On April 14, 2025 the City of Alhambra voted on whether or not to discuss a ban on fireworks at their next meeting. This was an existential threat to our council as our Fourth of July Firework booth is our main yearly fundraiser. Without it we would not be able to host as many events or donate to as many charitable causes as we currently do. Thus we decided to oppose it with our full force.

Before the meeting began, member knights of this council showed up and joined the crowd made up of of other organizations (American Legion, Little League,  Alhambra High, and more). Over 100 people showed up in protest! However, only one person per organization could give a speech. As such we selected the most suitable person for the job, our insurance agent Brother Jeffery T Storey.

Below is a transcript of Brother Jeff's speech to the City Council:

Good evening. I'm Jeff Story, a member of the Knights of Columbus, a charitable organization founded in 1882 in New Haven, Connecticut. Our chapter here in Alhambra was established in 1923, and we have been selling fireworks for as long as anyone in the council can remember. This is our main source of revenue, which allows us to support many charitable works. We run programs like Feed the Family and offer youth scholarships; in fact, we have given away hundreds of youth scholarships over the years. Back in 1776, when John Adams had just finished signing the Declaration of Independence, he sent a letter to his wife recommending that Americans celebrate that momentous occasion with parades, parties, and illuminations—that is, fireworks. By 1777, fireworks displays had become a part of the tradition. I have been selling fireworks for the Alhambra Knights of Columbus for 38 years. I forgot to mention that I am a resident of Emory Park. Because we are right next to El Sereno, we often hear a lot of illegal fireworks, which is what many people often think of when they think of fireworks. However, California Safe and Sane Fireworks are exactly that—safe and sane. Most importantly, these fireworks raise significant amounts of money for great causes. I have witnessed this firsthand for many years. I would urge you all to please consider not changing the current arrangement for fireworks sales here in Alhambra. Like the speakers before me, I am happy to provide much more detail, including research I and others have done regarding the safety and risks involved, to ensure that we continue supporting safe and sane fireworks. Please consider keeping our current fireworks arrangement in Alhambra, as it raises much-needed funds for good causes. Thank you, and good evening.