Fourth of July Fireworks Back in San Ramon

BY JANE McINNIS

It's been two years that San Ramon has gone without an aerial fireworks display on Independence Day, but 2014 will put fire flowers back into the sky.
The San Ramon Parks and Community Services Commission are conducting two public meetings in January and February to assess the best locations for 4th of July festivities.

In the past, the fireworks display was historically a point of civic pride for the city, which had hosted the show since 1985, shortly after its city incorporation.

Safety concerns and associated costs -- such as the all-day payroll of needed police, fire, maintenance and monitoring personnel -- added to the decision to nix the fireworks in 2013.

A pyrotechnical expert, local police, firefighters and other city employees have been researching alternative locations for the events within San Ramon, including the event location, viewing locations and 'shoot site location,' according to the city's website.

The team found that the best firework shoot site location would be at the Old Ranch Park, as it "provides the best opportunity for excellent views from both sides of the City," and not just those in Central Park.

The shoot site would be solely for launching fireworks, and wouldn't be open to the public. The event site would be held elsewhere, and will be discussed in the meeting.

The original shoot site for fireworks was the Toyota lawn from 1985 through 1990. The site changed to Central Park in 1991, said the city's administrative analyst, Nicole Blazin.

It is not proposed that Old Ranch Park or adjacent neighborhoods in Old Ranch Estates, Summit View Estates, or Bent Creek be viewing locations for the general public, the report says.

The meetings will be held Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 1 at 10 a.m. Both meetings will be held at the Dougherty Station Community Center.

Residents who can't make the meetings can also email questions and comments to Fireworks@sanramon.ca.gov.  

For more information, visit the city's website.