Six total fireworks permits are allowed within the city, and they are granted by lottery within various categories including service clubs, faith-based organizations and veterans organizations. Photo by Nicolas Brown

DIXON, CA (MPG) - At the Jan. 6 meeting of the Dixon City Council, Solano County Civil Grand Jury representatives spoke during public comment about their recruitment process. The Civil Grand Jury acts as a watchdog of local governments and agencies, as well as investigating citizen complaints. The application period is now open for the 2026-27 year, which begins on July 1. Positions are available to residents of Solano County over the age of 18 with strong reading, writing and analytical skills. 

The council considered an amendment to the city ordinance regulating fireworks within the city. To address the safety issues caused by illegal aerial fireworks, particularly around the 4th of July holiday, the recommended update includes a social host liability, through which fines and penalties can be imposed upon the owner or occupant of a property where illegal fireworks were used. The updated ordinance also approves use of drones for enforcement, as well as corrections of minor typographical errors and clarification regarding the packaging of legal fireworks.

The updated ordinance would take effect 30 after approval, and Councilmember Kevin Johnson said he was glad the social host liability will be in “full force” for this year’s July 4th holiday. 

The ordinance was approved 4-0, with Vice Mayor Thom Bogue abstaining. 

The council also considered a resolution approving administrative regulations, procedures and fees to govern the 2026 lottery selection process for “safe and sane” fireworks sales permits.

Acting Fire Chief Randy Shafer said the process will remain largely consistent with prior years, with a few modifications. Changes include moving the application period from the month of January to February, and a non-refundable $25 application fee will be charged to cover staff time for application review. 

Six total permits are allowed within the city, and they are granted by lottery within various categories including service clubs, faith-based organizations and veterans organizations. Two permits will be granted from the youth/sports/education category, and one within a “last chance” category in which all applicants will be entered if not already selected. 

If selected in the application lottery, the fireworks sales permit fee will be $150, to cover the costs of fire safety inspections for each booth. 

The council voted 4-0 to approve the firework sales resolution, with Vice Mayor Bogue abstaining. 

Finally, the council selected a member to serve as vice mayor for 2026. Mayor Steven Bird nominated Councilmember Jim Ernest, and his appointment was approved 4-0, with Bogue abstaining. 

The next meeting of the Dixon City Council is scheduled for Jan. 20.