HomeMy WebLinkAbout1R Public CommentAnthony Mejia
Subject: RE: Fireworks
From: Patty Shenker <pattypushka@gmail.com >
Sent: Thursday, May 6, 2021 4:35 PM
To: Lisa Middleton <Lisa.Middleton@palmspringsca.gov>; Christy Holstege <Christy.Holstege@palmspringsca.gov>;
Geoff Kors <Geoff.Kors@palmspringsca.gov>
Subject: Fireworks
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Dear Councilmembers,
We were very surprised & disappointed to learn that you have plan to spend $50,000 for fireworks for the Fourth of
July. There are so many reasons that this is the wrong idea. The first being that it is very dangerous to people and pets
and wildlife that live here. Second, we live in a drought and we're playing with fire having fireworks in such a dry area.
Fireworks shouldn't be allowed anywhere in California because of how dry our state is. Third, $50,000 could go a long
way to improving the city or helping the homeless or a myriad of other things that aren't dangerous & will be of benefit
for more than one night!
We ask that you don't go forward with this idea.
We thank you for your time and attention.
Patty Shenker & Doug & Julia Stoll
825 S. Riverside Dr.
Plam Springs, Ca. 92264
Sent from my iPhone
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Anthony Mejia
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Kristen Hirsch <kristenhhirsch@gmail.com>
Thursday, May 6, 2021 4:48 PM
City Clerk
Subject: Opposition to The All American July 4, 2021 Fireworks Event
Dear Palm Springs City Council Members,
I am writing to oppose the funding of a $55,000 expenditure for the All American July 4th Fireworks Event. I feel City
funds could be better spent supporting this holiday in alternative ways.
I am the parent to two small dogs. We dread 4th of July Fireworks. My dogs are terrified by the loud and startling
sounds. I 'm also a longtime volunteer at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. It's often worse for shelter dogs who are
already over-stressed. The fireworks are harmful to the well-being of our shelter and community pets.
Thank you for considering a NO vote for this proposed expenditure.
Sincerely,
Kristen Hirsch
1304 E. Sierra Way
Palm Springs
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Anthony Mejia
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Laurie Mayer <lauriemayer@mac.com>
Thursday, May 6, 2021 4:53 PM
City Clerk
Tonight's meeting, Firework display
I would like to express my opposition to fireworks displays in Palm Springs and any other areas near Palm Springs. The
fireworks are expensive. The money spent on these displays could go benefit many other options. But mainly, they are a
horrible disturbance and disruption to pets and to wildlife. Whatever amusement fireworks might bring to humans, it
does not compare to the grief that they cause to local fauna. And of course, they are a fire hazard.
Thank you,
Laurie Conning
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Anthony Mejia
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Bonnie Ruttan <bonnieruttan@gmail.com>
Thursday, May 6, 2021 4:52 PM
City Clerk
Fireworks
We object to the expenditure of city funds to purchase fireworks. The money could be better used. And
fireworks frighten countless animals, both pets and wildlife Thank you Bill and Bonnie Ruttan
1111 Abrigo Rd
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Anthony Mejia
Subject: RE: Fireworks
From: Kelly Erwin <lovetoorganize@live.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 6, 2021 4:22 PM
To: Geoff Kors <Geoff.Kors@palmspringsca.gov>
Subject: Fireworks
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Hello Mr. Kors,
Please vote no for the fireworks display. Fireworks terrify our dogs and they are a environmental hazard. Palm Springs
could be ahead of the curve and have a laser show or something like that. Fireworks are old school!
Thank you for listening,
Kelly Erwin
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Anthony Mejia
Subject: RE: Please don't have fireworks for July 4th
From: Bettina <brosie96@yahoo.com >
Sent: Thursday, May 6, 20214:10 PM
To: Lisa Middleton <Lisa.Middleton@palmspringsca.gov>; Christy Holstege <Christy.Holstege@palmspringsca.gov>;
Geoff Kors <Geoff.Kors@palmspringsca.gov>
Subject: Please don't have fireworks for July 4th
Hello councilmembers,
Please reconsider the ill advised idea of having July 4th fireworks. This is firstly a waste of money.
The city cut costs severely last year but now this is throwing those cost cutting efforts into question.
We also have a severe drought in California. Any spark could ignite nearby wildlands and devastate
wildlife habitat.
Also fireworks are very disruptive and cruel to dogs and even cats who both have very sensitive
hearing and are traumatized by these war like sounds.
Fireworks are not for residents. They are meant for tourists. Let's send a message that our residents
are more important than tourists.
As residents, we don't support this.
Thank you.
Bettina Rosmarino
www .oswitlandtrust.org
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Anthony Mejia
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Chuck Swenson <chuckswenson8040@gmail.com>
Thursday, May 6, 2021 4:11 PM
City Clerk
Opposed to Fireworks
I, like MANY other pet owners, are opposed to fireworks due the the high degree of stress and
anxiety they cause animals, especially dogs. I can't tell you how terrorizing it is for MANY
animals -causing shaking, pacing, and drooling for up to two hours after the fireworks stop.
Why would anyone condone this?
It is documented that approximately 40 percent of all dogs have very high anxiety due to
fireworks, which can cause them to run off and become abandoned or hurt on city streets.
It is senseless that there is not a city noise ordinance to stop fireworks, but that there is one to
curtail noise from musical events, etc.
One suggestion: administer fireworks that are completely silent -they DO exist.
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Anthony Mejia
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Linda Goorman <lgoorman@hotmail.com>
Thursday, May 6, 2021 3:58 PM
City Clerk
Disapproval of Fireworks
As a volunteer and supporter of PSAS I am against the loud noise and flashing lights created by large fireworks
shows. I have seen firsthand what happens to dogs and cats in these situations. I saw a German Shepard go
through a window once. Believe me, the shelter will be busy the next day returning dogs to their owners. In a
city that supports "No-Kill, this event is definitely Cruelty to Animals
Respectfully,
Linda Goorman
LaPalme
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Anthony Mejia
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Rhoda Coscetti <rcoscetti@gmail.com>
Thursday, May 6, 2021 4:18 PM
City Clerk
Oppose Item 1 R
I oppose Item lR: APPROVAL TO SCHEDULE THE ALL AMERICAN JULY 4, 2021, FIREWORKS EVENT
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Anthony Mejia
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Janet Seaman <janseaman42@att.net>
Thursday, May 6, 2021 4:24 PM
City Clerk
Lisa Middleton
Fourth of July Fireworks
I want to register my objection to the city's spending on a 4th of July spectacular fireworks
display. Council member who have pets, know how frightened the animals can get at the sudden and
loud barrage of sound and light during July 4th celebrations. There are many other ways to celebrate
the birth of our nation that doesn't include these loud and frightening displays. Youth from the local
schools who have gone for over a year unable to perform their marching or concert band material,
dance and baton performers who have been unable to have their recitals, local choruses, choirs or a
cappella groups that haven't been able to rehearse in person let alone, perform. A combination of
these celebrants would make for a wonderful program for people gathered at the stadium and be just
as celebratory and rewarding as citizens gather at whatever level of fill in the stadium, to express their
gratitude for living in the greatest nation on earth and one of the most thoughtful and respectful
communities in California. There are many other ways to spend this $55,000 for the good of the
community such as adding funds to the budgets of these high school performing groups, contributing
to the local animal shelter, or just making up for some of the lost revenue from the pandemic
closures. Please, do not celebrate in this way.
Jan Seaman, PSAS Volunteer
Resident, Cathedral Canyon Country Club--Westgate
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Anthony Mejia
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Craig Ewing <a1exndr333@aol.com>
Thursday, May 6, 2021 4:29 PM
City Clerk
Subject: City Council meeting of Thursday, May 6, Item 1 R -Contract for Fireworks Event
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Honorable Mayor and City Council,
Due to a prior commitment, I am unable to join your meeting tonight. Please accept
these comments regarding Item lR: APPROVAL TO SCHEDULE THE ALL AMERICAN JULY
4, 2021, FIREWORKS EVENT.
I am opposed to the use of loud fireworks in the midst of our community. As a
volunteer with the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, I know of the stress and trauma that a
fireworks show visits on our animal population and the significant number of runaway
dogs and cats that result from an evening of explosions. I suspect these fireworks cause
a similar trauma for those people with PTSD or dementia.
I urge you to consider modifying the contract to exclude any fireworks that exceed 120
decibels. While it is impossible to create 'silent' fireworks that would fit the large
displays that the community expects, it would be a significant step for the City to at
least eliminate the loudest fireworks, including the boom-only rockets that often signal
the start of the show. It is time we moved to a less intrusive display for the 4 th of July
celebration by eliminating the loudest fireworks.
Please adjust your contract for fireworks to exclude those with loud explosions ( over 120
decibels) in their formulation. The City of Palm Springs can take a lead in creating a
more safe and sane Independence Day display. Thank you.
-Craig A. Ewing
Palm Springs, California
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Anthony Mejia
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Dear Councilmembers,
Tamara Hedges <tamara.hedges@gmail.com>
Thursday, May 6, 2021 4:33 PM
City Clerk
Item 1R
I am writing to express my opposition to item lR on the agenda for tonight's City Council meeting.
All fireworks, including large, municipal displays, are terrifying to pets and wildlife. I personally have two dogs who are
traumatized by every Palm Springs fireworks display, shaking and shivering for hours after the event is over, despite our
efforts to block the noise. Very often we have packed our pets into our car on the evening of July 4th and driven up
Highway 74 to escape the noise. There are pets who are not bothered by the sounds, but they are the exception, not the
rule. I am deeply concerned, too, about the many pets in our Palm Springs Animal Shelter and the terror they experience
during city fireworks displays.
Military veterans and victims of gun violence are also often traumatized by fireworks:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-many-faces-anxiety-and-trauma/202007 /fireworks-can-torment-
veterans-and-survivors-gun
Additionally, fireworks are harmful to the environment and community health. From the South Coast Air Quality
website:
Fireworks are known to emit high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PMlO) as well as metal air pollutants, all of
which can contribute to negative health effects. Breathing fine particulate matter can lead to a wide variety of
cardiovascular and respiratory health effects such as heart attacks, asthma aggravation, decreased lung function,
coughing, or difficulty breathing and may lead to premature death in people with heart or lung disease.
And last, but certainly not least, there are much better ways to spend $55k in our community, including helping those
merchants and residents who have suffered financially from this pandemic. Spending $5Sk on a half hour display of
pollutants soaring into the air seems frivolous and out of touch with the needs of our residents.
There are kinder, more sustainable and responsible ways to celebrate democracy and the spirit of hope and unity on July
4. I do understand the desire for a display of some sort, and ask you to please consider a lower cost laser light show as
an alternative way to celebrate our nation's freedom and independence.
Thank you.
Tamara
Tamara Hedges
Executive Director, UC Riverside, Palm Desert Center
President, Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter
Chair, Deepwell Estates Neighborhood Organization
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Anthony Mejia
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Lauren LeBaron <1aurenlebaron1@gmail.com>
Thursday, May 6, 2021 4:26 PM
City Clerk
May 6 item 1 R Approval to schedule a Fireworks event
I am writing as a long-term Palm Springs resident, dog owner, and volunteer at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter.
I am STRONGLY opposed to the City of Palm Springs spending ANY taxpayer money on a fireworks display this
year. This event is extremely disturbing for animals in our City, and in addition I believe it's too early for large -scale
public gatherings during this COVID crisis.
I urge you NOT to approve hosting and paying for a July fireworks event this July 4, 2021.
Thank you.
Lauren LeBaron
1056 E San Lorenzo Rd.
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Anthony Mejia
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Natalie Mann <nataliemann@gmail.com>
Thursday, May 6, 2021 3:50 PM
City Clerk
Opposition to fireworks
Dear Members of the City Council,
I ask as a resident that you do not fund a fireworks display.
My dog is very frightened of fireworks and loud noises. People who are using them illegally in my neighborhood have
caused her to scratch the door up, and on a separate occasion, break out of her enclosure and run away.
I also ask on behalf of those who have PTSD. It is a very serious condition, brought upon many of these brave individuals
by their time serving our country in the military. They should not have to suffer again after all they have already given.
And in closing, I also ask we consider the expense. In a city that is dealing with very real problems of homeless people
and serious crime rates, those funds could benefit many every day of the year instead of 20 minutes on one day.
Thank you for your consideration, and anything you can do to cut down on illegal fireworks.
Kind regards,
Natalie Mann
Palm Springs resident
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Anthony Mejia
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Ann Hutchins <abhutchins@icloud.com>
Thursday, May 6, 2021 3:51 PM
City Clerk
Oppose fireworks
As a volunteer for the PS Animal Shelter, I'd like to add my voice in opposition to allocating money for July 4
fireworks for 2 reasons:
-the noise and disruption for the animals at the shelter -the waste of money in post-pandemic recovery.
For 1/2 hour of celebration surely there is a more productive use of City funds.
Ann Hutchins
Palm Springs
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Anthony Mejia
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teo27@aol.com
Thursday, May 6, 2021 3:55 PM
City Clerk
Opposition to Fireworks
I'm a resident of The Fairways in Palm Springs and I oppose the expense on the 2021 Fireworks display. This is not only
a waste of funds at a time that we have seen resources cut to the library. It is also very traumatic to local pets and pet
owners. I encourage the council to vote against this expenditure.
Matthew Steiger
1523 Spyglass Plaza
Palm Springs, CA 92264
323-829-8667
Please do not add my phone or email address to any mass distribution.
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Anthony Mejia
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Robert Iannacone <rginyc@gmail.com>
Thursday, May 6, 2021 3:43 PM
City Clerk
July 4th Fireworks display
I am against the July 4th fireworks display as it is detrimental to pets and other animals in the desert valley.
Surely there is an alternative to spending the money on fireworks.
I would ask the the council finds other ways of honoring the holiday.
Robert
Iannacone
Palm Springs resident
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Anthony Mejia
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Dear City Council,
LetsAll@GoBananas.net
Thursday, April 29, 2021 9:25 PM
City Clerk
1 R -CC Agenda 5/6 -Firework -Carbon Footprint
RE: lR -Firework-Carbon Footprint.
"Climate Emergency" Carbon Footprint -Fireworks are a HUGE NO-NO. We need to set a good
example if we are serious about the "Climate Emergency".
Thanks,
Bob & Paul
P.S. Any sign of those "Smoke-Free City" ordinances? I remember discussing them way back
with Pougnet around 2009 when we wrote them the first time around for PS.
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