“If fireworks-related calls are concentrated in certain neighborhoods, that also means the residents living with explosions, fires, trauma, sleep disruption, and danger are from those same neighborhoods,” he said. “Equity cannot only mean limiting enforcement, it must also mean protecting residents in impacted communities when they’re asking for relief.”
Some public commenters, like Bernal Heights resident Flo Kelly, argued that law enforcement should focus on those who sell illegal fireworks.
“Make sure that these things don’t get sold,” she said. “You might have a better outcome if you can coordinate with all of the towns around us.”
Despite some opposition, the two other supervisors on the committee asked to be added as cosponsors to the legislation.
“I understand the spirit and excitement of fireworks,” said Supervisor Danny Sauter. “But I think, as was stated earlier, it’s best left to the professionals.