Page 29 - Duarte Summer 2025

The City of Duarte Updates
Its Municipal Code on Fireworks
The preservation of community safety, health, welfare, aesthetics, and character remains
the City of Duarte’s highest priority. In the General Municipal Election on November 6,
2018, Duarte residents voted on Measure F, which was designed to prohibit the sale and
use of fireworks. The measure ultimately passed and resulted in prohibiting all sales and
use of fireworks in Duarte. At its regular meeting on Tuesday, April 8, the Duarte City
Council updated the Duarte Municipal Code (DMC) to regulate the sale, possession, and
use of all fireworks within the City.
Since the adoption of DMC Chapter 15.05, “Fireworks,” the possession, sale, and use of
fireworks and dangerous fireworks have continued to increase within the City’s limits,
posing a serious risk to the public’s safety due to the potential for severe bodily injury,
property damage, and fire concerns.
The recently approved Ordinance No. 25-02 amended DMC Chapter 15.05 to provide
additional tools for enhancing public safety, health, and welfare, clarify processes and
procedures, and improve City enforcement of violations of the DMC related to possession,
sale, and use of all fireworks. What you need to know:
* All Fireworks are prohibited in the City of Duarte, including safe and sane fireworks.
* The sale, use, and/or possession with intent to use safe and sane fireworks within
the City are prohibited
* Intent to use safe and sane firework(s) may result in fines.
Enforcement officers will consider a variety of factors, including location, time and date
of possession, possession of ignition sources, possession or presence of previously
discharged fireworks, and past violations when determining intent.
Fines for Fireworks violations are as follows:
* Up to $10,000 for dangerous fireworks, in alignment with state law.
The City will continue to improve its processes to ensure effective, fair, and efficient
enforcement of the DMC, thereby enhancing public health, safety, welfare, and preserving
the community.
To read the updated Chapter, please visit ACCESSDUARTE.COM.
HOOK’D & BOOK’D
On March 11, 2025, while conducting routine patrol, Deputy Rivera demonstrated sharp
observation skills during a traffic stop at Buena Vista Street and Huntington Drive. He
spotted a white GMC Sonoma with multiple vehicle code violations and promptly initiated
a stop to address the infractions.
As Deputy Rivera contacted the driver, he discovered the individual was operating the
vehicle without a valid license. The driver was placed in the back of the patrol car pending
further investigation. Meanwhile, Deputy Rivera noticed suspicious behavior from the
vehicle’s passengers and requested backup from nearby units.
Upon arrival, assisting deputies helped remove the passengers from the vehicle and
conducted safety pat-downs. The search revealed methamphetamine in the possession
of two individuals. Further investigation uncovered that a third passenger was on active
parole and had an outstanding warrant for their arrest.
With the driver already in custody, Deputy Rivera conducted a vehicle inventory prior
to impound. The search turned up additional narcotics paraphernalia, leading to more
charges against the driver.
In total, four individuals were arrested:
Driver: Driving without a license and possession of narcotics paraphernalia.
Passenger 1: Possession of methamphetamine and paraphernalia.
Passenger 2: Possession of methamphetamine.
Passenger 3: Violation of parole and outstanding warrant.
Deputy Rivera’s proactive policing and attention to detail resulted in a successful multi-
arrest incident, removing drugs and offenders from our streets. This case highlights the
importance of staying vigilant and reporting suspicious activity. If you see something, say
something—contact Temple Sheriff’s Station Dispatch at (626) 285-7171.
PUBLIC SAFETY SPOTLIGHT
DEPUTY
ANDREW SANDOVAL
Since June 2024, Deputy Sandoval has
proudly served the Duarte Public Safety team
as a relief Deputy, working the overlap shift,
a critical role that bridges two patrol shifts to
improve response times for calls for service.
His presence ensures consistent coverage
and quicker support when it matters most.
With over a decade of experience in the
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department,
Deputy Sandoval brings a solid foundation
in law enforcement. He began his career at
Twin Towers Correctional Facility, serving
nearly three years as a custody deputy
before moving into court services, where
he worked within the judicial system for five
years. In 2023, he completed patrol training
at Temple Station, which serves much of the
San Gabriel Valley, including Duarte.
In his current role, Deputy Sandoval
investigates crimes, responds to calls for
service, and maintains a visible presence in
the community to help deter criminal activity.
Having grown up in a small town much like
Duarte, he values the strong community
connections and enjoys engaging with
residents.
Outside of work, Deputy Sandoval enjoys
working out, traveling with his wife, and
rooting for his favorite team, the Los Angeles
Lakers.
He also takes crime prevention seriously
and encourages residents to avoid crimes of
opportunity. His safety tips include:
•
•
•
•
Keep valuables out of sight in parked
vehicles
Always lock your car doors
Park in well-lit areas
Install security cameras at home and
ensure easy access to recorded footage
Lastly, Deputy Sandoval reminds residents
to trust their instincts. If you see something
suspicious, don’t ignore it, report it. You can
contact Temple Sheriff’s Station at (626) 285-
7171. Calls can remain anonymous and may
help prevent crime, contributing to a safer
Duarte for all.
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