The changes were also followed by another change to the current ordinance regarding the location of fireworks stands to improve fire safety in the city. This summer, Colton residents will see an increase in fines for the use of illegal fireworks. «We had a lot of illegal fireworks last year that caused noise and even fires late at night, but our city didn`t seem to issue tickets. This greatly reduces the validity of our word if we have a prescription that residents must abide by, but do nothing if that prescription is violated,» Dr. G. He also added that he believes that solving the nuisances of illegal fireworks is equivalent to enforcing the law in the city. For more information, see www.ci.colton.ca.us. «I would much rather adopt the philosophy of law enforcement than discourage people from using illegal fireworks by increasing the dollar amount of fines. because it`s not applied,» said Dr. G. As of March 8, there is no word on a fixed date on which the amendment to Chapter 6.32 of the Colton Municipal Code will come into force. «Stands must be located on private property in a commercial or industrial area; and the written authorization of the landlord or tenant must be attached to the application. However, fireworks stands will not be located within a quarter of a mile of the high fire risk areas at the intersection of South Cooley Drive and Barton Road or within one mile of the high fire risk area at the intersection of Maryknoll Drive and South La Cadena Drive, » said Fire Chief Tim McHargue.

The 2. In March, Colton City Council approved a change in the amount offenders pay in fines for the first offence from $1,500 to $3,000, and the fine for the second offence was increased to $5,000. Although this item was adopted in the City Council`s approval schedule, it received a 5:1 vote, with Councillor Dr. G. disagreeing.