July 4th: What's allowed and what's not in California

ByAlix Martichoux KGO logo

Thursday, July 2, 2020

Gunshots or fireworks: How to tell the difference

Was that fireworks or gunshots? Here's what you need to know to tell the difference.

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Fourth of July in California, like pretty much everything else in 2020, is going to look very different this year.

I don't know if you've heard, but there's this thing called the coronavirus and it's canceling a lot of people's plans. Since we're not supposed to congregate in big groups, what exactly can you do on the Fourth of July holiday in California?

Here's what allowed and what's not:

Fireworks

Professional: Most professional fireworks shows are canceled to discourage mass gatherings amid COVID-19. A few Bay Area cities have virtual fireworks shows planned. See more info here.

Amateur: Some cities allow for the sale and use of "safe and sane" fireworks during the week of Fourth of July, while others ban them altogether. In the Bay Area, fireworks are allowed in: Dublin, Newark, Union City, Gilroy, Pacifica, San Bruno, Dixon, Rio Vista, Suisun City, Cloverdale, Rohnert Park and Sebastopol. (Full list of cities in California can be found here.)

Even in those cities, only fireworks labeled "safe and sane" are legal. According to CalFire, the following types of fireworks are illegal everywhere in the state:

Sky rockets
Bottle rockets
Roman candles
Aerial shells
Firecrackers
Other fireworks that explode, go into the air, or move on the ground in an uncontrollable manner

Remember, even legal fireworks can pose fire dangers and can injure people.

VIDEO: Gunshots or fireworks: Here's how to tell the difference

Was that fireworks or gunshots? Here's what you need to know to tell the difference.

Parades

In-person parades are a big no-no this year. A few Bay Area cities are still hosting virtual parades. We're keeping track here.

Parties and barbecues

Want to throw a party with your roommates, spouse or children? Go right on ahead - if you live together.

Things get dicey if you start to mingle with those outside your household. When people who haven't been living together mix, oftentimes without social distancing and proper face coverings, there's an increased risk of exposure. Several COVID-19 outbreaks have been traced back to large gatherings of extended family around Mother's Day, Memorial Day, graduations and Father's Day.

"We've got Fourth of July weekend coming up," Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a press conference Tuesday. "One of the areas of biggest concern as it relates to the spread of COVID-19 in the state remains family gatherings, not just bars, not just out in the streets where people are protesting. It's specifically family gatherings, where extended and immediate family members begin to mix, and they take down their guard."

On Thursday, the governor emphasized Californians should not gather with people they don't live with.

Parks

If you're in the mood for a social distance picnic, most parks around the Bay Area have reopened. Some may still have picnic tables and barbecues roped off, but the grass is all yours. Counties have also been slowly reopening more and more hiking trails. We've also put together a list of 13 wide Bay Area hiking paths that make it easier to social distance.

Beaches

Several Southern California counties are shutting down all beaches ahead of Fourth of July weekend. In the Bay Area and Santa Cruz County, only state beaches are shutting down their parking lots.

Even at other beaches, parking may still be limited and don't be surprised if the crowds come out. Perhaps you can convince yourself sprinklers or a kiddie pool make a good substitute?

While the state isn't closing the beaches themselves, the following state beach parking facilities will be closed:

Marin County