illegal fireworks barrages.  Apparently, lots of folks contacted members of the Bellingham City Council regarding these barrages and some Council members responded.  The "rumor" is that Council will to bring this situation forward for discussion this year.  This is where we need to personally engage members of City government.  And here's how:  Early on at each City Council meeting, members of the public are welcome, in 3-minutes time slots, to speak to the Mayor and Council members about whatever is on their minds.  So, on Monday evening, January 28th, to council we shall go: a group of residents of our City who support the efforts of Freedom From Fireworks in Bellingham will be voicing their concerns about fireworks during that evening's Public Comment period.  Later . . .

New Years Illegal Fireworks

     Here are excepts from a couple of recent postings to Mayor Kelli, City Council Members, the Bellingham Police Department and the Bellingham Fire Department:

"New Year Greetings to All,

      Last June, representatives of the Bellingham Police and Fire Department and of the City Attorney's Office made a presentation to the Mayor and members of City Council regarding fireworks in our City.  This presentation included a review of the City fireworks ordinance - BMC 10.24.130.  As a simplification of what this ordinance prohibits fireworks-wise in our City, it was stated that any fireworks that leaves the ground or goes "bang" instead of "pop" was illegal.  Last evening, on the Southside, many fireworks that shot far into the air and/or exploded with "bomb-like" noises "greeted" the New Year!  These explosions continue this evening.  I am hoping that the multiple BPD units that are at this very instant - 9:45PM - are in Happy Valley are in fact evidence that these folks who continue to ignore the existing fireworks regulations are being sought.  Please advise.  THANKS!"

"Greetings

      I would like to comment about my experience regarding the new years eve fireworks observed here in the Sunny Land Neighborhood. I have waited until this morning to send an email because I wanted to wait a few days to see if any reports regarding illegal use of fireworks showed up on the Bellingham Police daily activity report for  new years eve. I checked this morning and there was not one report. I am reporting on the activity in the

vicinity around my home . . . The obviously illegal fireworks started going off at approximately 11:30 PM, and continued through to 1:30 AM. I am talking about extremely loud explosions. It is still clear to me that the police department is powerless and reluctant to enforce the law regarding the use of illegal fireworks in the City of Bellingham. The City Council needs to step up to the plate and be the lawmakers that they were elected to be and put into effect a total ban of fireworks. This is a huge public safety issue.

     Durring the New years eve fireworks this year I didn't even bother to make one 911 call because of the experience I had on the last fourth of July with the Bellingham Police Department.  That seems to me a good indication that the city council will continue to do nothing about the Firework issue. If nothing else why doesn't the police department enforce the city's noise ordinance  BMC 10.24.120?"

     Here are excerpts of postings received today on this Freedom From Fireworks in Bellingham blog:  

     "We called 911 New Year's Eve.  I said "I know you don't care about this and you probably won't do anything about this but my neighbors are breaking the law right now and I'd like a patrol car to drive by."  The explosions stopped about 15 mins later so I think they actually drove by.

     We had a couple ideas after the fact:

1) I am going to write a personal note to my neighbor (I know exactly who does this every 4th and 31st) this July 3rd and beg them to not break the law again/be unneighborly. I am also going to offer to donate up to half of what they are spending on these explosives to the charity of their choice.

2) I looked into creating an online database where we can have people log incidents when they happen so we get a realistic view of how much law breaking is going on.

     What continues to bother me here is this...why even have this law if it isn't going to be enforced?  I hate this sort of stuff."

     ". . . you might want to contact the Whatcom Humane Society for statistics on the animal impact of fireworks. After New Year's and the 4th, there are always dogs picked up by Animal Control who got out during the fireworks and ran around terrified until they were found. A few get hit by cars as they run blindly out into the street. I volunteer there so I hear about these issues. I also know that the vet there distributes sedatives for the staff's animals before those holidays. My cat sat on my chest New Year's Eve, submitting to hugs (a rare thing), from 11:30 to 1 AM. You have a lot of supporters at WHS."