San Jose Standard

On Tuesday, July 2, officials from the City of San José convened at Lake Cunningham Park to discuss fireworks-related safety ahead of the Fourth of July. The press conference featured Mayor Matt Mahan, Councilmembers Domingo Candelas (District 8) and David Cohen (District 4), and Fire Chief Robert Sapien, Jr., supported by representatives from various city departments.

Mayor Mahan began his remarks with an update on cooling centers in response to the ongoing heatwave. He then emphasized the importance of safety during the holiday. “As we celebrate the Fourth of July, it’s both a time to have a great time, celebrate, enjoy a special holiday with family, but also a really important moment to remind people to stay safe," stated Mayor Mahan. “We want to make sure that everybody is able to celebrate safely and reduce risk, particularly fire risk as you see with this extreme heat and how dry our vegetation already is; there is some very serious risk that we want to avoid."

Councilmembers Candelas and Cohen highlighted their support for efforts by the San José Fire Department (SJFD) and San José Police Department (SJPD) to curb illegal fireworks. Candelas announced East San José’s first free professional fireworks show at Lake Cunningham Park, while Cohen discussed new signage for parks in high-risk areas. The City aims to deter illegal fireworks use by publicizing associated dangers, enforcing penalties for violators, and promoting family-friendly professional shows.

Regarding transportation for the event at Lake Cunningham Park, Councilmember Candelas advised attendees to use public transit routes 22, 26, 70, and 71. He added that parking would not be available on-site but arrangements had been made for free shuttle services from Eastridge Mall and YMCA.

Fire Chief Sapien concluded the press conference by discussing the heightened fire risks due to current weather conditions. “Today, I want to point out that as we enter this Fourth of July, local conditions including high temperatures and especially high fuels pose a particularly high threat to community and firefighter safety,” said Chief Sapien. “This circumstance is exacerbated with the added source of fire, which are fireworks.”

For more information:

▶ View press conference recording: https://youtu.be/EoTyMUXRp1o

▶ Learn about the City's illegal fireworks ordinances: https://www.sanjoseca.gov/fireworks

Free Professional Shows This Fourth of July:

6099 Winfield Blvd, San José

Festivities: 3:00 PM; Fireworks: 9:15 PM

Live music, food trucks, kids' fun zone

Learn more: https://www.sanjoseca.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/6880/

Lake Cunningham Park

2305 S. White Rd., San José

Festivities: 7:00 PM; Fireworks: 9:00 PM

Food trucks and family-friendly activities

Learn more: https://www.sanjoseca.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/6855/