With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
Gardena police seize largest illegal firework stash in California history
In an aerial view, large illegal fireworks in Los Angeles.
(
David McNew
/
Getty Images
)
Topline:
Gardena police seized the largest stash of illegal fireworks in California history — 75 tons — from a commercial warehouse last week.
The details: Gardena police said the fireworks had an estimated street value of between $7 million and $10 million. The fireworks were safely removed from the warehouse, and police arrested three people on suspicion of possessing illegal explosives and other weapons violations.
How the seizure stacks up: Gardena police noted the most recent record for an illegal fireworks seizure was 32 tons in a South L.A. warehouse in 2021. And then there was the botched fireworks explosion in a South L.A. neighborhood the same year — that seizure was around 15 tons.
Sponsored message
California's patchwork fireworks laws: The state allows what are known as "safe and sane" fireworks. But local jurisdictions have their own rules. Gardena allows fireworks for the Fourth of July, but they have to be bought from a licensed fireworks stand. In the city of Los Angeles and L.A. County unincorporated areas, all fireworks are illegal.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
