It’s after 11:30 p.m. on July 4 and I’m still hearing illegal fireworks being set off nearby. It was hard enough trying to comfort my aging dog during the legally sanctioned Independence Day displays, but the continuing percussive disturbances at this late time are unforgivable. I’ve been hearing from my neighbors for the past couple of hours. All have been concerned about the effects of the local explosive noises on their pets — both cats and dogs — and the potential damage which could be caused by fire.
I wonder, where are the sheriff’s deputies, whose resources and numbers are so prodigious while nabbing nude sun bathers (referring to recent letters to the editor), when there’s a real threat to our community from a small group of idiots who have either forgotten the fires or weren’t here when the rest of us had to live through them? Is the spark from a misguided bottle rocket or a lit cigarette tossed out the car window along one of our canyons any less dangerous than a sun bather in the buff? I’ve witnessed both. I felt no threat for my home from the nudity, but upon reporting the flammable littering, I was ignored by the Sheriff’s Department.
In no way am I taking stand in favor or against those who choose to sun bathe in the buff. Rather, I’m imploring the residents of our beautiful city who, this night, have unwisely chosen to set off illegal fireworks, to reconsider their actions before they do it the next time. The potential of loss from their misguided bravado is far greater than the personal, immediate rush they may achieve.
And, I’d like to request our local law enforcement officers to be a bit more present to “protect and serve” us from the real threats to our community.
Robert Allan Curtis