The bright lights of fireworks is a large part of many childhood memories, but with so many incidents over the years cities and towns have had to crack down on their use.

Photo Courtesy of lodgephoto.com

This year many may wonder where they are allowed to use fireworks.

In Alameda County “safe and sane” fireworks are currently only legal in Union City, Newark and Dublin. Fireworks are not permitted in Hayward or on the Chabot College Campus. In addition fireworks are not permited in most school campus, shopping centers, or city and state parks.

Instead of celebrating with fireworks many will opt for time with family and friends over a bar-b-q or pool party.

Though for many this doesn’t fill the void or desire for fireworks. Fourth of July isn’t the same without a big bang; those searching for a fireworks show will find them selves leaving the comfort of home.

Berkeley will be hosting a fourth of July celebration at the Berkeley Marina where there will be entertainment, food and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. and the event is free. For more information about Berkeley’s event call (510) 548-5335.

Livermore will host it’s own celebration with fireworks at sunset at Robertson Park; this event won’t be free though. $5 per person or $20 per car. For more information about the Livermore celebration go to www.larpd.dst.ca.us.

Similar events to these will be hosted all through out the bay including Jack London Square in Oakland, Pier 39 in San Francisco, Milpitas, and San Jose.

Remember that if you are choosing to do fireworks this year in the pre-approved areas that you have a bucket of water to extinguish used fireworks and that you don’t let any children handle the fireworks or match and lighters.

Have a safe and fun Fourth of July.

For a complete list of fireworks locations go to Channel 7 ABC local website.

From July 10th through July 24th, Hayward Public Library is offering a one-time library amnesty program, “Food for Fines,” during which Library customers may bring in donations of food to help the hungry while clearing some of their overdue fines.  During this amnesty program, each food item donated to the library can be used to “pay” for $1 in library overdue fines, up to a maximum of $25 cleared per card.  All donated food will be given to the Alameda County Community Food Bank.

A valid Hayward Public Library card must be presented at the time of the donation.  Donations will be accepted in person during normal Library operating hours.  Food donations will apply towards overdue fines; they will not apply towards lost or damaged item fees, replacement library card fees, or interlibrary loan (LINK+) fees.

The most needed food items are:

•    Canned Fruit and Vegetables
•    Powdered Milk
•    Tomato Sauce
•    Beans
•    Rice
•    Low-Sugar Cereal and Oatmeal
•    Canned soup (low salt)
•    Pasta
•    Peanut Butter
•    Canned Meats and Fish
•    Powdered Milk
•    Healthy Snacks (Granola Bars, Raisins, Pretzels, etc)

Donated food items must be unopened and sealed in original packaging.  Homemade items, perishable items, opened or repackaged items, or items packaged in glass cannot be accepted.

Help Hayward Public Library and Alameda County Community Food Bank wipe out hunger (and your library overdue fines) by participating in Food for Fines.  For more information visit the library’s webpage http://library.hayward-ca.gov, or call 510-293-8685.