Sonoma Ranch

Dear Neighbors:

I understand fireworks are exciting to behold at a distance. However, these are prohibited within city limits. If you live in the "Summit" (Sonoma Ranch) or surrounding areas, you must have seen and heard the firework commotion this 4th of July, courtesy of some of our irresponsible neighbors.

We all watch the news and surely you (as I) have seen and heard about all the tragedies (fires, injuries, loss of life and property) that frequently happen as a result of people electing to light firecrackers in a neighborhood setting.

This 4th of July I was not just concerned, but disillusioned to see so many of my neighbors shooting firecrackers and carrying on like school children with total disregard for common sense, courtesy and respect for others. There are many of us that prefer to abide by city ordinance and  abide by the neighborhood covenants.

I think we should join forces to prevent this episode from repeating itself. Please share your thoughts on this matter.

Leah_

I'm with you on this.  It's unfortunate that there are always a few that "choose" what laws, covenants, etc., are applicable to them.  With regard to fireworks, it's always the same people, just like (and this is a continuing problem) speeding in our neighborhoods. 

People just have no idea how dangerous fireworks can be in a neighborhood, whether recent rains lessen dangers or not.  I have seen the result of a pop-bottle rocket entering a vent on a house.  Fortunately, no one was home as the house burned to the ground very quickly.  It was nothing more than a rocket gone astray. 

And what does all this teach young people?  That it's OK to pick and choose what laws or rules apply to them.  There is one group in the Summit that shoots fireworks from the middle of the street with kids running around as the fireworks go off.   The next morning, there were spent rockets and other remnants in the middle of the street.  I wonder who cleaned that up; law-abiding neighbors or those who shot the forworks?  

And you're right, it's highly inconsiderate and a complete lack of respect and and disregard for the safety for neighbors.  As for joining forces to prevent future episodes, this would have to be done very carefully.  Confronting neighbors may not be a safe answer.  I've experienced such episodes and find many times, alcohol is a player and it boosts a persons need to "show off" in front of others (especially their children) and often will lead to unprovoked verbal abuse and , sometimes, even physical reaction. The best thing to do is call the SA fireworks hotline.  The city always has this.  Another option, I would think, is to get the address of those violating the covenants, and report it to the HOA.  Any organized neighborhood action should definately be coordinated and organized through the HOA and the Safety and Security Committee. 

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this serious issue.  When I suggested "Join Forces" I meant to express exactly what you mention on your last paragraph. That is to "Join Forces" by calling the police hotline (which I did and the police did NOT respond-as always) and by reporting these people to the HOA. I never meant to suggest to confront them.

I agree with you when you say it isn't safe to confront a thoughtless neighbor. If they are so reckless  to be shooting firecrackers around their children, they certainly wouldn't hesitate to react violently when approached. 

There were many neighbors throughout the "Summit" area that were shooting firecrackers this 4th of July; some groups were on Ruidosa Downs and some Pueblo Pintado. I know I've heard a few firecrackers going off in the neighborhood during past years celebrations, but I have to say this year it was many MORE neighbors participating in this illegal activity. Could be that we have many more NEW neighbors this year.

I'm sure we are not the only neighbors that are bothered by this. It is my hope that we all join in together and report any illegal activity to the police department and HOA and post it to this forum. Maybe we should start a "Hall of Shame" with the names of  all repeat offenders. Of course, that option would be entirely up to the HOA and Safety committee's. It is only a suggestion and one more option to think about.

No one wants to end up being a victim of fire courtesy of inconsiderate neighbors. Together (and through legal means) we can do something to prevent a tragedy. Any thoughts and suggestions on this will be highly appreciated.

Leah_