SALINAS, Calif.- It's a new year and the City of Salinas is already looking ahead to the popular Fourth of July celebrations where local non-profits and organizations get to cash in by selling fireworks.
The application period for a fireworks stand lottery is open, but time is running out at the City of Salinas Fire Department Administrative Office and the City's Permit Center, both located at 65 West Alisal Street, Salinas, CA 93901.
The application is also available online at http://www.ci.salinas.ca.us.
Applications must be received by 4:00 PM on February 28, 2013.
Mayor Joe Gunter stated in a city news release last week, "I encourage all eligible applicants to consider this fund-raising opportunity that has generated nearly a half million dollars for local non-profit organizations".
This year there will be 18 Fireworks Stands allowed.
Nonprofit organizations such as schools or school organizations or a duly organized nonprofit, tax exempt charitable, religious, civic, patriotic, or community service association, organization or corporation, which have met all the following criteria continuously for a minimum period of one year immediately preceding the filing of an application for a permit to display for sale or to sell safe and sane fireworks are eligible:
The organization must be either a school or a school organization or a duly organized entity which has tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service or the Franchise Tax Board, and that serves, in whole or in part, residents of the city of Salinas.
The organization must have its principal place of business and principal meeting place within the city of Salinas and must hold its regularly scheduled meetings within the city of Salinas.
The organization must be one which provides direct and regular community services and benefits to the residents of the city of Salinas.
The organization must not have had a permit to sell revoked within twenty-four months prior to the organization's submittal of an application for a permit to sell.
If the number of applications exceeds the number of fireworks stands that will be allowed, the City will select from among the qualified applicants using a lottery draw. Priority will be given to schools or school organizations, with preference to high schools, youth sports and activities, community organizations and religious and fraternal, service and veterans' organizations.
Out of the 18 fireworks stands allowed, up to 12 will be for schools or school organizations.
Applications will be reviewed for qualifications from March 4th through March 12th. An announcement of qualified applicants will be made on March 14th and the lottery draw will be held on March 21st. Qualified applicants will be notified by mail of the time and location of the lottery draw.
