ELECTION PRESS RELEASE. From the City of Pacifica 2022 Municipal Election Information.
RESOLUTION NO. 31-2022
Section 1. Pursuant to the requirement of the laws of the State of California relating to general law cities, there is called and ordered to be held in the City of Pacifica, California on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, a Municipal Election for the purpose of submitting to the voters of the City of Pacifica, the advisory measure specified in
Section 2 below. Pursuant to Elections Code Section 9222 and Section 9603, it is the intent of the City Council that the measure be submitted to the voters of Pacifica at the aforementioned Municipal Election. Section 2. The question to be put to the voters of the City shall read as follows, after the heading “Advisory Vote Only” as provided by Elections Code section 9603(b):
“The City of Pacifica Sale and Use of Fireworks Advisory Measure Shall the City of Pacifica amend its municipal code to prohibit the ignition, use, discharge, or sale of all State-approved “Safe and Sane” fireworks in the City of Pacifica?”
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Pacifica, California, held on the 13th day of June 2022, by the following vote:
AYES, Councilmembers: Beckmeyer, Bier, Bigstyck, O’Neill, Vaterlaus.
NOES, Councilmembers: n/a
ABSENT, Councilmembers: n/a
ABSTAIN, Councilmembers: n/a
Full Resolution
ResolutionNo312022_Calling
Celebrating the 4th of July in the City of Pacifica
Pacifica is one of the few cities in the Bay Area to allow legal, “safe & sane” fireworks for the July 4th holiday. “Safe and Sane” (legal) fireworks can be identified by the seal of the California State Fire Marshall imprinted on the product. However, there are limitations in the hours and days fireworks are permitted.
It is unlawful to discharge any “Safe and Sane” fireworks except during these designated hours; from noon to 11:00 pm on June 28th, and between the hours of 9:00 am to 11:00 pm on June 29th through July 5th. Violations of the Pacifica Municipal Code regulating the use of Safe and Sane fireworks will result in fines ranging from $200.00 for a first offense, $400.00 for a second offense, and $1,000.00 for a third offense.
However, the City of Pacifica has zero-tolerance for illegal fireworks. Persons caught with illegal fireworks will be cited and may be fined and/or sentenced to one year in jail.
To report individuals using, possessing, or selling illegal fireworks, call the non-emergency Pacifica Police dispatch line at 650-738-7314.
Illegal fireworks are prohibited on all Pacifica beaches according to the California Health and Safety Code. There are NO fireworks of any type allowed on any beaches in the City of Pacifica, except for a defined portion of Pacifica State Beach/Linda Mar. There are also two other sites where legal “safe and sane” fireworks are allowed. Legal fireworks must have the State Fire Marshal seal of approval.
The defined portion of Pacifica State Beach/Linda Mar where “safe and sane” fireworks are allowed is described as the area immediately west of the north parking lot of Pacifica State Beach/Linda Mar to approximately ten feet (10′) east of the tideline and immediately north of the Taco Bell Restaurant (5200 Coast Highway) to the prolongation of the north end of the north Pacifica State Beach/Linda Mar parking lot.
Two Additional Sites
- South Pacifica State Beach/Linda Mar parking lot on the asphalt area of the parking lot.
- South Rockaway Beach parking lot on the asphalt area of the parking lot.
In 2017, the Pacifica City Council adopted the Illegal Fireworks Social Host Ordinance in an attempt to curb the rampant use of illegal fireworks in Pacifica. This ordinance was designed to hold responsible those hosting gatherings for any illegal firework activity on property they own or rent. If officers see illegal fireworks being discharged from a property, the person responsible for the property will be subject to a fine, regardless of who discharged the firework. The penalty for a violation of the Illegal Fireworks Social Host Ordinance is $1,000.
Additionally, if a minor is found discharging illegal fireworks, the person having care, custody, or control of the minor is strictly liable for the illegal activity and subject to a fine.
Important Reminders & Pacifica Municipal Codes (PMC)
- Illegal Fireworks – Illegal fireworks are prohibited on all beaches according to California Health and Safety Code. Safe and Sane fireworks are only allowed on a defined section of Linda Mar Beach and must have a State Fire Marshall seal of approval (12677 HS)
- City Ordinance – Any person who possesses illegal fireworks in the City of Pacifica will receive a $1,000.00 administrative fine.
- No Fires – Fires (and barbecues) are prohibited on all beaches. PMC 4-10-118(a)(7)
- No Alcohol – Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on all beaches. PMC 4-10-118(a)(8)
- No Glass Bottles – Glass containers are prohibited on all beaches. PMC 4-10-118(a)(8)
- No Off-Leash Dogs – Dogs are only allowed on Pacifica beaches when they are properly leashed and under their owner’s control. PMC 6-1.206(a)