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Dog PAC, SB |
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This issue of the The Scoop made possible in part by the generous support of
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SPECIAL ELECTION COVERAGE
WHICH CANDIDATES ARE GOING TO THE DOGS?
On November 6th Santa Barbara will elect a new Mayor and several new City Council members. The outcome of the election will have a major impact on key issues affecting dog owners -- and especially, off-leash recreation. Dog PAC has assembled the following information and recommendations, to help you choose dog-friendly candidates.
Dog PAC mailed a one-page survey to each of the candidates, along with a stamped, return envelope. Candidates were given one month to return the survey.
The survey asked candidates to share their views on:
1. the appropriate number of parks that should be designated for legal off-leash
2. use which parks they would advocate as appropriate for off-leash recreation
3. the off-leash status of the Douglas Family Preserve (DFP)
4. the use of tax dollars to purchase ãmutt mittsä
5. specific areas within public parks for use by dog obedience and dog agility training
6. review of the Park Ranger program, in view of recent complaints
The following candidates did not respond to the survey:
Mayoral: Bill Hackett
City Council: Joseph Luke Appleton, David Esparza, Jr., Michael Faeth, Babatunde Folayemi, Isaac Garrett, Roger L. Horton, Charles (Carlos) R. Quintero, Dan Secord
For each candidate who did respond to the survey, a synopsis of their position follows (in alphabetical order, by campaign)
| Keith Coffman-Grey Mr. Coffman-Grey indicates general support for off-leash recreation. His specific positions:
Overall Recommendation: 3 dogs
Michael Purvis
Overall Recommendation: 5 dogs |
Iya Falcone Ms. Falcone notes a "need to have policies that respect dog owners and non-dog owners" and argues that the combination of "well trained dogs accompanied by a responsible owner is usually a safe situation. Education and training are critical." Her (somewhat vague) positions:
Overall Recommendation: 3 dogs
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MAYORAL CANDIDATES
| Marty Blum Current Councilmember Blum supports off-leash recreation and responsible dog ownership in various ways. Her particular positions are as follows:
Overall Recommendation: 4 dogs
Gil Garcia
To sum up Mr. Garcia's position, he said: "I believe that access to recreation opportunities should be available to each neighborhood for all residents at both ends of the leash." Overall Recommendation: 5 dogs
Ken Heimbaugh
Overall Recommendation: 2 dogs |
William Brian Jennings Although Mr. Jennings notes that the "rules governing and regulating the use of any public place should comply to wishes of people who use that public space," he does not provide any specific information on his personal views or what he might advocate were he to be elected. Overall Recommendation: 1 dog
Elinor Langer
Overall Recommendation: 1.5 dogs
Bruce Rittenhouse
Overall Recommendation: 4 dogs
Brought to you by Dog PAC, SB, which encourages you to vote on |
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At long last, a final management plan for the Douglas Family Preserve appears to be on the horizon. All the City's recent proposals to study the DFP have had one disturbing trend, however: they were all about dogs and their presumed negative impact Dog PAC members attended several City Council meetings in protest, and met with City Council member Gil Garcia to discuss our concerns. With support from Mr. Garcia, as well as Council member Gregg Hart, we were able to meet with Parks and Planning to come up with more balanced proposals As a result, on July 17, 2001, City Council voted to authorize "technical studies" of the Douglas Family Preserve. The City has hired consultants to assess —biological impacts, if any, of dogs on birds and other wildlife; The studies, projected to be completed by early 2002, will lead to recommendations about the future of the Preserve -- and in particular, the future of off-leash activity at the only public, legal off-leash area in the city. Among the issues under study are a series of alternatives for dog use: --Dogs off-leash all the time. —Dogs on-leash all the time. Other alternatives might include "odd days are dog days" (on odd days, dogs would be allowed off-leash; otherwise they would be required to be on-leash). Dog PAC lobbied hard and successfully to remove the one universally unacceptable option -- a small, fenced enclosure for off-leash recreation. We will continue to work to keep the DFP as-is! What you can do:
Show your support! Write, email or call our new City Council, once it's elected, to let them know where you stand on legal off-leash recreation at the DFP. Stay informed! visit our new web site address at www.dogpacsb.org for regular updates on what is happening. |
USE IT OR LOSE IT -- Off-Leash and the DFP Beach
In addition to studying the DFP, the City has authorized study of two other possible off-leash areas: Hale Park in Montecito (near the Brooks Institute), and some section of beach running from the Shoreline Park steps to the city's western limit.
The latter area was expanded as a direct result of the letters, e-mails, and petition signatures received from dog owners eager to see the beach west of the Brown Pelican designated off-leash. Thanks to those whose hard work paid off!
Dog PAC managed to persuade the Council (to whom we give thanks) to appropriate $50,000 towards the start of these studies, despite staff desire to postpone. State law requires assessment of environmental impacts, should off-leash activity be legalized at those sites.
In the meantime, the beach below the DFP remains legally off-leash. In addition to educating dog owners about off-leash areas at Arroyo Burro, Dog PAC has commissioned a local artist to make a sign clearly indicating off-leash and on-leash areas.
It is crucial that off-leash dog walkers use the area of beach under the DFP, and not the area west of the Brown Pelican. After all, if we don't use it, the City has the excuse to deny us other off-leash areas, with the argument that "we gave you legal space and you didn't use it, so why should we give you more?"
NETTED AT BUTTERFLY BEACH:
County Crackdowns on Leash-Law Violators
Sometimes all it takes is a few bad apples. . . .
A surge in complaints about unruly dogs and rude owners has led County Animal Services to start patrolling Butterfly Beach on a regular basis.
Butterfly has been heavily used for some time, and many off-leash owners fail to embody our motto -- Courtesy, Clean-up, and Control. Over time, the anger and frustration felt by other Butterfly users has led to complaints that County staff can no longer ignore.
Worse -- because ill-behaved dog owners have either fled from or verbally assaulted Animal Services officers, the officers have been instructed to ticket immediately, without first issuing warnings (as they would otherwise prefer to do).
Although our goal is legal off-leash recreational space, Dog PAC encourages dog owners who use traditionally off-leash but not legalized spaces to do so with care, so that those traditions of use can continue.
Creation of legal spaces takes time and money. In the meantime, traditional users want a return to the Good Old Days when dogs played off-leash on Butterfly Beach, and enforcement was based on specific complaints, not random patrols.
How can you help?
If you are a Butterfly user, spread the word -- tell other dog owners on the beach what is happening and why, and ask them to spread the word as well. If you see "guilty parties," let them know about Courtesy, Clean-up, and Control, and how those three things can mean the difference between a live-and-let-live environment, and a crackdown by Animal Services. Let's free Butterfly!
Meetings, Meetings, Meetings
In an effort to make Dog PAC a more integral part of City and County decision-making regarding use of open space, Dog PAC representatives have held a steady stream of meetings with local officials in the last few months.
In late June, Dog PAC met with staff from City and County Parks and City Animal Control, to discuss issues related to off-leash use of the beaches at Arroyo Burro. Subsequently, we met with City Council Member Gil Garcia to address a number of concerns. July saw meetings with County Parks Dept. head Jennifer Briggs and her staff to talk about the "Big Picture" of off-leash possibilities in the County Parks system -- followed by meetings with County Animal Services Director Jan Glick, as well as Supervisors Susan Rose and Naomi Schwartz, both of whom expressed their support for developing off-leash areas.
Most recently, Dog PAC worked with City Animal Control staff on revisions to the city's at-large ordinance that would increase penalties for irresponsible dog owners whose dogs, with a history of being at large, attack or injure people or other animals. Although the results of those negotiations are not yet clear, we are pleased by the opportunity to work collaboratively with government officials in creating an environment that supports responsible dog ownership and meets our user group's legitimate recreational needs.
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Poop Scoop Saturdays
In the spirit of putting our money where our mouths are, Dog PAC has established monthly "Walk the Talk, Scoop the Poop" clean-up events at the Douglas Family Preserve. Join us on the third Saturday of the month, from 9-12 a.m., at the Medcliff entrance, to give the DFP a good going-over for stray piles of poop. Bags will be provided, along with prizes for those who collect the most poop by weight! |
The PAC On-Line
Our web site has moved to its own domain -- www.dogpacsb.org -- and is undergoing a major expansion, to provide more and updated information to web surfers. Visit us in the coming weeks, and let us know if there's anything you'd like to see at our site.
State Task
Force Dog PAC SB V.P. and co-founder Mary Anne Morrison was one of 5 advocates named to the 1st State Task Force on Off-Leash Recreation in State Parks. Two meetings were held in Sacramento this summer. The State Parks and Recreation Dept. is currently preparing a report on selected pilot areas based, in part, on these meetings.
Coastal Clean-up
On Saturday Sept. 22, Dog PAC members did their part for beach clean-up in Santa Barbara. Delegations took to the sand at Arroyo Burro and Hammonds Beaches to pick up trash, human and animal. After all, we're pretty used to leaning over and picking up stuff at this point!
Barking Dog Video!
Hark! Hark! The long-awaited "Barking Dog" video is here, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Dog PAC, The Dogs' Best Friend, and SB County Animal Services. This video was created to augment the Barking Dog Ordinance adopted by the County Board of Supervisors, and stars Barking Dog Officer Walt Hildbrand and a host of Dog PAC thespians and canine talent. The video emphasizes humane education, conflict-resolution skills, and community-building vs. punitive measures. Interested parties may request a copy from County Animal Control or via e-mail at dogpacsb@yahoo.com. Special thanks to SB Co. Animal Services and the Board of Supervisors for their kinder, gentler, MORE EFFECTIVE approach to this issue!
Yankee Doodle Pit Bulls
Die-hard Dog Pacers did their duty this summer and rescued a litter of 15 misbegotten pit bulls puppies born on the 4th of July. The 13 surviving puppies were rescued from very grim surroundings long before they could come to further harm. Loyal Dog PAC members donated money, time, socialization, veterinary care and love to raise the litter. Thankfully, each one was placed in an EXCELLENT home on a Spay/Neuter contract. (One puppy, Merriwether, stars in the new "Barking Dog" video!) Special thanks to Dog PACers Charles R. and Deana L. for their hands-on approach to rescue. And to Noah's Ark Animal Hospital and St. Francis Veterinary Clinic for their ongoing support of a whole host of humane efforts in our community.
New Volunteer Coordinator
Dog PAC is pleased to announce the appointment of our new (indeed, our first) Volunteer Coordinator, Michelle McCutchan. For those interested in getting more involved with the PAC, Contact her at michelle.mccutchan @noaa.gov, or at 884-1051.
Special Thanks
To Island Seed & Feed -- which gives Dog PAC members a 10% discount; to Rio Vista Products for its donation of dog-related goodies; and to Wearable Graphics, for our newest batch of T-shirts!
CANDIDATE PROFILE: Susan Rose
Although it's hard to imagine yet another local contest -- what with all the hullabaloo regarding the city's election on November 6 -- we remind you that the 2nd District of the County Board of Supervisors is up for reelection in March of 2002.
As County residents look outside of the city for preservation of open spaces and opportunities for off-leash recreation, the composition of the County Board of Supervisors will become increasingly important.
To that end, Dog PAC has committed to meeting with Board candidates to assess their views on the issues that matter to our members. In this issue of The Scoop we profile incumbent Susan Rose.
Supervisor Rose was first elected to the Board of Supervisors in 1998, on a platform emphasizing:
- environmental health, especially clean water and open beaches
- preservation of open spaces for environmental and recreational purposes
- affordable housing
- managed growth
Her work in office since, and her position in the coming campaign, reflects these commitments. In conversation with Dog PAC representatives, Supervisor Rose has affirmed her commitment to providing off-leash recreational areas within the County's Parks system, and acknowledged the validity of off-leash dog walkers as a legitimate user group.
A progressive candidate overall, Ms. Rose has been involved in women's and minority rights organizations for several decades, as well as in progressive outreach groups such as the Fund for Santa Barbara. Her position on issues of concern to Dog PAC's membership entitles her to our endorsement and support.
IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD. . . .
Off-Leash Goes Statewide -- Introducing Cal DOG
Sometimes off-leash advocates feel like they are reinventing the wheel, fighting the same battles over and over without benefit of support from fellow workers in other communities.
Those days are over. Last April Dog PAC hosted representatives from throughout the state who came together to form Cal DOG -- the California Dog Owners Group. Cal DOG's motto is Education, Cooperation, Legislation and Advocacy, and its mission is to provide resources and support for the establishment of off-leash areas throughout the state.
Cal DOG's first efforts: participation in a State Parks Task Force to establish off-leash areas in state parks; recruitment of members; and establishment of a database of information that off-leash advocates can use as needed.
Dog PAC members are automatically entitled to free membership in Cal DOG. However, we will not share your contact information without your permission. To have us do so,
contact us at 967-3949 or at dogpacsb@yahoo.com, or join Cal DOG directly at Cal DOG, 4200 Park Blvd., Box 129, Oakland, CA 94602 or at www.caldog.org.
WOOF-PAC Up and Running
Although hardly an option for Santa Barbara dog walkers, the County now has a second off-leash area -- a 2-3 acre fenced section of Waller Park in Santa Maria.
The Santa Maria "dog park" developed because of Winners of Off-Leash Freedom-Pooch Action Committee (WOOF-PAC), which formed to lobby on behalf of an off-leash area. With the help of Jeannie Sparks, assistant to Supervisor Tom Urbanske (and newly announced candidate for his soon-to-be-vacated Board seat), WOOF-PAC quickly found support from County Parks, raising $7500 towards the cost of enclosing and readying the area of park, previously an unused patch of weeds. Their grand opening is scheduled for December of this year.
For more info, contact Jeannie Sparks at 346-8400 or by email at jsparks@co.santa-barbara.ca.us
Ventura D.O.G.
All it takes is one rude dog owner and one angry park user -- at least, that's what Ventura dog owners learned last summer, when a bad encounter led to a complete crackdown by Ventura police and animal control on all off-leash activity in the city, which to date has NO legal off-leash spaces.
Dog PAC sent a team of advisors to the city's first organizational meeting of irate dog walkers, which resulted in the formation of Ventura D.O.G. Ventura D.O.G. has signed up hundreds of members and collected over 800 petition signatures; lobbied city council members and parks department staff; and is now working with city staff to establish three to four part-time off-leash areas.
The morals of their story: 1) all it takes is one ugly incident to jeopardize off-leash privileges; 2) dog owners need legal off-leash spaces we can call our own!
For more information, email Annie Dransfeldt at ladran@aol.com, or call her at 644-2810.
MEMBERS' CORNER
They're heeeeere. . . .
At last, a bumper sticker that announces where you stand on off-leash recreation!
Copies are available at pet stores around town, at our Poop Scoop events, or by sending a SASE to the address below.
Off-Leash Fashion:
New t-shirts are in -- sizes M and L, 100% cotton, in natural or heather gray. (We've got some XL naturals left too, for those who prefer the baggy look.) They're $15 each -- just send us a check and we'll set you up in style!
Money Talks, So Please Let Us Hear Your Voice!
As a private non-profit, Dog PAC depends entirely on the generosity of our members. Right now we need your help, to pay for keeping you informed by newsletter, web site, and pre-election ads. Please send what you can to 5290 Overpass Rd., Suite 123, Santa Barbara CA 93111.
This issue of The Scoop made possible in part by the generous support of Animal Inn, home of Camp Canine -- call 962-4790 for information on boarding, day care, training, grooming -- the works! The Scoop is the newsletter of Dog PAC, SB, a 501(c)4 tax-exempt non-profit organization. Dog PAC, SB engages in public education and limited lobbying regarding issues of responsible dog ownership, off-leash recreation, and the presence of dogs in public spaces. For more information about joining Dog PAC, SB, or for a free copy of this newsletter, contact Dog PAC, SB at 5290 Overpass Rd., Suite 123, Santa Barbara, CA 93111, by phone at 805-967-3949, or by e-mail at: dogpacsb@yahoo.com.