We, the citizens of Modesto and Stanislaus County, feel that the time has come to completely ban the use of fireworks in our great city and county, both legal and illegal. We do not feel safe anymore due to the year round use of fireworks. People who do this have a total disregard for others. Dogs and other pets are being lost when they bolt in fear. Some are never found. People are losing sleep. Veterans with PTSD are suffering. People are living in fear of an illegal firework hitting their home and starting a fire, which has happened in the past. There are too many people in our city and county who are inconsiderate, risking the safety and well being of the rest of us. We want this to stop as we cannot rely on our law enforcement agencies to be there when we call due to staffing shortages and triaging.

We realize that many non profits use yearly fireworks sales to make most of their money. We will support these non profits with other fundraisers. Some of us will pledge to help create new fundraisers and volunteer our time. We realize it is too late in the year to stop it this year. We would support sanctioned fireworks shows on the Fourth of July. We simply want our peaceful neighborhoods back. We want to feel safe. We call upon you to make this happen on our behalf. Let 2020 be the last year for fireworks in the City of Modesto and Stanislaus County. Thank you.

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