In this Issue:
- Dog News - New, Leash-Free Space?
- Wilcox / DFP Status
- Leader of the PAC - New Dog PAC President
- 3rd Doggie Doo Dah Day
- Animal Control Alert
- Your Dog Off-Leash Video
- Spring Fling Social Report
Dog News
Two Beaches and Another Park May Soon be Leash-Free South coast dogs may soon be free to frolic off-leash at two more beaches and another park, if the recommendations of a joint city-county task force is adopted by the City of Santa Barbara and by the County. The task force, appointed by the City & County Parks Commissions to investigate opening areas for off-leash recreation, is recommending that the following parks and beaches be designated for off-leash use on an experimental basis:
- Rincon County Beach, west of the beach access ramp
- The Beach between the stairs at Shoreline Park and Mesa Lane steps
- Hale Park, located on Camino Viejo on the Riviera
These recommendations, if approved, will create new areas for lawful off-leash recreation in addition to the current leash-free parks (Wilcox/DFP and Las Positas). The task force consisted of representatives of both Parks Commissions, city and county staff, and four members of the public. Dog PAC was represented by Herb Fox and Ron Stronach. Opposing off-leash open space were Jack Sanford and Joe Buchanan. Among the other parks and beaches that were considered by the task force as potential off-leash areas were Arroyo Burro Beach, Santa Barbara Shores, Loon Point, Parma Park, portions of Los Carneros Lake Park, and the trails emanating out from parks such as Tucker's Grove and Steven's Park. Each of these were either withdrawn or voted down, for reasons ranging from environmental concerns, to "competition" with equestrians, mountain bikers, and hikers. All dog owners owe a debt of gratitude to City Parks Commissioner Beebe Longstreet, who eloquently articulated the rights of Santa Barbara dog owners - as a political constituency - to use public open space for off-leash exercise and recreation. The task force recommendations will be presented to the Parks Commissions for each jurisdiction. Public hearings will follow, and any proposals by the Commissions will be forwarded to the City Council and Board of Supervisors, where there will be further public hearings. Dog PAC needs to make its presence known at these hearings - these recommendations were controversial within the task force itself, and the anti-dog forces will be out in full strength to oppose the proposals. The initial City/County Parks meeting is Wednesday, August 12 at 5:30pm in the City Council Chambers, at City Hall. Be there! |
Will the Wilcox / DFP Remain Open to Dogs?
Last Spring, the Santa Barbara City Council voted to exempt Wilcox/DFP from the leash law. While this decision was a major victory for Santa Barbara dog owners, it is only temporary: The issue of dogs at Wilcox/DFP will be revisited next winter in the context of the management plan now being designed by the Wilcox/DFP Advisory Commission.
We cannot take the current off-leash status for granted. Several city councilors have made in clear that they will oppose any permanent off-leash use of Wilcox/DFP, and city Parks Director Richard Johns has openly stated that all proposals remain on the table, including a total and complete ban of dogs on-or-off leash!
Dog PAC Board members recently met with Sara Kocher, Ph.D., a representative of Crawford, Multari, and Clark, charged with final recommendations for use of the Wilcox. Dr. Kocher carefully explained her unenviable position of trying to make all users happy. Dog PAC members described the historical use of the property and lobbied, as always, to keep the property "AS-IS," except for additional signage and extra courtesy. Dog PAC also emphasized the strong role Public Education must play in our enjoyment of this activity. Dr. Kocher would like input from our members on the following options in the event that the "as-is" status is not adopted: a) Off-leash areas divided by hours/days/seasons. If so, when? b) Off-leash areas divided by physical barriers. If so, how would this division look?
We urge you to write/call us as soon as possible (contact information at bottom of page), and we will do our best to communicate your concerns to the consultancy team as well as to City leaders. In addition, if you are interested in helping scope out issues and strategies, please call Herb Fox at 899-4777 or Vicki Godlewski at 682-6132.
Leader of the PAC
Herb Fox, founder of Dog PAC SB, has stepped down as its President. Herb will still be intimately involved in all Dog PAC concerns and remains on the Board of Directors. Ron Stronach, retired Santa Barbara attorney and Dog PAC Board member, will assume the President's post. Thank you, Herb, for founding and leading the PAC, and welcome to Ron, our new PAC leader!
3rd Doggie Doo Dah Day!
On Sunday, August 16th Dog PAC is sponsoring its third "Doggie Doo Dah Day." Volunteers for the Doo Dah Day will scoop poop at the heavily dog-trafficked parks and beaches, and distribute poop bags to dog walkers.
If you would like to volunteer for this important event, meet us at La Mesa Park (on Shoreline) at noon. From there we will go to the different parks together. Dog PAC will provide bags and scoopers. Please come and help us make a good showing at this important, media-covered event. |
Animal Control Alert !
Dog PAC has received numerous reports of increased enforcement of the leash laws at Arroyo Burro (Hendry's) Beach and at Butterfly Beach. Animal Control officers are making use of their newly-acquired all-terrain vehicle in order to vigorously enforce these laws at these beaches and elsewhere. Please remember that despite our customary use of these beaches and our current efforts, the leash law remains in effect. Animal Control tends to respond to complaints about dogs, so all dog owners must be vigilant about picking up waste (even at the beach!) and preventing your dog from annoying runners and other beach users. Another alternative is to run your dogs along the beach east of Arroyo Burro Creek (left from the parking lot), for the distance of the Wilcox property above. This beach is actually part of Wilcox/DFP, where off-leash recreation is legal. If you receive a ticket or a warning from Animal Control with you are on this Beach, please let Dog PAC know as soon as possible.
EXTRA, EXTRA!
"Your Dog Off Leash," a multi-media educational project, is nearing completion! The Dog's Best Friend, a non-profit educational group, is pleased to announce the availability of a slide/video show highlighting the benefits of off-leash recreation for dogs and humans (and society in general)! We will hold a screening, to be arranged, at St. Francis Pet Clinic in the near future. This program will serve to kick-off our new Public Education series. Those interested in obtaining a copy of the program may e-mail requests to DOGLAF97@aol.com or contact Laurie Stronach at (805) 969-4556.
Dog PAC Spring Fling Report
El Nino finally relented, and allowed us to celebrate the newly off-leash legalized Las Positas Park on April 11th. Many thanks to the Santa Barbara Flyers Agility Team, particularly Kris, Mark, and Patti, for the wonderful entertainment - and Sue Howey, President of Channel City Kennel Club, who MCd the canine costume contest! Thanks also to Lynne Holley, Executive Director, Las Positas Park Foundation, for her ongoing interest in providing space for us responsible dog owners!
Volunteer !
Fresh blood is needed in the following areas: Public Education: Obedience trainers, veterinarians, biologists, philanthropists, media specialists, public relations, and generally creative persons to design cutting-edge programs to enhance the lives of dogs and people in our community! Dirty Work: Sick of being so creative? Do we have a job for you! Guaranteed free-your-mind tasks available, that also will enhance the lives of dogs and people in our community. Give us a call! |
