Local & Community
Firework sales are only legal in certain cities in the Coachella Valley
In the Coachella Valley, fireworks are only legal in Indio, Cathedral City, Coachella and Desert Hot Springs. That does not stop locals from buying them in one city where it is legal and using them at another city where it is illegal.
Andre Alvarado and his family are selling fireworks for the very first time at a stand on the corner of Highway 111 and Date Palm in Cathedral City. They are raising funds for the PSCC Indians, a football and cheer league in Cathedral City and Palm Springs.
Alvarado said sales have been pretty good and remain hopeful for sales to go up on the 4th of July.
“During the first five days it’s been pretty steady,” he said.
As a vendor, Alvarado is not required to ask his customers what city they live in or where they are going to use the fireworks. He said he knows that not all of his customers are from Cathedral City,
“Some are from cities in the valley. Yes. we don’t know that, but I’m pretty sure they are local,” Alvarado said. “They come from other cities and want to take them home to their kids. They’ll get small ones so you don’t see them over the fence.”
Firework sales are legal in Cathedral City, so this little league is not breaking any rules.
“We just tell people to be safe and responsible,” he said.
Although the fireworks can only be used in some cities, in practice, someone can buy the fireworks and use them at a friend’s house located in a city where they are legal.
Chief Battalion Robert Allison from the Cathedral City Fire Department said there is no tracking system to verify the sales of fireworks.
“Once you buy those fireworks from those stands, the fire department and the city don’t really have any control over it,” he said.
That does not mean you can not get in trouble for using fireworks illegally on the fourth of July.
“The police department has brought on additional personal, and the code of enforcement personal will be patrolling,” Allison said. “They’re out in certain neighborhoods, and if they see something aerial or hear something explode , they’ll try to track that down.”
If caught the fines will vary on each city’s regulations or the damage caused by the fireworks.
Alvarado and his family live in Cathedral City and say they plan to purchase their own fireworks for the fourth of July.
Regardless of where you use your fireworks, the fire department recommends using them safely with adult supervision if kids are around. Once the fireworks are extinguished, Allison recommends having a five gallon bucket with water handy and putting the firework remains in the bucket to avoid fire incidents.
By: NBC Palm Springs
July 4, 2018
Latest Instagram Posts
Talking With Thalia: GLP-1 medications have become a popular tool for weight loss, but what you eat while taking them matters, too. Local dietitian Jessica Brantley Lopez shares the importance of protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber and hydration, along with why smaller, more frequent meals may help manage side effects and support healthy weight loss. Jessica also opens up about her own experience with GLP-1 medication and how it changed her approach to helping others. Talking With Thalia is sponsored by DAP Health. Watch the full conversation at NBCPalmSprings.com. #TalkingWithThalia #DAPHealth #GLP1 #WeightLoss #Nutrition Dietitian HealthToday CoachellaValley PalmSprings NBCPalmSprings
Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery are one step closer to completing their $110 billion merger after a coalition of 12 state attorneys general reached a settlement with Paramount. The settlement resolves the states’ antitrust lawsuit, though it still requires court approval. The agreement includes commitments involving film production, workers and editorial independence for CNN and CBS News. California AG CNN’s Brian Stelter reports. #Paramount #WarnerBrosDiscovery #ParamountMerger #CNN #Hollywood #Media #Merger #Entertainment
A high-speed police chase in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, came to a dramatic end when the vehicle plunged into Lake Como. Dashcam video released by police shows the pursuit before the car crashes into the water. Four people inside the vehicle were pulled from the lake with no serious injuries reported. Police say the driver was charged with reckless driving. Watch the video and get more at NBCPalmSprings.com.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Don’t sweat the small stuff!
As fall approaches, it’s time to start thinking about your annual flu shot. The CDC recommends flu vaccination every season for nearly everyone 6 months and older, and September or October is generally the ideal time for most people to get vaccinated. The 2026-27 flu vaccines have been updated to target the strains expected to circulate this season. There’s also a new option this year: Moderna’s mFLUSIVA, the first FDA-approved mRNA flu vaccine, for adults 50 and older. Talk with your health care provider about which flu vaccine is right for you and make a plan to get vaccinated this fall. Learn more about DAP Health at DAPHealth.org. #FluSeason #FluShot #FluVaccine #DAPHealth #CoachellaValley #PalmSprings #Health #Wellness #NBCPalmSprings
Murder Suspect Vicky Kim was set to appear in court at the Larson Justice Center today following her recent medical clearance to appear in court, but refused. However, she may be forced to appear should she refuse again. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs as we follow the latest developments of this case #VickyKim #arraignment #courtupdate #riversidecounty
🚨 20 ARRESTS. 6 GUNS SEIZED. Cathedral City Police report 20 arrests and six handgun seizures following two days of enforcement tied to a Mongols Motorcycle Club gathering. Police also issued 77 citations and impounded 14 vehicles. The operation involved multiple law enforcement agencies and was four weeks in the making. #CathedralCity #BreakingNews #Mongols #CoachellaValley #PublicSafety
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry: last day of summer!
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1 Silias Bloodworth with the scoop and score, 2) Eusebio Gallo with the kickoff touchdown, 3) Keymorie Rogers with the throw on the run, 4) Damian Durinzi with the rushing TD, or 5) Mario Gallo with the dot towards the endzone #fypage #fridaynightlights #football #hondaofthedesert #highschoolfootball
Hundreds gathered outside the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., for the “Hands Around the Kennedy Center” rally, protesting President Donald Trump’s handling of the performing arts center. The demonstration came after the Kennedy Center board voted to close the facility for repairs and amid an ongoing dispute over the center’s future. Actress and singer Lynda Carter was among those who addressed the crowd. apnews.com Watch the latest video on NBC Palm Springs.