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Party On! Spring Fling is Back
Get ready-it's Spring Fling, Dog PAC's annual celebration of All Things Dog. And you (and your dog/s) are invited!
What We'll Have: agility & obedience demos, information booths, face-painting, microchipping, dog goodies to buy, raffle prizes, contests (including Ugliest Dog and Stupid Pet Tricks), our annual members' meeting, election of officers-and FREE SNACKS!
Where: Singleton Day Camp, Elings Park (off Las Positas Rd.), Santa Barbara
When: Sat. May 19, 11-4
Come out for fun, sun & dog action! Please Note: Those who do not have Elings dog walking permits are welcome for Spring Fling (but may not use other areas of the Park). For more information, call us at 967-3949 or email us at: dogpacsb@yahoo.com
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Dog PAC, SB Annual Meeting, Proposed Slate of Officers
• President: Andrew Flanagin, Ph.D.
• Vice-President: Mary Anne Morrison, M.Ed.
• Secretary: Donna O'Toole
• Treasurer: Tracey Bock
All Dog PAC, SB members are entitled to vote. Voting will be held at Spring Fling, Dog PAC, SB's annual members' meeting, Saturday May 19th, at 2 p.m. All ballots will be counted, we promise!
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County Crackdown on Dogs in Dining Patios
The days of dining al fresco with your best friend appear to be history in Santa Barbara.
The County has informed local restaurant owners that the prohibition against having dogs in restaurants applies equally to outdoor dining areas.
The Environmental Health Services Department cites section 114045 of the California Health & Safety Code, in which dogs (other than seeing eye, guide, and service animals) are prohibited from being in any food facility. When one local eatery insisted that the Code did not apply to outdoor dining areas, the County countered with additional sections of the Code, in which outdoor areas are construed to be part of a food facility.
However, there is a logical inconsistency in the Code. Section 114030 requires that "[a] food facility shall at all times be so constructed . . .as to prevent the entrance and harborage of animals, birds, and vermin, including, but not limited to, rodents and insects." How can patio areas be considered part of a food facility, when they so clearly cannot comply with this requirement? And what is the status of dogs immediately adjacent to patio areas?
Interested in working with Dog PAC to take on this issue? If so, contact us at 967-3949, or by email at: dogpacsb@yahoo.com
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Marching Orders:
The Big Dog Parade
Everybody loves a parade—especially one dedicated to dogs!
That's why the Big Dog Parade, Santa Barbara's annual tribute to canines of all sizes, is growing with each passing year.
This year's event will be held on Saturday, June 2
Line-Up at De La Guerra Plaza. Registration Time: 8:30 a.m.
Parade Start Time: 9:30 a.m.
Canine Festival at Old Chase Palm Park immediately following parade.
The parade lets your dog strut his stuff, while you can enjoy contests and raffle prizes, live music and vendors-and all mere feet from the beach.
There are three ways to register: at www.bigdogs.com; via forms available throughout Santa Barbara; or by calling 963-8727, ext. 1398.
As always, Dog PAC will play a key role in the Parade. Come join the fun as a volunteer parade marshal: see the parade from dead center of the action, and meet an amazing array of dogs and their owners! Or join our Dog PAC group entry (and get your registration fee waived).
For more information, contact Lee Heller at 899-2508, or by email at leeheller@netpipeline.net
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A Chance at Adventure—Off-Leash Recreation in State Parks
Consider it a way to turn lemons into lemonade.
Recent conflicts between Bay Area dog walkers and the National Parks system have re-energized the debate over the right to off-leash recreation in public spaces. State Senator Jackie Speier (42nd district) has responded by initiating the legislative process to establish off-leash areas in California's state parks.
SB 712 would require the State Department of Parks & Recreation to conduct a feasibility study regarding state park locations and conditions that would support off-leash recreation. At a minimum, the study would include:
• Public hearings throughout the state, and a comment area on the department's web site, to gather public comment on the issue;
• Consideration given to sections and times set aside for off-leash activity;
• Recommendations for rules for off-leash conduct necessary to protect the safety and enjoyment of park users and the integrity of the park land.
• Identifying specific park areas and parks that are suitable for off-leash use that would have the highest usage for the purpose due to proximity to urban areas
• Identifying specific reasons why off-leash activity should not be allowed at a given location
ACTION ALERT!
To express your support of this legislation, write to:
State Senator Jack O'Connell, State Capitol, Rm. 5035, Sacramento, CA 95814
Email: senator.oconnell@sen.ca.gov
Since this bill is still in committee, write also to the committee chair: Senator Sheila Kuehl, Chair, Natural Resources & Wildlife Committee, State Capitol Rm. 4032, Sacramento CA 95814
And let Senator Speier know that she has your support-email her at senator.speier@sen.ca.gov
Now if only we can get rid of the Adventure Pass. . .
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The Inside Scoop— Elings Park
In response to user demand, Elings Park has established a pilot dog walking program.
Created by the Elings Park Dog Owners Group (EPDOG), Dog PAC, and Elings staff, the program has enrolled over 350 dogs to date and has raised over $19,000 for the Park.
Critics complain about the $52 annual per dog fee. But dog play damages the grounds, which must be maintained for a variety of recreational uses. And since Elings Park is supported entirely by private donations, it cannot look to public funds to cover such costs.
Dog PAC supports the Park's right, as a private foundation, to charge user fees. However—WE DO NOT CONSIDER ELINGS PARK A MODEL FOR OFF-LEASH RECREATION AT PUBLIC PARKS. We continue to advocate for off-leash access for all responsible dog owners at designated public parks.
For information on enrolling in EPDOG's program, or to help monitor Park usage, contact EPDOG coordinator Chris Bell at 687-9709, or at epdogsb@yahoo.com
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The Official Dog PAC Members Quiz
Have you . . . (a) moved recently? (b) acquired or changed your email address?
Do you . . . want to become active in the PAC?
Would you like to be contacted about helping with:
(a) Big Dog Parade (b) Spring Fling (c) legal advice (d) lobbying
Are you . . . willing to donate to Dog PAC, to help keep us alive and fighting for you? (Remember, we have no dues, and are entirely supported by private donations!)
If you answered yes to one or more of the above, please send or email your responses to us (along with a check, if you answered yes to #3), at: Dog PAC SB, 5290 Overpass Rd., Ste. 123, Santa Barbara CA 93111 (or by email at dogpacsb@yahoo.com)
Please Include:
Name
Street Address/P.O. Box
City, State, Zip
Email address
Indicate if you would like to receive The Scoop by email only
Amount donated:
$100____ $75____ $50 ____ $35 ____ Other____
Make checks payable to Dog PAC, SB.
ThankyouThankyouThankyou!!
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A Word from Our Sponsor. . . .
This issue of The Scoop is made possible in part by the generous support of TJ Paws' Self (and Full) Service Grooming, home of everything you need to indulge in canine haut couture!
TJ Paws is located at 2601 De La Vina St., at the corner of De la Vina and Constance Streets (next to Jedlicka's Saddlery) and is open Mon.-Sat. 10-7, Sun. 10-6.
Bring in this issue of The Scoop, and new customers will receive one complimentary self-serve dog wash. Repeat customers receive $1 off a dog wash.
Remember: cleanliness is next to dogliness!
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