Editorial

Families are firing up their barbecues. Picnickers are lunching at the

beach. Children are anxiously awaiting the sight of fireworks lighting up

the night sky.

And police are getting out their riot gear.

It’s Fourth of July in Newport Beach.

Independence Day is cause for celebration. But it should not be an excuse

for reckless behavior and dangerous activities.

Last year, there were more than 180 arrests during the summer holiday

weekend. And that was a drastic reduction from earlier years.

Officers have learned to strap on their helmets before venturing out

among the Fourth of July revelers, who sometimes launch rocks, bottles

and even M-80 firecrackers -- which are essentially small sticks of

dynamite -- at the police.

This year, authorities are closing down additional streets in an effort

to contain the throng of people who crowd West Newport every July 4,

turning it into a “War Zone.”

Police will try to prevent the burning of cars, the firing of guns and

other destructive expressions of celebration. But they can’t do it alone.

It is up to individuals to help take a stand against the mob mentality.

Everyone, not just those who choose to party in the streets, should be

extra careful about the other activities that make July 4 special.

Costa Mesa is one of just a few cities in Orange County to still allow

booth sales of fireworks, and parents should keep a watchful eye on the

sparklers that fascinate their children.

On Wednesday, a group of kids in Newport Beach quickly learned how

dangerous it is to play with firecrackers, when they inadvertently

sparked a fire in an open field on Monrovia Avenue. No one was hurt --

that time.

And around here, it almost goes without saying: Be careful at the beach.

There have been three deaths at the beach in the last two months,

including two who lost their lives to rip currents.

So, do celebrate Independence Day. Enjoy the sun, the sand and the

sparklers. Just be safe.