In 2019, scientists found that balloons eaten by seabirds are more likely to kill them than other kinds of plastic yet they do not seem to have been earmarked in the same way as, for example, plastic straws.
The report states, 'Inexplicably, no code enforcement occurred, even though all dangerous fireworks had been banned by ordinance throughout rural Yolo County since 2001.' This lack of oversight allowed the fireworks businesses to expand unchecked, culminating in the deadly explosion.
It's like, 'Ok, where? Who do we call? What do you mean?' said Batan, of the Queensboro Dance Festival, which puts on free dance performances, parties, and classes 30 to 40 times each summer. Batan compares the city's complex permitting process - which features an alphabet-soup array of agencies and offices that set guidelines for everything from block parties and street festivals to the use of stages, tents, and speakers - to 'avoiding a bunch of trap doors.'
Firefighters responded after several fireworks were shot from the bridge by an unidentified group of people, lighting up the sky and showering the asphalt with sparks as people got up close to take video and pictures. The Instagram-popular bridge has been the site of takeovers and taggers, arch climbers and copper-wire thieves since it was completed in July of 2022. Someone got a haircut as cars whizzed past.
The Academy SFPHOTO BKY RIN New Year's Eve celebrations were captured by San Francisco Bay Times contributing photographers throughout the Castro, on Polk Street, in Walnut Creek at Rossmoor, and more. Columnist Donna Sachet joined Gary Virginia and friends at 440 Castro, while Dr. Dee Spencer was among the performers at the annual New Year's Eve Party at The Academy SF. LGBTQ+ community members also gathered at Polk Street venues, including The Cinch Saloon.