High School Sports and Non-Profits Applaud Fireworks Sales

WATSONVILLE, Calif. - The City of Watsonville approved the sale of safe and sane fireworks Tuesday night. It's a major relief for local high school sports teams and non-profits which rely on the annual fundraiser.
"We now have permission... to celebrate as it should be, it's a tradition," says Gary Garcia.
Garcia, coach for the Watsonville High School Wrestling Team says accidents will happen, no matter what. "Safe and sane fireworks is not the problem, we don't start fires," says Garcia. He says a couple team members were at Tuesday's council meeting, urging city leaders to support their efforts to raise money locally.
In 2008, the Watsonville High Wrestling Team was left without an estimated $5,000 in funding that they generally get from their fireworks stand. The fireworks were banned in 2008 after concern for wildfires.
Closest to Watsonville, The Trabing Fire burned more than 600 acres in late June of 2008.
So far, the 2009 fire season has been mild along the Central Coast. If a fire starts up before July 4th, an emergency meeting regarding the fireworks may be held.
As is, about 25 groups will have the chance to set up booths and make their profits.
Firefighters say the financial impact was a big consideration this year. "We're community members too. My kids benefit from the sale of safe and sane fireworks, because they play youth sports in the community," says Fire Prevention Officer Kirt Vojvoda.
The Watsonville Fire Department will have extra staffing on the night of July 4th. They will enforce a zero tolerance policy for any safety violations

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