Boaters who frequented Konocti Vista Casino’s launch July 4 may have noticed the unusual storage of highly explosive fireworks just feet away in an open Rent-A-Truck.

While wheeling a dolly of firework containers into the truck, one worker remarked, “These gotta get in the back, they were in the hotel room last night.”

Fireworks stored overnight in a hotel room?!

Minutes later, the six-person crew, including the “licensed” operator, were smoking 10 feet away from open explosives. Shocked, I went to the fire department with pictures and discussed the situation with three firefighters on duty, only to discover that their hands were tied – the casino was on a “sovereign nation!”

Hopefully, this isn’t the norm when dealing with state law and Indian reservations.

I worked with commercial firework companies in the Bay Area, and am stunned that Indian sovereignty overrides state regulations and public safety!

George Bettisworth lives in San Jose and also has a home in Lake County.

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