Anaheim voters’ approval of Measure E last month didn’t immediately legalize the sale and use of safe-and-sane fireworks in the city. What it did was give the city council the power to legalize them by repealing the City Charter’s prohibition against safe-and-sane fireworks.
Since Independence Day comes fast on the heals of the June 3 primary, there was little opportunity for the city to act on a legalization ordinance, especially since the clear intention of proponents was to leave the fireworks prohibition in place in areas of Anaheim that are more prone to brushfires.
Per the City of Anaheim website:
Recently voters passed Measure E, a ballot measure that repeals the current ban on the use of “safe and sane” fireworks in Anaheim. Measure E will not take effect until at least July 26, 2014, in accordance with election results certification. Fireworks (including “safe and sane” fireworks) are not legal in Anaheim at this time.
As a result, over this 4th of July weekend, the Anaheim Police Department will be enforcing the current firework ban. Further, as specifically stated in Measure E, violation of the firework ban prior to the effective date of Measure E may lead to prosecution by the City Attorney.
