In Citrus Heights, Sacramento County, a landlord is involved in a legal dispute with the city over a $25,000 fine related to his tenants' alleged participation in illegal fireworks activities. According to CBS Sacramento, the owner was slapped with the penalty as part of a broader citywide crackdown resulting in $300,000 in fines. His attorney, Ashley DeGuzman, called the penalty a "money grab" and stated there's no proof implicating the tenants.
The revised ordinance in Citrus Heights now holds not only tenants but also property owners responsible for any illicit pyrotechnics discharged on their properties—a policy that has led to the landlord being stuck with a hefty sum. Specifically, it imposed $1,000 fines per each illegal firework set off, as enforced by the Citrus Heights Police Department that employed drones to gather evidence from above. This tactic was reportedly meant to "safely and efficiently pinpoint the source of illegal fireworks and gather real-time evidence," as detailed in a statement obtained by The Sun.
However, the landlord is contesting the fine, claiming that he was never aware of the strict new ordinance until he received the notice in the mail. "There is no way the landlord could have stopped this, so how can you hold them liable?" said his attorney, DeGuzman. "Especially to the tune of $25,000 for something they had no involvement in," arguing that the city failed to properly publicize or notify property owners about the new law. Despite video footage showing illegal fireworks in the vicinity of his rental property, DeGuzman insists it falls short of proving that the landlord's tenants—or their guests—were involved, as reported by The Sun.
The City of Citrus Heights and its police department have remained firm, prepared to defend the ordinance and stand by the fines, especially considering the dangers associated with illegal fireworks. In light of last year's incidents where fireworks purportedly caused multiple fires and injuries, the city appears to be adopting a no-tolerance policy towards such activities. The Citrus Heights Police Department's spokesperson lauded the efforts of their anti-fireworks team, which they claim has "done a phenomenal job" in tackling the issue. As quoted from The Sun, the CHPD clarified that their goal is "not only to respond but to prevent future incidents through education, enforcement, and community partnership."
In response to the fine, the property owner's legal team has given the city 60 days to act or face further legal action.
