Fireworks sales ignite

Paul Clinton

Patriotic fireworks were the toast of the town Monday as pyrotechnics

went on sale in Costa Mesa -- one of only four Orange County cities where

they can be sold legally.

Morning Glory sparkler-like fireworks, pinwheels and loud Piccolo

Petes were bought aplenty at the Red Devil stand in the Stater Brothers

parking lot off Newport Boulevard. But Fourth of July revelers also

picked up the colorful American Spirit, stand proprietor Ruth Harris

said.

“It has lots of red, white and blue [colored sparks],” Harris said

about the American Spirit. “It’s been popular.”

Stands were also selling the New Yorker Tray -- a collection of

fireworks emblazoned with images of the Statue of Liberty -- and Rolling

Thunder -- round fireworks with American tanks that can be plopped into

cardboard tank-shaped holders.

After the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the country has seen a sharp

uptick in nationalism, a trend proved once again as the nation approaches

its 226th birthday.

Harris, who lives in Newport Beach, works for a stand that sends its

profits to the Youth Services Assn., a Costa Mesa group benefiting the

Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and youth soccer groups.

In addition to the patriotic fireworks, Harris also sells something

called the Luck of the Irish, which emits a colorful stream and a

whistle.

Costa Mesa -- along with Garden Grove and Stanton -- sets strict

regulations for the sale of fireworks in city boundaries. The stands

aren’t allowed to sell anything classified as “dangerous fireworks.”

That would include Roman Candles, snakes and any other fireworks that

move. Also, no one younger than 18 may purchase them, and no wire or

wooden sparklers may be sold.

Several ordinances have also been put in place for how the fireworks

may be ignited. They may only be lighted between 4 and 10 p.m. on

Thursday, and celebrants are not allowed to “throw, toss or project” them

at another person or on private property.

Costa Mesa fire officials said last week that they are more concerned

this year because of extremely dry conditions and the record number of

fireworks stands in the city.

Even though they are banned in Newport Beach, many residents of that

city travel to Costa Mesa to buy fireworks, said Erik Williams, who is

helping run the Phantom Fireworks stand near the Costa Mesa Freeway.

“You have a ton of people coming from Newport Beach,” Williams said.

“They want quiet ones, so they don’t get busted.”

Williams said proceeds from his stand benefit The Crossing, a

Protestant church formerly known as Calvary Church Newport Mesa.

He’ll pull in about $3,000 during the four days he sells fireworks.

Some stands have been known to net as much as $25,000 during the time

period.

Williams said he isn’t bothered by the strict regulations. He’s more

concerned about the glut of stands in the city.

“They’re pretty strict,” Williams said about the laws. “The market is

saturated.”

* Paul Clinton covers the environment, John Wayne Airport and

politics. He may be reached at (949) 764-4330 or by e-mail ato7

[email protected] .