Petitioners Push to Overturn Fireworks Ban

Signatures supporting a referendum to overturn a ban on fireworks sales continue to be collected in an effort to undo a Sept. 16 City Council vote.

Referendum backers were out all weekend with petitions.

“I don’t believe we’re going to legislate the world into total safety,� Omelette Express owner Don Taylor said Sunday as he collected signatures outside his restaurant.

Despite the law banning the sale and use of personal fireworks, “we’re still going to have illegal fireworks in Sonoma County,� Taylor argued.

The council’s unanimous decision followed a June 28 blaze that destroyed a home. The 42-acre brush fire was blamed on two teenagers using fireworks.

“I probably hear 2-to-1 from people who support the ban as opposed to those who oppose the ban,� Mayor Sharon Wright said Sunday.