Lodi officials revamp lottery process for fireworks booths after last year's snafu
The Lodi Fire Department accepts applications from local nonprofits to operate "safe and sane" fireworks booths in the week leading up to Independence Day. All applicants are placed in a lottery and six are chosen to operate booths, given they and the fireworks vendor submit the proper paperwork. Another six are placed in a queue in the event the application process goes awry.
This year, the department will be extending the amount of time nonprofits have to apply for booths.
"My number one concern through this whole thing is safety" Ken Johnson told the Lodi City Council Wednesday evening.
"Any time you're bringing things that explode into the community, it causes me a little concern," he said. "And I want to make sure we have a process where we have good actors who participate in this process and we have a safe season."
The department hosted a fireworks workshop at Carnegie Forum on Monday, and several nonprofits interested in operating booths were given applications for the lottery, which are due by Monday, March 30. Fire department staff and the city clerk's office will take 48 hours to review the applications, and nonprofits must have been in in Lodi for at least one year with a a minimum 10 members who live within the city limits.
The lottery will be held Friday, April 11, where six nonprofits will be selected at random to operate the booths, Another six will be selected as alternates in the event one or more of the lottery winners fail to meet requirements or are unable to participate in fireworks sales.
Lottery winners will have until Friday, May 9 to submit their applications to operate the booths. If a lottery winner cannot operate a booth, an alternate will be notified no later than May 21, and they will have until June 9 to submit an application.
Applications will again be reviewed over a 48-hour period by fire and city clerk staff.
Each nonprofit selling fireworks must have a safety operator on site at all times, and the department will host training classes in early June.
Booths will be set up on Tuesday, June 24, and fire department staff will inspect them on Saturday, June 28. If a booth passes inspection, nonprofits can then begin selling the fireworks until 10 p.m. on July 4.
The revised process comes after all six nonprofits that won last year's lottery were denied the ability to operate booths after paperwork had not been completed.
The six alternates were then chosen to operate the booths, but not before rumors spread that fireworks would not be sold in Lodi due to the denial of the original applicants.
Don Pascarella. a representative of TNT Fireworks, said the revised process was a great effort to make things easier for the nonprofits who sell his company's products.
He said last year's error was a miscommunication with St. Peter Lutheran Church.
"When they submitted the 10 names (of members), one was listed as living on Kettleman Lane," he said. "But it was on Kettleman Lane outside the city limits. You's think, because this church has been in town 100 years, they would have people in the city limits. But they were disqualified."
Johnson said the department has always made it clear that members of a nonprofit must live within the city limits, and that these new 48-hour review periods will help alleviate a lot of miscommunication issues.
Councilman Mikey Hothi said after last year's error, he was glad to see a new process in place and that the fire department was willing to help applicants through it.
"This process has been a nightmare for the last two years," Hothi said. "Especially last year, when all of us were dragged in the media and everywhere else because of shortcomings."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Business News
4 days ago
- Time Business News
How Travelers Can Celebrate Indian Independence Day Responsibly?
India's Independence Day is a vibrant national celebration. Tourists of Delhi Darshan packages are often drawn to its color and culture. Excitement fills the air but responsibility must be remembered. The day is not only for fun and photos. Deeper meaning should be understood and respected. Certain behaviors are best avoided during this time. What should be done will be revealed next. Flag hoisting ceremonies are held in many public places. The national anthem is played after the flag is raised. Silence should always be maintained during this special moment. Mobile phones should be kept on silent or switched off. Photos can be taken only if permission is given. Standing still is considered a sign of deep respect. Traditional Indian clothes can be worn by respectful travelers. Outfits like kurta and saree are often appreciated locally. Bright colors are usually preferred during festive national events. Sacred symbols should not be printed on any clothing. Clothes must be kept clean and worn properly always. Offensive designs should be strictly avoided in all cases. Cultural attire should be chosen with care and understanding. Local customs must be respected through thoughtful clothing choices. Sacred places are often visited during Independence Day events. Loud music should not be played in these areas. Dancing and shouting must always be strictly avoided there. Peaceful behavior is expected by everyone in such spaces. Prayers are often being offered by local worshippers nearby. Quiet steps should be taken when walking around temples. Respect must be shown through silence and gentle actions. Sacred places should be treated with calm and care. Parades are enjoyed by many on Independence Day morning. Streets are often filled with people and food stalls. Waste should be thrown only in dustbins provided nearby. Plastic bottles must not be dropped on roads or parks. Clean surroundings are seen as a sign of respect. Littering is considered rude and must be avoided always. Public spaces should be kept neat by all visitors. The Indian flag should always be treated with full respect. It must never be placed on the ground or floor. Torn or damaged flags must be handed to authorities. The flag should not be used as clothing or decoration. Proper handling rules must always be followed by everyone. Folding should be done carefully after each use. The flag must be carried straight and never dragged. Honor should be shown through every small action. Photos of locals should not be taken without permission. Smiles may be given but consent must be asked first. Privacy is valued and must always be respected by travelers. Faces should not be shared online without clear approval. Offense can be caused by unwanted or sudden pictures. Trust can be built by asking in a polite way. Local culture must be honored through careful photo behavior. Respectful actions will always be remembered and appreciated. India's freedom struggle should be studied before the celebration starts. Brave leaders were followed by millions during the long fight. Important events must be remembered with care and respect. Stories of sacrifice should be read by all travelers. Knowledge can be gained through books or short documentaries. Deeper meaning will be felt by understanding the past. The day must not be seen as just festive. Real value is added through learning and reflection. Local markets are often set up during Independence Day events. Handcrafted goods can be bought from nearby small shops during Delhi to Agra bus tour. Traditional items are usually made by skilled local workers. Fair prices should be paid without too much bargaining. Local foods can also be tried from trusted vendors. Support is shown when money is spent thoughtfully there. FAQS What should I do during the flag hoisting ceremony? Stand still in silence and keep your phone on silent or off. Is it okay to take photos during Independence Day events? Only take photos if you have permission especially in public ceremonies. Can I wear traditional Indian clothes as a tourist? Yes but make sure they are respectful and free of sacred symbols. Should I be loud during Independence Day celebrations? No stay quiet especially in sacred or religious places. How should I treat the Indian national flag? Always treat it with full respect and never place it on the ground. Can I take pictures of local people? Only if you ask for and receive their permission first. Why should I learn about India's independence? Understanding the history adds deeper meaning to the celebration. Is littering acceptable during Independence Day events? No always use dustbins and help keep public areas clean. Can I bargain with small shopkeepers during the celebrations? Light bargaining is okay but fair prices show respect and support. Why is it important to follow local customs on this day? Respecting customs avoids offense and shows cultural appreciation. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
The Hill
14-07-2025
- The Hill
Camp Mystic not accredited nationally, eight others in Kerr County are
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The words 'American Camp Association Accredited' are what several parents tell KXAN investigators they look for before deciding on a summer camp. 'I have personally considered ACA accreditation a must for considering a camp for my own kids to attend,' one parent wrote to KXAN, adding that he likes the numerous checks around safety measures. The American Camp Association, or ACA, is a nationwide voluntary accreditation program for day and overnight camps across the country. The association said 76 camps operating across Texas are accredited, including eight in Kerr County, but not Camp Mystic. The all-girls Christian summer camp lost more than two dozen campers and counselors after the deadly Independence day flooding on the Guadalupe River. 'Our mission is to support those that operate camps, to advance practices around health, safety, risk management and program quality and so, you know, our hallmark program around that is our accreditation program, which is the only set of national standards around health and safety for camps,' explained Henry DeHart, interim president and CEO of ACA out of Indiana. DeHart added that the association encourages camps to work with local emergency responders and allow them to review safety measures. He said to become accredited, which includes annual fees, a team is sent to work with each camp and review safety practices in detail. According to ACA, there are an estimated 20,000 camps nationwide. DeHart explained more than 2,300 have the ACA accreditation. 'We have standards specifically around, 'Do you have an emergency plan, and have you thought through all of your location-specific potential risks around that emergency plan? Have you trained your staff around it, and do you rehearse it before campers get there? And so, what is your communication plan in a crisis? Oftentimes cell services are down, so do you have a backup plan?'' DeHart explained. Camp Mystic, which is licensed by the state, is a member of the Camping Association for Mutual Progress, or C.A.M.P. The state association said online that its goal is to 'raise health and safety standards for all camps.' KXAN investigators reached out to C.A.M.P leaders, but they have not yet been able to provide details about safety standards. 'Our hearts are with everyone affected by the devastating floods in Kerr County. We are deeply saddened by the loss of so many in our state, and our camping community,' said a recent post on the C.A.M.P. website. The post further explained that the association does not govern or accredit camps and members are regulated by the state. Additionally, it said C.A.M.P. serves as a resource for education and support to strengthen the camp community through the spirit of cooperation, collaboration and the collection of ideas. 'The safety and well-being of every camper is, and always will be, the top priority of camps,' said the post. 'Right now, our focus is on supporting the camps, campers, and families impacted by this heartbreaking event. We also remain ready to work closely with state and local leaders to ensure every child who visits our camps is safe, supported, and cared for.' State inspection reports for Camp Mystic obtained by KXAN investigators show the camp had just finished its annual inspection two days before the deadly flash flood. The Department of State Health Services found the camp had the required emergency plans, including written ones in case of a disaster. The state agency said youth camps are required to have those plans posted clearly in every building. DSHS reviews emergency plans onsite during an annual inspection. Camp Mystic has yet to respond to emails asking for comment. ACA said this is a good time for camps to review emergency procedures and see if there are any details which need to be tweaked. DeHart added if parents are feeling anxious, they should ask about what happens if the camp has to be evacuated and how the camp will stay in touch with local emergency service teams, especially if cell service is down. 'Parents have reasonable questions right now,' DeHart said. 'All across the country, camps are proactively trying to reach out and connect with parents, help them understand the planning that they have done, the procedures they have in place.' He urges parents to reach out to their camps directly and learn more about emergency plans in place including communication with families during a disaster. 'I worked at camps in North Carolina, so we had to worry about hurricanes. We actually had to evacuate for a hurricane once, but we had all of those things in place. We had busses, we had location, we had supervision, we had a way to feed the campers. So, parents can ask questions like that, and camps will be eager to share those details with the parents,' he said. DeHart said a team has already met with Texas Sen. John Cornyn about ways to support Texas camps during this time. He added that it's been encouraging how other camps have stepped up and are willing to help. He's heard stories of camps offering to take in campers from impacted areas saying, 'We have some open spaces. Let us work with your parents to get your campers to our camp … so your camper still get a camp experience.'
USA Today
12-07-2025
- USA Today
A flood killed his entire family in 2015. Now he has joined the search in Texas.
Jonathan McComb was the sole family member to survive similar floods in 2015. Since then, he has found a calling searching for others after deadly natural disasters. KERRVILLE, Texas – For nearly a week, Jonathan McComb has climbed into inflatable Zodiac rafts or hiked along the flood-scarred banks of the Guadalupe River, poking through brambles and uprooted trees, looking for victims. He works from sunrise to sundown. It's relentless, tedious, physically demanding work. And, as search and rescue turns to recovery, it can be soul-wrenching. McComb is one of hundreds of volunteers who have descended onto Kerr County in the wake of the deadly Independence Day floods here to help search for victims. But the task carries extra weight for McComb: He was the only one of his family to survive similar floods in 2015 in Wimberley, Texas, 80 miles east of Kerrville. Those floods destroyed about 400 homes and killed 13 people, including McComb's wife and two children. They were swept from his grasp as the house they were in was pushed along the Blanco River and broke apart against a bridge. On the morning of July 7, McComb, 45, gathered with about 20 members of TEXSAR, a search and rescue volunteer group based in Central Texas. On the banks of the Guadalupe – no longer destructive but still brown and swollen – the members discussed river currents and reminded one another to be careful with fallen branches and trees. As of that morning, the missing included at least 10 children attending a nearby Christian camp for girls. Live updates: Texas flooding death toll rises to 90; 10 campers missing Many of the volunteers were lending their expertise in search and rescue to a stricken community. For McComb, it was the fulfillment of a pact he struck with God while clinging to life in the raging Blanco River a decade ago. 'This one hits a little bit more at home,' McComb said in an interview with USA TODAY. 'I can see the hurt and the pain in the families. I know what they're going through and what they're feeling and what they're going to feel.' 'The magnitude of this is in its own category' Volunteers have streamed to Kerr County in the wake of the floods, some pulling skiffs on trailers behind trucks or with canoes strapped to the roofs of their SUVs. Authorities have asked volunteers to connect with a law enforcement agency before helping. TEXSAR alone has deployed 50 volunteers and six swift-water rescue boats, spokesperson Shannon Smith said. Over the years, TEXSAR teams have helped in hundreds of missions, from search and rescue in the wake of Hurricane Harvey in southeast Texas to rescuing lost hikers in the Guadalupe Mountains in West Texas. But few have compared to this disaster, Smith said. 'The magnitude of this is in its own category,' she said. At least 100 people have died in flooding across Texas since July 4, authorities say. The worst of the flooding occurred here in Kerr County, but people have died in Travis, Burnet, Kendall, Tom Green and Williamson counties. The toll included at least 27 children and counselors from a beloved all-girls summer camp, the camp said in a statement, as a frantic search for those still missing entered its fourth day. "Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy," the private Christian camp, Camp Mystic, said in a statement on its website July 7. "We are praying for them constantly." About 700 children were at the camp when relentless rain caused the nearby Guadalupe River to surge more than 26 feet in less than an hour, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said. Photos taken at the scene show a building where some of the children slept with broken windows and a blown-out wall. Among the mud-covered debris were pink blankets and stuffed animals. 'I'll tell your story and help others' The images have reawakened painful memories for McComb. On Memorial Day weekend 2015, McComb, his wife, Laura, their son Andrew, 6, and daughter, Leighton, 4, were vacationing at a riverfront home in Wimberley with another family when the floods hit. The raging waters pushed the home off its foundation and sent it rushing down the Blanco River. The home smashed into a bridge and ripped apart, plunging people into the river. McComb witnessed his family swept away by the angry current as they slipped from his grasp, he said. He resigned to go as well and slipped under the waves. But something bumped his head and jolted him awake. He called on God. 'I said, 'All right, I'm going to get out of here, and I'll tell your story and help others,'' McComb remembered. About 11 miles downriver, McComb finally climbed out, scaled a steep cliff and walked to safety. He was the only one of the nine people in the home that night to survive. Leighton's body was never recovered, he said. While recovering in the hospital, he learned that TEXSAR volunteers were looking for his family. He vowed to join the group as soon as he could. Later that year, he did. McComb has assisted in six missions with the group, including other weather events and helping find missing people. He has since remarried and has a 5-year-old daughter, Scarlett. He hugged her a little tighter before heading off to Kerr County. He arrived in Kerrville on the night of July 4 as the Guadalupe still roiled, joining search and rescue teams on Zodiac rafts. It has been a struggle, he said, to stay focused on the search while not letting his feelings distract him. 'It's a tug of war,' McComb said. 'I'm here to help. But knowing we weren't able to recover my daughter 10 years ago ... I know what that feels like. I want to do what I can to help.' He climbed into a pickup with his team and rode off to a stretch of uprooted trees and tangled debris downriver. There were more people to find. How to volunteer Where to donate Aid groups, nonprofits and other organizations are accepting donations to help survivors and assist in the recovery. The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country started the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, which will provide aid to vetted organizations in Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Point and other areas. Crowdfunding website GoFundMe has an updated page for verified fundraisers connected to flood victims and their families. Other organizations accepting donations include the World Central Kitchen and The Salvation Army, which is distributing supplies and has set up a mobile kitchen in the disaster area.
