What could happen?

My wife and I often walk along this wall of trees. It is a good blocker of the Lakewood traffic noise and more pleasant on the eyes than the industrial buildings that line Lakewood Blvd. Last night, though, a portion of the trees were set on fire. The Lakewood Health Center that is just the other side of these trees had to be evacuated while the Downey Fire Department put out the flames, made the scene safe for the residents to return, and investigated the cause. A lot of illegal fireworks were going off last night. Read about the Fire Department's actions here.



This is what it looks like today. It doesn't stop much of the traffic noise anymore.

Celebrating Independence Day

This year's July 4th block party had four different bouncers for the kids to celebrate Independence Day. There was this one for the 4-and-under children that is a water slide with a pool at the bottom. Two other slides for the 12-and-younger crowd and a giant water slide for anyone that wanted to try it.



Lots of food and beverages were served during the afternoon. After dark, the celebration turned to fireworks. Families gathered together to let the children experience holding a various-colored lighted stick.



The big kids (adult men) light bigger, brighter, and more exciting fountains. One family went to a fireworks stand and bought the rest of their inventory (well over $1,000). That's the residue of the excitement on the street below the fireworks platform. The crowd was entertained and the celebration was complete.

Support your favorite cause

It's July, so it's officially fireworks fundraiser season. The fireworks stands are all open now, waiting for the onslaught. This stand in front of the Ralph's market is sponsored by the Downey Rose Float Association.

Burning the midnight oil

We are only a few days away from the Fourth of July and fireworks stands are set up all around Downey. Driving past this stand, I saw this group who almost looks like they are out camping, I have to imagine each of the stands have groups camped out to watch over the them at night.

It wasn't midnight when I took the pic, but it made me think of the phrase to burn the midnight oil. I was curious to know where the phrase came from so I looked it up in Wictionary. The phrase originally referred to the act of burning oil in lamps for light and safety. This group definitely had everything well lit, but I hope they don't have to stay awake all night.

Humans of Downey - Gilbert

"My grandmother came here first and then my mother followed. I was born here and lived my first years in West Los Angeles. Our 4th of July celebrations centered around family, food, and fireworks. Our family loved to celebrate the freedoms of our country. We celebrated with the community of our block. We shared barbecue hamburgers and hot dogs, corn on the cob, potato salad. Then we would set off our collection of fireworks. We kids would run and jump over the fountains of sparks. No one ever got hurt.

"One 4th of July I spent the whole evening at the hospital because of my daughter. I was in charge of setting off the fireworks in the street. So, I had a punk that I was using to light the fuses and I was keeping it in my mouth sideways. It looked like a rose in my mouth. My 4-year-old daughter came running out to be with me as I was getting another firework ready to light. I was kneeling down and as she called my name, I turned around and the lighted punk stabbed her in the corner of her eye. At that point, 4th of July was over.

"We poured water on her face to stop the burning and then took her to the hospital. After many hours, they patched her eye and sent us home. She couldn't sleep during the night so we took her back to the hospital. They found and removed the tip of the punk that was still in the corner of her eye. She recovered completely. But for several years I refused to have anything to do with fireworks. We still had the barbecues but the only fireworks we saw were at the Queen Mary. Finally I relented and we had fireworks at the house. But only after a 30-minute talk with my children concerning the dangers of fireworks and the rules they had to follow to stay outside. I put a strip of caution tape they were not allowed past. Each year I give that speech, put up that tape and remind them of how easy serious accidents can happen in dangerous circumstances. Most of the day is filled with fun, eating, and community. The fireworks part of the celebration, though, is no longer the joy of watching the pretty colors and hearing the pops. Now, it's filled with stress of watching to make sure no kids get too close to harm."

~ Gilbert

PS Gilbert works at Avenue Press and was kind enough to take time out to talk with me. Stop in and have a chat some time to get to know him better.

Happy Independence Day!

Tonight a small group of us headed to the Stonewood parking lot to watch the firework show at Downey High. We were joined by tons of people doing the same thing. It was a great show.

The thing that seemed so different this 4th of July was the overwhelming sounds of fireworks exploding all around us that seemed to be everywhere in the city. The rumblings started before it grew dark. It actually sounded as if war were raging all around. It is now after 10 pm and I am still surrounded by the sounds.

Curious, I looked at the City of Downey website to see if something had changed this year. What I found was that nothing has changed and the City of Downey has a “zero tolerance” for illegal fireworks, but allows for the sale and use of legal fireworks, identifiable by the California Fire Marshal’s “Safe and Sane” seal. Any firework that launches into the air, propels across the ground, or explodes, is illegal to sell or possess and can result in fines and/or arrest. I'm not sure too many people read this. From my street, there were tons of fireworks launching into the air. The whole city seemed to be engulfed in explosions of fireworks and the inescapable smoke that follows. Hopefully, no one got hurt in the process of the celebration.

Christmas time at the happiest place on earth

It's nice to live in Downey and to be so close to the happiest place on earth. The park was decked out for Christmas with lights everywhere. I especially liked the ones on Sleeping Beauty's castle. It made it seem even more magical (if that is possible).

And, of course, tired as we were, we had to stay for the fireworks.

"I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing — that it was all started by a mouse." 
~ Walt Disney

The big bang theory

When you're shopping for fireworks for tomorrow's 4th of July celebration, the "big bang" package looks pretty exciting. But for most of us, reality sets in and we settle for a sampling of the simpler options.

Join us tomorrow night for the really big bang show at Downey High School!

Honk if you love fireworks

I read this week that eighteen service clubs and non-profits have been granted permits to sell legal fireworks in Downey. This one is sponsored by the Downey Rose Float Association, which raises funds all year long to support Downey's entry into the annual New Year's Day Rose Parade.

So get out and support your favorite group this year, at least with a "honk."

And the rockets' red glare

Today we celebrated our 239th year of independence from Great Britain.

We enjoyed the day with our friends in the usual way: swimming and a BBQ. Of course, the day had to end with fireworks.

When we couldn't find our usual firework show at Downey High, we headed for South Gate, the next town over. I couldn't believe the displays we saw. In addition to the official show at South Gate Park, there were fireworks everywhere, lighting up the sky and creating such loud pops and whistles that car alarms were set off all around. We got to watch all this from the rooftop of Grace Bible Church. It was a great viewpoint.

In 1776, Thomas Jefferson wrote his wife a letter talking about how we should celebrate this day (although, he clearly thought we should be celebrating on July 2nd.)

"The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more."

Right around the corner

The Fourth of July is just around the corner and these fireworks stands are popping up all over town. This one is just around the corner from us. Downey allows the organizations that run these stands to sell fireworks from July 1 to July 4. Some organizations will clear 90% of their annual budget from those four days.

This stand is empty now, but on June 30 it will be filled with explosive excitement.

4th of July celebration

This year the block I live on decided to celebrate July 4th by having a block party. We sealed off half of the street and put up canopies with tables and chairs in the street. The men barbecued the meat and some vegetables and everyone brought some special treat to share.



Several inflatable water slides were rented to entertain and to keep everyone cool on this 83 F day. The little kids had their water slide and across the street, the big kids had their water slide.



And of course, we had safe and sane fireworks after dark.

And the rocket's red glare...

John Adams once wrote in his diary that he hoped America would forever use fireworks to celebrate this day. There you go Mr. Adams. Here's to you and our fathers before us who stood up for what they believed in and who fought for our country and freedom.

Shopping for fireworks

A father and son were shopping for some fireworks. It was fun to watch them look at all the different choices. The son wanted the big package.... Dad obviously had a different thought.

The fundraisers

You probably aren't expecting me to talk about Downey's New Year's Day Rose Parade float in July. But here we are, at the Downey Rose Float Association's 4th of July fireworks booth, where these girls are working to bring in the crowds to purchase their fireworks.

Downey allows only the "Safe and Sane" fireworks to be sold (and used) inside the city. Nearly every organization in town staffs a fireworks booth to raise funds for their group. The booths are allowed to open only from July 1 through July 4, and someone must be on the premises around the clock to guard the goods. So typically, next to each booth, you'll also see a mobile home where the "guards" stay during their night shifts.

Last year's float won the Lathrop K. Leishman Trophy for most beautiful entry from a noncommercial sponsor. Next year's float has already been designed, with the theme of "Enchanted Paradise." Volunteers are always welcome (especially in December).

Celebrating the pledge

And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.

Over 200 years ago, 56 men signed their names under these words, declaring the independence of the country we now call the United States of America.

Today, we celebrate each 4th of July with fireworks. You can go to the big fireworks show at Downey High School, above, or you can buy your own "safe and sane" fireworks at one of the many fundraiser fireworks stands around town. At this stand, the Downey High School cheerleaders are there to encourage you.