Fireworks at Green Music Center startle some Rohnert Park residents

<p>Explosions in Rohnert Park late Saturday night launched more than 150 phone calls by concerned and angry residents to 911 for what turned out to be the long-planned fireworks show ending the gala debut of the Green Music Center at Sonoma State University.</p><p>The emergency calls came in a 20-minute period, about the length of the fireworks show, which started a little after 10 p.m.</p><p>Residents reported gunfire or a variety of other possibilities, Rohnert Park Sgt. Dave Welch said.</p><p>"There were a few surprised people and scared dogs," the sergeant said.</p><p>"A few callers were very, very angry, saying they were not notified," said Welch. "They were angry at the college, angry at the city."</p><p>Saturday night, the college celebrated the opening of the $145 million music center on campus with a concert attended by Gov. Jerry Brown and local luminaries and music fans.</p><p>The event and fireworks show had been publicized by the college and local media.</p><p>Three Rohnert Park dispatchers were on duty on the third floor of the city's public safety building and could see the fireworks from their window.</p><p>The deluge of calls inundated dispatchers, who quickly told callers the noise was from a fireworks show and moved on to the next call.</p><p>"They handled it as best they could," Welch said.</p><p>Cotati police dispatchers received two 911 calls about the fireworks, Cotati police said.</p><p>Sonoma County fire dispatchers said they didn't receive any calls.</p><p>You can reach Staff Writer Randi Rossmann at 521-5412 or randi.rossmann@pressdemocrat.com.</p>