Jul 24 2024
Pasadena’s Zero Tolerance of Fireworks Was a Failure

Pasadena’s Zero Tolerance of Fireworks Was a Failure

 My observation from July 4, 2024 in Pasadena, in which the city had a supposed ZERO tolerance policy for fireworks. This should concern all citizens.

As my wife and I drove from our house toward the Rose Bowl on the evening of July 4 for the LA Galaxy vs. LAFC soccer game, we encountered fireworks exploding in several directions, emanating from parks and residential neighborhoods.

As we entered the Rose Bowl perimeter, we encountered more firework detonations in the parking areas in plain view of Pasadena police and Rose Bowl security. As  the fireworks were exploding in front  and raining down directly overhead, I wondered why law enforcement was ignoring the violation of the imposed policy.

When I thought we were safe inside at a sporting event,  the situation worsened as we witnessed fireworks being set off in the stands. Again, law enforcement stood down,  taking no visible action. It was nearly impossible to enjoy the soccer game.

After the game concluded, the planned fireworks show was mediocre at best; bright lights made viewing less desirable, the show was short and not choreographed well compared to many I’ve seen.  It appeared that a large percentage of people exited the stadium to watch the show from elsewhere

Leaving the stadium felt like we were within a war zone. Fireworks were going off everywhere–exploding in front of us and flying from every direction. Dangerous! As we did earlier,we saw fireworks at the parks and all around the neighborhoods on our return home.

Pasadena needs to step up and enforce their ban on fireworks at the Rose Bowl.and do a drone show.

What good is a zero tolerance if police stand by while fireworks are being lit in front of them?

The Shotspotter system on which the city spent and spends hundreds of thousands of dollars seems to be underutilized. It should be able to assist with at least reporting the incidents. But most important is having officers enforce the law.

When we hear over and over, “See something, say something,” and then disappointingly get a “Do nothing” response from the city, the result is that people will give up and then say nothing.

Then when asked about community policing or other engagement with public safety we hear,“Nobody says anything!”

Watch these videos to glimpse the severity:

https://bit.ly/pasadenarosebowlstandsfireworks2024

or

https://youtu.be/piPCMa09doo

 

Update: We have learned that the MLS has fined($100k) and revoked privileges to the Galaxy group that was responsible for the incident at the Rose Bowl.  We do not know if anyone will be cited or prosecuted from the acts that took place at the Rose Bowl that day, but it still stands that nothing was done to stop the activities that took place. Causing harm to families and obscuring the ability to enjoy the game.

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