In this Issue:
- Dog News
- Dog PAC Meeting and "Shin Dog" Summit
- Spring Fling at Las Positas Park
- Dog PAC T-Shirts!
- Important Reminders
Dog News
City Council Activity. The City Council's Ordinance Subcommittee has approved amendments to the Municipal Code exempting the Douglas Family Preserve (Wilcox) and Las Positas Friendship Park from the leash laws. The proposal will be forwarded to the full City Council at its March 17th meeting, and a final vote will be taken on Tuesday, March 24th. If approved, this amendment will make it legal to exercise our dogs off-leash at these two parks (although it will affect DFP only until the Management Plan is implemented sometime next year.)
The DFP and Las Positas will become the first official off-leash parks in Santa Barbara history! Representatives of Dog PAC attended the March 3rd Ordinance Subcommittee meeting to express our general support for the proposal, and to recommend changes in the language of the proposed amendment. As currently written, the amendment will require that dogs be leashed "at the first sign" of aggressive behavior, a standard which Dog PAC believes is ambiguous. We also expressed concern about proposed language that appeared to require dog owners to physically fill holes or repair damage caused by their dogs. The City Attorney's office will revise this language to simply hold dog owners liable for any damage caused by their dogs.
Also of concern to Dog PAC members is a new proposal requiring permits for obedience and training classes. While we do not object in principal to such permits, it is not clear how this proposed law will affect individual trainers working with their own dogs, or clients' dogs, in city parks. This issue is still being discussed by Dog PAC and City staff. Dog PAC urges all members to attend the March 24th City Council public hearing, and to write and call Mayor Miller and your other City Council Members before the meeting. This proposal is not a sure bet: at least two Council Members have already indicated they will vote against it (Gil Garcia and Elinor Langer).
For all of us who want to preserve our right to exercise our dogs at Wilcox and elsewhere, this is the most important City Council vote of the year! Joint City/County Parks Commissions Task Force. In another major canine development, the City's Parks and Recreation Commission and the County's Parks Commission have appointed a Joint Task Force on Dog Issues. The purpose of the Joint Task Force is to take a regional (South Coast) view of the need for off-leash recreational areas.
The Task Force was approved at a historic joint meeting of the City and County Parks Commissions, held on February 25, 1998. Dog PAC representatives spoke about the need for a regional perspective, and we delivered to the Commissions a Position Paper which specified parks and beaches, from Carpinteria through Goleta, which are appropriate for off-leash use (and those which are inappropriate). We were opposed by several citizens who felt, generally speaking, that parks are for people, not dogs. Dog PAC will appoint two members to the Task Force, which will also include two opponents of off-leash parks.
We look forward to working with the Task Force in the coming months, and we offer thanks to County Parks director Jennifer Briggs and City Parks director Richard Johns for proposing the creation of this Joint Task Force, and bringing the Task Force to fruition. |
First Annual Dog PAC Meeting and "Shin Dog" Summit
Dog PAC SB proudly announces the first ever state-wide "Shin Dog," Saturday, April 4th, 1998, from 2:00 - 5:00 pm at Grace Lutheran Church (3869 State Street). The "Shin Dog" will feature Ken Ayers and the group known as San Francisco Dog. Before you write this off as another rock 'n' roll revival, look again: Ken Ayers, a Bay Area attorney, and SF Dog represent Dog PAC's Northern "soul-mates" (litter mates?). Their struggle over an area known as Crissy Field began at nearly the same time and in the same manner as our fight to keep the Douglas Family Preserve (Wilcox) off-lead, and revolves around the citation of a well-loved dog walker known as "The Mother Theresa of Dogs." The parallels are uncanny, and Dog PAC and SF Dog, as well as other groups, publishers, and advocates ("Rovers for Plovers," "Free Play LA," "The Berkeley Bark," and "Freedog," etc.) look forward to this Santa Barbara dog summit. This will be a unique opportunity to coalition build on behalf of off-lead areas and open space. In addition, we will discuss canine welfare and legislation and share ideas with like-minded dog lovers. Please plan to attend.
Again, Grace Lutheran Church, 2-5pm , Saturday April 4th. Election of the new Dog PAC Board of Directors will also occur at this meeting. All interested members are encouraged to run for a position on the Board! Please feel free to call Herb Fox at 899-4777 if you have any questions or would like further information.
Important Reminders
1. Leash your dogs upon ingress and egress of open space areas.
2. "Off-leash" and "On-leash" don't mix. On-leash dogs are welcome at 53 other parks.
3. Clean up after your dog and throw "poop bags" away.
4. Aggressive (under socialized) dogs ruin it for everyone. Train your dog! |
Spring Fling at Las Positas Friendship Park
Remember "Valentines in the Park?" Well, nasty old El Nino came along and we got rained out. But we've rescheduled for Saturday, April 11 from 11am to 1pm at Singleton Pavilion, Las Positas Park. And, best of all, the great prizes remain unclaimed: There will be prizes for the Funniest Pet Trick and Best Valentine or Easter Costume; PLUS The Santa Barbara Flyers will present a special exhibition of Flyball and Agility; PLUS there will be raffles and a whole lot more. Bring your dog(s) and your anti-El Nino amulets and come enjoy the party with other Dog PACers!
Dog PAC T-Shirts For Sale!
We have received another printing of ever-popular Dog PAC t-shirts! Show your support for Dog PAC by purchasing a Dog PAC shirt! T-shirts are natural color (slightly off-white) and made of 100% cotton ("Beefy Ts"), with the Dog PAC, SB logo on front: and "Run With the PAC!" on the back. Short sleeve shirts are $15 and proceeds go toward Dog PAC expenses. Place your order via phone or mail (see bottom of page) and be sure to specify your size. T-shirts will also be available at the Spring Fling at Las Positas on April 11th.
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
Dog PAC needs money! Your donations, in any amount, are always welcome and appreciated! Thank you to all who have contributed to the PAC! |
