November / December 2003

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Send to newsletter@padz.org. Deadline: 25th of the month for the next month’s issue. Editor will consider all submissions, but does not guarantee inclusion.

ENCINITAS HOLIDAY PARADE 2003

The theme is "Wonderland of Waves and Wreaths." We are doing the good ship "K-9" and would like you to dress in blue pants (dungarees) and denim shirt (we thought you could layer for warmth under a big shirt), unless you want to dress as a naval officer. A wreath around your dogs neck would fit the theme.

The Parade will start at 5:30 p.m., and we would like everyone to arrive at our parade location around 4:30 p.m. We are no. 36 in the parade and our line-up position is on the south side of E. Street, west of Second.

There will be some parking available at the Silverado Senior Living or Ecke Sports Park on Saxony Road or at the Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas parking lot. A free shuttle will be running from 4:30 - 9:00

Let''s show the city we are a strong group, and that we appreciate the support they have recently given to our cause. If you are planning on joining us please e-mail us at padz.org, sign up at the dog park, or leave a message for Lu Meyer at 436-3571 so we can reach you if we have any additional information to pass on to you.

TOT LOT TROUBLE

The City and PADZ continue to receive complaints about dogs in the sand tot lots at Orpheus and D St parks. This is the most common complaint about the off-leash hours at these parks.

It is posted in both parks that this is not allowed, yet owners ignore this rule and allow their dogs to play in and eliminate in the sand. This continuing disregard for the safety of children puts our use of these parks at risk.

It should be clear why this rule is in place: to protect children from dogs interfering in their play, and to keep the sand free of urine and feces.

We implore all dog owners who visit these parks to keep their dogs out of the sand tot lots, and to speak to other owners who ignore their dog’s behavior. If you have trouble controlling your dog please use other areas of the park, away from the sand. Don’t let complacency put our use of these parks at risk. Remember, the off-leash hours do not give us exclusive use of these parks, we must share the parks with all users.

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

We have great news from the city. In October the city council voted on 6 separate dog park possibilities, and passed them all.

1st - To include the dog park in the first phase of the development of the Hall property. In fact, it could easily be the first part developed since it is separated from the rest of the park. I just heard that they are moving on the environmental impact report, and when that is finished they can start building. We are still looking at 2 or 3 years. Margarat Nee and I were able to sit down with the architects for the property and give them our ideas for a great dog park. They were very receptive to our ideas.

2nd - They had recently voted to put a walking trail on the SDG&E easement between Encinitas Boulevard and Mountain Vista. At the Oct. meeting they voted to make that an off leash dog park also. As soon as they get fences fixed, to prevent dogs from entering peoples yards, and signage up we will have that available. In a Nov. meeting they moved forward on this and allocated money to do so. This will be very soon.

3rd - The City Council recommended that the parks and recreation dept. try to acquire the property next to the Humane Society to expand the size of the Rancho Coastal dog park. This would be a joint venture between the city and Rancho Coastal, hopefully with more hours available.

4th - To have part of Indian Head Canyon developed as a dog park. This will take a while since there will be an extensive environmental impact report done. This is probably several years away.

5th - To fence in a one acre parcel of the Encinitas Town Center for a temporary dog park. This will be closed when that parcel is developed for a proposed community project, but that might be a few years from now.

6th - To allow off leash hours (the same hours as Orpheus and D St. parks) in the lower section of Sun Vista park on Rancho Santa Fe Road in Olivenhain. At the Nov. meeting the council voted for the money for signs and poop bags. This will be very soon.

Congrats to all who support these efforts with their presence at city council meetings and e-mails and phone calls to council members. It is beginning to pay off. However, we still need to remain vigilant, and make sure our City Council remains pro dog parks. Therefore, remember to pick up after your dog, offer a bag to someone who hasn't picked up after their dog, and make sure the dogs playing at the parks are well socialized.

Hope to see you at the parade, and have a great holiday season - Lu Meyer

BOARD  VACANCY

There is a vacancy on the PADZ board. This is your chance to have a say in what’s happening with dog parks in Encinitas, and to offer your ideas and energy to this growing organization.  We need you! Email, or call 436-3571.

Get involved with PADZ!

Write to local newspapers and politicians.

Attend municipal meetings when dog parks are being discussed.

Help educate fellow park users on dog park etiquette.