Proposed fireworks tax ignites a debate

Costa Mesa council members on Tuesday night opposed Mayor Pro Tem Wendy Leece’s proposal to use revenue from local nonprofits’ fireworks sales to help restrict the use of illegal fireworks on the July Fourth weekend.

Given Costa Mesa’s fiscal problems, Leece said, the roughly $29,000 needed for enforcement and education related to the Fourth of July should be covered by youth sports organizations’ fireworks fundraisers — not by the city. Full Story.