Hollister police will have a “zero tolerance policy” for illegal fireworks this Fourth of July, said Hollister Police Chief David Westrick, who told the city council Monday that “we’ll be going after those folks” who don’t follow the recommendations for safe and sane pyrotechnics.
Westrick said a “media blitz” on Tuesday would introduce the policy, designed to cut down on the abundance of powerful and illegal fireworks that light up local skies on and around Independence Day.
“We’ll have some resources out there that will actively seek and find those persons that feel the need to use illegal fireworks,” Westrick said, encouraging locals to patronize the local safe and sane fireworks booths that open June 28.
Councilman Victor Gomez said the Fourth of July fireworks show at Marguerite Maze School is a good and safe option for families.
Mayor Ignacio Velasquez said he wanted to emphasize that firing off illegal fireworks will lead to a $1,000 fine.
“Don’t do it; it’s not worth it,” he said. “Really think twice before you do it or pay us $1,000.”