Since You Asked: Money, liability hold off fireworks show

Q: Why is it that the Gold Sox can put on numerous fireworks shows at the ballpark, but Marysville cannot use the same ballpark area to let off fireworks for the Fourth of July?

A: For two reasons: Money and liability.

Dave Lamon, director of city services, says Marysville can't afford the $15,000-plus price tag that comes with a big, flashy show.

The Gold Sox have their own money and insurance and use a "lower-level" type of display, Lamon said.

Marysville would need a sponsor or two or three to put on a show like that — especially since the 2004 Fourth of July disaster at Ellis Lake.

In that incident, more than a dozen people were hurt when misfired fireworks shells exploded in a crowd on the lake's eastern shore. A 14-year-old Linda girl lost part of her leg.

Since then, insurance companies and sponsors have shied away from taking on the liability of such a show. Lamon said the city needs somebody to "champion and promote" the matter and bring it before the City Council — probably somebody with deep pockets and plenty of insurance.

Planned YC park

Q: Whatever happened to the public park that was supposed to be built in northwest Yuba City?

A: Like many things in recent years, plans for the neighborhood park between Butte House Road and Jefferson Avenue have fallen victim to the economy, according to city officials.

"The developer went bankrupt and there have been no new discussions," said Aaron Bush, Yuba City's community development director.

Reynen & Bardis, a Sacramento-based development company, went bust last year, taking plans for the Yuba City park with them.

"It's another unfortunate product of the economy," Bush said. "When development does come back to the area, a park will be required as part of any future projects."

Since You Asked is published on Mondays. Send questions to reporter Rob Parsons at the Appeal-Democrat, 1530 Ellis Lake Drive, Marysville, CA 95901, email him at rparsons@appealdemocrat.com or call 749-4785.