The City of Wasco City Council meeting held on July 15, 2025, focused on public safety concerns surrounding the Fourth of July holiday, particularly regarding illegal fireworks and gunfire incidents. The meeting began with a recap of the previous year's challenges and the strategies implemented this year to mitigate risks associated with these activities.

The Chief of Police reported that the department had been proactive in educating the community about the dangers of illegal fireworks and celebratory gunfire. This year, the council, alongside the city manager, developed a comprehensive plan to disseminate information through social media and community outreach, including door hangers distributed by Councilman Reyna. The efforts aimed to reduce the number of incidents related to illegal fireworks, which totaled 38 reports on July 4, 2025.

During the holiday, police conducted saturation patrols in neighborhoods, which led to the seizure of illegal fireworks and firearms, including an assault rifle and two handguns. The Chief highlighted the inherent risks posed to emergency responders when responding to such incidents, emphasizing the dangers of mixing alcohol, firearms, and fireworks.

The discussion also touched on the serious consequences of celebratory gunfire, with the Chief citing statistics from 2024 that reported 122 incidents across the United States, resulting in 46 fatalities. He underscored the importance of continued education to address this public safety issue.

Council members expressed their appreciation for the Chief's report and the successful recovery of illegal items during the holiday. They inquired about the possibility of issuing tickets for illegal fireworks use, to which the Chief responded that some cases had been referred to the District Attorney's office for further action.

The meeting concluded with a transition to the consent calendar, which included routine items for council approval. Overall, the discussions highlighted the city's commitment to enhancing public safety and community awareness regarding the risks associated with illegal fireworks and gunfire during holiday celebrations.