PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. -- On the Fourth of July, the nation will celebrate its 236th birthday. For most of us the weekend will be filled with family gatherings, festivals and fireworks. While service members and civilians are encouraged to celebrate and enjoy their Fourth of July holiday this weekend, they are encouraged to do so without fireworks.
No fireworks of any kind are allowed anywhere on the Presidio of Monterey, Ord Military Community or La Mesa Village, said Presidio of Monterey Police Deputy Chief Major John M. Chaffee.
He referred to a memorandum regarding the installation fireworks policy.
"The installation's leadership is committed to the safety and welfare of everyone working, living or visiting facilities at the [Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center], POM, La Mesa and [Ord Military Community]," wrote POM Garrison Commander Col. Joel J. Clark.
The memorandum explains that the intent of the policy is to prevent injury to anyone within those areas.
Even if certified as "safe and sane," fireworks are not to be discharged within the confines of DLIFLC, POM, La Mesa or OMC, the memorandum says.
Additionally, the Monterey Police Department is actively enforcing the ban on any type of fireworks in the City of Monterey. Fines for violation of the ban start at $1,000, according to a Monterey Police Department.
Fireworks designated by the State of California as "safe and sane" are allowed for sale and use in Seaside, Marina, Salinas, Gonzales, Soledad, Greenfield, Watsonville, Gilroy and Hollister.
Fireworks of any type are NOT ALLOWED in all other areas within Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties. This includes all unincorporated areas, special districts, coastal beaches, state and county parks, federal and state property including military installations. Exceptions to this: San Juan Bautista: "Safe and Sane" fireworks may be sold, but not used in San Juan Bautista. Capitola: "Safe and Sane" fireworks may not be sold in Capitola, but may be used on private property. Fireworks of any type are also NOT ALLOWED on any beach area in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties.
Fireworks of any type are NOT ALLOWED, at Ord Military Community since it is federal property and part of the Presidio of Monterey Military Complex.
Fireworks are defined as any device containing chemical elements and chemical compounds capable of burning independently of the oxygen of the atmosphere and producing audible, visual, mechanical or thermal effects, the memorandum explains.
Examples of fireworks include, but are not limited to: firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, roman candles, rockets, Daygo bombs, sparklers, party poppers, paper caps, chasers, fountains, smoke sparks, aerial bombs and fireworks kits.
Also, Chaffee reminds pet owners that loud noises from fireworks frighten animals due to their heightened senses of hearing, and they will do anything to escape the noise. This behavior is usually unpredictable and out of character, and it may include chewing through a leash, jumping through screens and glass windows, digging under a fence, jumping over a wall, bolting away from the owner, and running into traffic.
Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly. Two forms of ID are always best when it comes to protecting your pet. Animals found running at-large should be taken to the local animal care and control center, where they have the best chance of being reunited with their owners. Pets taken to the SPCA, will be scanned for a microchip. SPCA microchips pets for costs about $25.
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