Altadena's Fourth of July: Can You Hear Me Now

In the early evening yesterday, Farnsworth Park was almost deserted; just a few families, packing up their picnic baskets. And as the night wore on, we who live in the area heard distant thunder, fireworks, yes, but nothing particularly threatening.  

And that seemed really strange, because over the years this neighborhood has been a popular launching pad for those who express their love for freedom and independence by lighting illegal firecrackers and bottle rockets, creating a monument of ash and broken glass for all to appreciate the following day.

So maybe times have changed. 

Or maybe not. Maybe the launching pad has never left town, just shifted a little, to the west or to the east.

Where do you live and, in spite of the ban on fireworks, did the bombs burst in the air, and the rockets glare red on your street?