By City News Service Photo: Getty Images North America LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Los Angeles Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, who spearheaded a fireworks buyback program modeled after the city's gun buyback program, announced today that the first buyback event resulted in more than a quarter-ton of fireworks being removed from the streets. “Thanks to community members who voluntarily participated in this pilot buyback effort we netted over a quarter-ton of illegal fireworks,'' Rodriguez said. “This program tested a new tool in our citywide effort to combat the use of illegal fireworks. It's inaugural success shows promise for a larger citywide effort that can return peace to our neighborhoods and enhance public safety for residents.''