DFP (Mostly) Off-leash (So Far...)

This summer was a busy one for Dog PAC, providing both opportunities and threats for dog owners. Mainly our efforts were spent lobbying for off-leash recreation areas, particularly at the Wilcox/Douglas Family Preserve (DFP) and Elings Park (formerly Las Positas).

Wilcox/DFP: Horrified by the City Parks and Recreation Committee's suggestion of fencing a small area within the property for an off-leash dog run, Dog PAC joined in coalition with Small Wilderness Area Preserve (SWAP) and the SB Wildlife Care Network to defend the "As-Is" status of the Wilcox/DFP. Our members mailed several thousand cards to Mayor Miller and City Council members expressing the need for off-leash recreation at the DFP. In addition, members of our respective boards appeared several times on the Jerry Cornfield radio show, as well as on "Environmentally Yours," to apprise the community of various threats to the "As-Is" status of the property (e.g., the installation of bathrooms and parking lots) that are currently being considered by the city.

Our publicity efforts were rewarded when over one hundred supporters attended the City Council meeting on August 24th, many of whom spoke eloquently about the uniqueness of the property and its users! Thank you to all who came!

Then, on September 7th, the City Council voted to recommend that dogs be allowed off-leash in the park 5 days a week, and on-leash for 2 days (Sundays and Wednesdays). Although not what we had hoped for, this vote does recognize our needs as a legitimate recreational user group. However, the battle is not over -- this recommendation will undergo environmental review and a subsequent vote by City Council.

We thank City Council for hearing us, and especially Marty Blum and Gregg Hart for their attention to this matter. In addition, Park Commissioners Beebe Longstreet, Michael Magne, and Suzanne Perkins deserve special thanks for their consideration of the needs of responsible dog owners.

Las Positas/Elings Park: A major re-naming celebration was held for this privately-funded park on September 19th. Dog PAC co-sponsored the party in thanks for ongoing permission to enjoy off-leash recreation there. It should be noted that because this park is privately funded and directed, our privileges of off-leash dog status there must constantly be EARNED. Other user groups pay fees for maintenance, etc. and Dog PAC is currently soliciting input from park users regarding revenue generation by dog owners. One possibility is a special tag, purchased annually, and given after the owner reads and signs a list of rules and obligations for off-leash usage. Please send your input to us about this and any other ideas you may have by completing the enclosed survey and/or by calling Dog PAC at our new phone number (967-3949). Please remember that in order not to lose our off-leash privileges at this park, you should not let your dogs approach the kids' play area or any organized sporting event!

In Other News...

Special Benefits for Dog PAC Members

• Pets and Pals (La Cumbre Plaza) has agreed to give Dog PAC members a 15% discount on pet products when they present a card that Dog PAC will provide to members donating $50.00 or more.
• PET Barn (State St.) will give all Dog PAC members a 5% discount on all products when they announce their membership in Dog PAC.
  

Volunteer Opportunities

• Dog PAC is in need of a treasurer. Please call Lisa at 569-1714 if you would like to volunteer.
• We also need a corresponding secretary, with word processing skills. If interested, call 569-1714.
• Volunteers are needed to help educate folks at the DFP as to proper dog behavior so we can be sure to keep the park open to dogs. Please contact Vicki at rubybeau@gateway.net or Susan Belloni at susanbelloni@hotmail.com if you can help.
• Please contact us if you need our help or input on special environmental/humane projects--we have strong interest in open space preservation and canine welfare.

Mark Your Calendars

October 24th: Urban Creeks Council Clean-up Day. Even though we know your dogs didn't doo it, please volunteer for this important effort by calling Stefanie (UCC) at 962-0996 or Lisa (Dog PAC) at 569-1714.

October 24th: The Dog Faire on behalf of D.A.W.G. (Dog Adoption and Welfare Group at the County Animal Shelter), MacKenzie Park. If you'd like to take part by helping to educate the public about responsible dog ownership, please call Kristi at 682-1822 or Mary at 687-7136.

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Thank You to Dogs' Best Friend

Dog PAC would like to thank the nonprofit organization Dogs' Best Friend for their continued support of Dog PAC and their help with our ongoing public education efforts. Dog's Best Friend is currently offering 2 educational videos: "Your Dog Off-leash" and "Adopting the Older Dog." If you are interested in these videos, please contact Dog PAC at the number/address below.

Dog PAC Web Site!

Please take advantage of the Dog PAC web site for the following important uses:

a) Up-to-the-minute alerts on important meetings and events

b) An archive of all past newsletters

c) Online application to Dog PAC, SB

d) A list of dog-friendly places in Santa Barbara

e) Dog-friendly rental information (for rent and seeking rentals)

If you would like to list information, have ideas for uses of the web site, or have questions, please contact us. You can access the Dog PAC web site at:

http://www.silcom.com/~dogpacsb/

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Note New Dog PAC Address and Phone Number!

Dog PAC, SB has new contact information:

Address: 5290 Overpass Road, Suite 123, Santa Barbara, CA 93111

Phone: (805) 967-3949

Email: dogpacsb@yahoo.com

Web: www.silcom.com/~dogpacsb/