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 appears to be about to change.

The issue of dogs at Wilcox/DFP is now being revisited in the context of the Management Plan being designed by the Wilcox/DFP Advisory Commission, in consultation with the consulting firm of Crawford, Multari, and Clark. An initial report prepared by Dr. Sara Kocher was presented to the City's DFP Advisory Committee in late November. Among the findings in the report are:

• There is "no conclusive scientific research" supporting the claim that off-leash dogs have a significant impact on wildlife in parks and open-space;
• Most dog aggression occurs in the dog owner's home or yard, where 65% to 90% of all dog attacks on people and other animals occur; and,
• Fear about potential dog aggression in parks and open spaces "may be exaggerated"

Nevertheless, the consultant recommends re-imposing leash-law restrictions at Wilcox/DFP because "dog averse people may be avoiding the site·" as a result of off-leash dogs. Specifically, the consultant has recommended that dogs be restrained on-leash between 10 am and 3 pm, seven days a week, in order to accommodate "dog averse" people.

Results of a nonscientific public opinion survey, distributed by direct mail and through the Santa Barbara News-Press and the Independent, are currently under review by the Parks Department and CM&C. These results, along with the recommendations of the DFP Management Plan, will be presented at the March 4th DFP Advisory Committee meeting, 5:30 pm, Department of Parks and Recreation, 620 Laguna Street, Santa Barbara. Please plan to attend.

It is important to note that several city council members have made it 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 continues to lobby for consideration of the historical uses of the property and to keep the property "AS IS," except for additional signage and extra courtesy. Dog PAC also emphasizes the strong role Public Education must play in our enjoyment of dog activities at the site.

Dog PAC has established a Wilcox/DFP Task Force to work to maintain the property as our only off-leash public park. Everyone who is interested in helping - in any way, large or small - should call Herb Fox at 899-4777.

More in this Issue:

• Spring Fling at Las Positas Friendship Park
• Cyber Dog
• Dog PAC T-Shirts For Sale!
• Volunteer!

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In Other Dog News

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Spring Fling at Las Positas Friendship Park

It's baaaacccckkkk... The Annual Dog PAC Spring Fling celebration has been rescheduled for Saturday, May 22nd from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. Please plan on joining us at Singleton Pavilion, Las Positas Park. The specifics of this year's festivities are still being determined -- if you have suggestions, just contact us! For now, mark your calendars and plan to bring your dog(s) and enjoy the party with other Dog PACers!

Public Education Grant

Dog PAC recently received, with immense gratitude, a Public Education Grant from The Dog's Best Friend, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of dogs through responsible dog ownership. The grant is to promote February -- and EVERY MONTH -- as a good month to spay/neuter your pet. Please encourage your friends and neighbors to spay/neuter their pets!

Cyber Dog?

Dog PAC is in search of donated or inexpensive web server space so that we can launch a Dog PAC web site. Having a site would help us to keep you up to date on important meetings and events, to save costs on mailings, and would allow us to link to other relevant organizations. Please help -- if you can help to provide server space or know someone who can help, contact us! Thank you.

Dog PAC T-Shirts For Sale !

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 May 22nd.

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!

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!