Fireworks could be returning to San Ramon

These problems just can't be that hard to solve, and I suspect that the study was ordered with the proviso that potential costs and difficulties were to be maximized, to provide cover for a pre-determined outcome.

The Regional Medical Center, for example, is practically within spitting distance of Central Park, and EMT crews, properly staged, can serve both the celebration and the surrounding neighborhoods with little delay. Pre-placing enough trash receptacles for an overflow crowd is Parks & Rec 101. As to traffic, jams are as American as the 4th of July. That said, there's a huge amount of daily parking in the area of Bishop Ranch, planning for satellite lots and encouraging folks to bike-in on the IHT would certainly help. So would having some post-FW entertainment, like firing back up the dance band, to lengthen the period over which folks choose to leave, and reduce the crush.

Just think of all the events, with many more than 30K attendees, that get properly staged All the time. Sporting events, festivals, parades -- the answers are abundant and out-there -- all that's required is the civic will to find and apply them.

Problem-solving is a pretty American institution, as well. Howsabout demonstrating that, and then celebrating it?

Why should a small community like San Ramon be the focus for Bay Area fireworks? How will this be paid for? Who will pay the overtime for Police and Fire, to say nothing of the cleanup crews. I just don't buy that the community must suffer through traffic gridlock just because traffic "jams are as American as the 4th of July" That's just someone who wants to see fireworks showing their immaturity. It will just degrade once again into people using alcohol in the park and on our streets, and the potential for unconstrained BBQ's starting fires like last time.

My children will be very excited to have them back (I am too). the 4th is a big event for families and it was inconvenient to have to go to Livermore to see the shows when San Ramon had previously hosted shows right in our backyard. We were also very happy about the return of the holiday decorations. This is a wonderful start to the new year and brings back the sense of community I always loved about San Ramon.

I would suggest the City take steps to work with our neighboring cities before selecting the location and/or addressing crowd control issues. If we know what Dublin, Alamo, Pleasanton, Livermore and Danville are doing we may be able to coordinate a game plan that can anticipate crowds and/or assist to address safety/traffic concerns.

The Bay Area City Attorney's (BACA) and Contra Costa County City Attorney's Association (CCCAA) have monthly luncheons that foster relationships and communications between Cities in the Bay Area. I hope San Ramon will establish themselves as a member of both organizations and take steps to connect with other cities so that San Ramon can resume its firework tradition while enjoying a safe holiday:)
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To the first poster, no, those problems aren't that difficult to overcome, but again, who is coming up with the money foot the bill? What city services are you willing to forgo so we can afford a few minutes of fireworks? And using Bishop Ranch is a fine idea, however it is private property. Perhaps you'd be willing to allow countless people to trample your property?

Right now is not the right time to spend several hundreds of thousands of dollars on this event. The city budget is still very tight and they are trimming costs to the bare bones each year. The costs for the fireworks and the associated security and crowd control cannot be justified. San Ramon cannot afford this now - - and probably not for many years to come. This should be shelved based on lack of money to support it for now.

If San Ramon is going to pay for these fireworks why should it be placed on the Dublin border? Why doesn't San Ramon get the city of Dublin to split the costs? I suggest finding a location more central to the city of San Ramon.

A vastly inflated number, in a vacuum, is not a useful management tool. Is our small town still paying its city manager the most of anywhere in the state? If not, take it from those savings. And if AT&T; were approached with 4th of July sponsorship publicity in return for the use of their parking lot, I believe they'd be thrilled to throw-in, as would others.

When folks commit to finding solutions, rather than griping about problems, it's amazing what progress can be made.

As I recall, the cost was some $65,000 to hold this fun event,and the budget was tight and the thus the decision to eliminate the event for a couple of years was made. The bigger issue was the concern of the huge draw of this event from outer lying areas? -That created a problematic security issue as well. I don't imagine those concerns have gone away and though I'd love nothing better than to see this event resurrected (as I can see it from my own living room window) ONLY if the city can afford it; ONLY if they feel the security issues can be mitigated without a huge increase in costs.

Ms. Bunny, I agree wholeheartedly with you. Is the overcrowding going to magically vanish? Also, Sam, AT&T; is in the process of selling the building. I don't think they're going to be doing backflips for the opportunity to sponsor a fireworks show.

RIDICULOUS that the city would even consider this with the cost and issues it brings to our city. Yeah it may be inconvenient to go to another city to watch a 20 minute fireworks show but so is spending $300,000 in overtime and extravagance for a fireworks show just because we always have. Things change and this city needs to be RESPONSIBLE . This city doesn't have enough employees to adequately staff an event like this, it is a tragedy waiting to happen. Personally, if I lived in or near that area I would be very upset that outsiders would be congregating around my home , doing things they shouldn't be doing in public around my home and children. There are other ways we can celebrate our nation and other place to go see fireworks. BE RESPONSIBLE SAN RAMON!