You have to love it when the Fourth of July falls on a Friday and giving you that three-day weekend. And Friday, East County will be booming in America’s birthday in style. There is a full day of events at Kennedy Park in El Cajon. Santee has a huge extravaganza of events at the Town Center Community Park and playing music until 10 p.m. so you do not have to hit the roads at the peak of everyone trying to get home.
You have to love it when the Fourth of July falls on a Friday and giving you that three-day weekend. And Friday, East County will be booming in America’s birthday in style. There is a full day of events at Kennedy Park in El Cajon. Santee has a huge extravaganza of events at the Town Center Community Park and playing music until 10 p.m. so you do not have to hit the roads at the peak of everyone trying to get home.
And you cannot forget the fireworks display in Spring Valley. Having lived up on Dictionary Hill, I can attest to the fact that you have a wonderful view of not only Spring Valley’s fireworks, but if up on the hill you can see the fireworks all the way to the bay.
This is one of America’s favorite traditions, even giving coin to the all-American hotdog, which more are sold on the fourth than any other time of year. This is a great time to spend with family and friends, whether at home or out at one of the many places in the county. And this is the perfect way to celebrate. It seems that this holiday brings out the best in many people.
Not to put a damper on all the festivities, but everyone should know that the California Highway Patrol, San Diego Sherriff’s Department and all of our local law enforcement will be out on the roads in high capacity throughout the weekend. And sad to say, history has shown that this is a needed and costly expense. Last year alone, the CHP arrested 46 DUIs and more than 550 where arrested on highways and streets in all of our unincorporated areas in the county. So do everyone a favor and save a life by drinking responsibly, having a designated driver if you are drinking or find an alternative solution to getting home if you find yourself to intoxicated to drive. It can save a life, including your own.
Tragedy strikes when we least expect it, and the world shows us just how easily things that could never happen, can happen. No one is exempt.
And please do not forget about your pets. There are more lost pets, especially dogs, when fireworks are involved. If your pet gets anxious because of fireworks, place them in a comfortable room and turn up the volume on the TV or radio so that it drowns out the booming. A pet is less likely to flee, if unable to and if it feels comfortable in its surroundings while the explosions and screams go on.
And last, but not least, please keep the fireworks out of our neighborhoods. First, we are in a drought and it only takes a spark to burn down an entire community. There is a brush fire on Highway 67 and Riverford Road as I write. It never fails in my neighborhood, that some idiot is out shooting Roman candles, popping firecrackers and all I can think about is all the bales of straw in my back yard. It is nerve wracking enough when you are at home, but trusting that everything will be okay while you are away is even worse.
Enjoy our Independence Day. It is truly a day to be celebrated and the spirit of the holiday is like no other. But at the same time, be conscience about being festive and remember what it is we are celebrating.
Take the time to thank our military service members, veterans and our first responders for their service. Without them, we could not be able to celebrate this wonderful holiday in peace.
