Jim McManis was interviewed by NBC Bay Area regarding the practice of the City of San Jose requiring residents to pay a $500 fine before receiving a hearing in cases where the resident had been, through an anonymous online form, reported to be using fireworks. In the interview, titled “San Jose Acknowledges 'Problems' with Controversial $500 Fireworks Fines” and airing on Aug. 3, 2017, McManis described the practice as “just another gimmick by the city to raise money” and “plainly unlawful.”