7:30am | A considerable number of Long Beach residents roundly gnawed on bones of contention during the Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine’s (PRM) November 10 Commission meeting. A highly contested recommendation for approval of developing an area of El Dorado Park into the privately funded El Dorado Dog Park (EDDP) developed into a near-harangue that might have inspired The Music Man’s Meredith Willson to write another folksy musical.
Judy and I were both there, and Judy has wisely elected to excuse herself, as she is an active dog-park committee member. Given the choice of being an objective journalist and writing a subjective editorial, I decided to do both.
First, some history. In 2009, Long Beach resident Mary Matthiensen contacted now-retired PRM Director Phil Hester for an appointment to discuss the possibility of installing an off-leash dog park in El Dorado Park.
“I had an idea that if the location was put in the paid section, it could benefit the park,” Matthiensen said, given that there is a charge to enter the park. “At that time, I knew nothing about how the money is distributed. I did a PowerPoint presentation for Mr. Hester and his staff. In the meantime, Councilmember Schipske had a community meeting regarding Nutro’s interest in a dog park in the east side of the city. From that meeting, the Parks, Rec and Marine Department gave me a list of interested parties. I then gave a meeting from that list of names at the El Dorado Restaurant.”
Matthiensen said that there was considerable interest from area residents, particularly from people who usually drove to the Arbor Dog Park in Seal Beach. “They were thrilled to learn about the possibility of a dog park in their own neighborhood,” Matthiensen said.
The Friends of Eldorado Dog Park (FEDDP) was thereby created, with Matthiensen as its president. Different locations were considered for the site, and eventually more locations were added, two of which were in Councilmember Patrick O’Donnell’s District. O’Donnell strongly supported the idea of a dog park in his jurisdiction.
“Dogs can socialize and exercise in a safe, secure environment,” said Jane Bechtol, FEDDP secretary. “A more exercised dog is a better-behaved dog; he’ll bark less and will be less likely to be abandoned at ACS.”
FEDDP agreed to undertake all costs of the park through sponsorships, memberships, and fund-raisers (see Pet Projects listed below for their December 3 Holiday Bone-Anza event). The organization requested up to five acres, to include large and small dog areas and the ability to add such amenities as dog-wash stations and sewer lines; relative proximity to public restrooms; capability of expansion to include humane education, low-cost clinics, and other events; and existing grass and trees. There would be a public admission entrance fee, which FEDDP said would foster pride of ownership in the facility.
The Parks Commission suggested approving the site plan and set out to conduct a study. Three sites were selected: the Azteca Yard, currently a storage area bordering on the Opossum Patch picnic area, the Community Garden and the El Dorado Nature Center; the Southeastern Corner east of the Spring Street entrance to Area II of the park, bordered by the 605, a walk path and fences along Spring Street; and North of Archery, in the center of Area II and with no boundaries. The recommendation of PRM was to develop the Azteca Yard rather than to limit the use of existing park space (click here for graphics of each site ultimately selected as well as a full report of study process and debate that followed).
Bob Livingstone, PRM’s contract manager and Superintendent of Golf, said that turning unused, unattractive space into a dog park would be an increase in open space, but added that the biggest problem was the proximity to the Community Garden. That’s when the doo-doo hit the fan — with the PRM and the Commission having to hold the little blue plastic bags.
Representatives from the Community Garden and the Nature Center, wildlife (including bird) advocates, PRM employees and the community in general weighed in with a barrage of e-mails and phone calls, stating such concerns as runoff from the EDDP into the Garden, frightened wildlife, coyote attacks, noise from barking, disease, and species reduction. Data from various studies were cited. PRM returned to the drawing board to figure out a better paw print for the dog park to leave. They identified a fourth site that Commissioner Benjamin Goldberg called “the path of least resistance:” the PRM staff general maintenance area, called the Tree Farm because of its former existence as the area in which trees for the city were cultivated.
The site is south of Spring Street, between the Nature Center parking lot and Animal Care Services (ACS). The benefits identified by PRM included not sharing a border with either the Nature Center or the Community Garden and a number of natural and man-made buffers that help mitigate many of the stakeholders’ concerns. There’s less space in the Tree Farm than FEDDP originally requested, but its proximity to ACS was seen as effecting oversight and enforcement of local laws related to dog parks. Furthermore, no dedicated park space would be taken from the general public, and the site, which Goldberg said was “a wreck anyway,” would be visually improved. In fact, the only stakeholders who might be disappointed with the site are the dogs themselves when they walk into a Tree Farm and find nary a tree.
PRM Tree Farm. Ain’t it lovely?
“We went on a three-week timetable to address public concerns,” Livingstone said. “Ultimately, we think we have the right place.”
During the meeting, Long Beach residents, PMR executives and Park Commissioners discussed the plan and the pros and cons of each site. Two veterinarians—ACS’s Dr. Margaret Lee and private vet Dr. Greg Perrault—had reported their recommendations to ACS’s acting manager, John Keisler. Perrault’s suggestions included a lot of sunlight to dry up roundworms (hence, no trees) and proper grading for drainage and planting a vegetation barrier; Lee said that the larger the area, the better to dissipate concentration of disease. She also recommended planting St. Augustine grass for natural detoxification and separate areas for large and small dogs. Neither veterinarian felt concern about parasites contaminating the garden; in fact, Perrault noted that wild animals no doubt feed and defecate in the garden as a matter of course (you know the proverbial question about bears and their business in the woods). Both veterinarians had chosen El Dorado Regional Park Area II as an ideal location.
“I felt like the site across the street would be ideal due to improved visibility from Spring Street, the presence of grass and mature trees already and lack of drainage issues that could potentially affect shelter or garden,” Lee said. “And as far as barking, the freeway is louder.” Lee also said that there was little risk of transfer of disease from the animals, even with drainage, but measures should be taken to eliminate the drainage.
Fifth District Councilmember supported the project, although she visualized a couple of details to hammer out, mainly parking, which will be worked out along with grading and drainage as the plan develops.
“We need a visible dog park,” Schipske said. “It can be patrolled and be a good ad for us.”
Public comment centered mainly on the Azteca site and included a few environmental concerns: expense to move the maintenance yard (“Not a lot,” PMR director George Chapjian said), best and highest use of land for a “small group of dog owners,” threat to birds, and the predatory nature of dogs [while en route to the park, dogs are expected to be on leash). In full support, Los Alamitos resident Tom Poe said that his church was ready to mobilize in-kind service for the new park. It’s noted that, whether they were for or against the park, all showed genuine concern for wildlife, the Garden, safety and, of course, the dogs who would enjoy the park. Many of the proponents of the park understood the concern over wildlife and for the Community Garden. Similarly, many who spoke against the Azteca yard, with the glaring exception of a lout who sat behind us and suggested that it be situated next to the police shooting range (he got the hex eye from a few of us), identified themselves as dog lovers.
“We’ll leave it up to you,” Matthiensen told the commission toward the end of public comment. “We hear a lot of issues and we understand. But we have our issues, too, and we want to be a partner with ACS and spcaLA.”
After a show of hands for each site, the Commission passed the Tree Farm as the site for the EDDP 7–0, with no commissioners absent.
To the naysayers who say that there are enough dog parks and that a couple of them aren’t maintained by the city, I strongly feel that the commitment of the members of the FEDDP speaks to this. Judy and the other members feel strongly about not harming wildlife or compromising a garden, particularly one into which so much effort has been put and that has a reputation of community activism and generosity, and I feel the same. A few years ago, residents in my neighborhood fund-raised for a playground and tot lot for small children; years later, it’s absolutely the best place for kids to play because of the continued efforts of the residents. I see the same community dedication in the EDDP, and it showed up and stood up at the meeting.
To say that all shook hands as they sang the finale would be an exaggeration, but an acceptable compromise seemed to have been reached. PMR and the commissioners put forth a grand effort to cover the needs and promise to continue to do so as the conception becomes a reality. As for the support and the unanimous vote from the commissioners, they deserve thanks and a big lick on the hand from the best dogs in the whole world—ours and yours. Hope to see you all at the El Dorado Dog Park!
Trouble, oh we got trouble,
Right here in River City!
With a capital T
That rhymes with P
– “Ya Got Trouble,” The Music Man
(And that “P” stands for park? My apologies to Meredith Willson.)
Visit EDDP on their website www.eldoradodogparkfriends.org/ to donate and for information. You can also friend them on Facebook www.facebook.com/#!/groups/PresidentFoeddp1/.
Pet Projects
Financial Aid for Spay/Neuter: Big Dogs Save Big!
Owners of big dogs in L.A. County have a reason to celebrate. SpcaLA is offering up to 100 percent off the cost of a spay or neuter surgery for big dogs (40 pounds or more) at the spcaLA Specialty Spay/Neuter Center, 5026 W Jefferson Blvd. in Los Angeles.
“It’s more expensive to fix a larger dog, which makes many struggling owners opt not to spay or neuter, leading to a lot of unwanted pets,” says spcaLA President Madeline Bernstein. “And, because many large breeds deteriorate quickly in a shelter environment, they tend to have higher euthanasia rates..”
It is important for the health of all cats, dogs and rabbits to be spayed or neutered. Pets who have been fixed have lower overall veterinary bills, will not perish from certain deadly cancers and infections, and will not add to the pet overpopulation crisis. It is safe for pets as young as two months to be spayed or neutered.
For owners who ask for financial assistance, spcaLA offers a discount of up to 100 percent of the surgical fee for companion dogs weighing 40 pounds or more, while funding lasts. To schedule your pet’s surgery and qualify, call the spcaLA Specialty Spay/Neuter Center at (323) 730-5303. At the spcaLA Specialty Spay/Neuter Center, owners of dogs, cats and rabbits can trust their pets to our board-certified veterinarian who focuses only on spay and neuter services. Surgeries are available by appointment only. Financial aid is offered on a first-come, first-serve basis, and is only available to owned companion dogs, while funding lasts. Financial aid applies solely to surgical procedures, and additional fees may apply. For more information, click here www.spcaLA.com.
November 18–20, The Christmas Bunny Movie Fund-raiser and Rabbit Adoption Fair, Long Beach Community College Campus, 4901 E. Carson St. Fair: Sat. and Sun., 1:00–3:00pm; movie: Fri. and Sat., 7:00pm.; Sun., 6:00pm.
Hare on over to LBCC with the family this weekend and check out the adorable rabbits that the rescuers and volunteers have sufficiently loved, fed and groomed to be taken home and loved, fed and groomed some more, forever (see Virtually Pets). Before you go, watch the film starring Florence Henderson, and you’ll undoubtedly want your own Bunny Bunch. Call (562) 938-4846 for specific locations.
November 19, Photos with Santa, spcaLA Auditorium, P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village, 7700 E. Spring St., 10:00am–3:00pm, $15–$20
Santa and his helpers are making a special trip to Long Beach just in time for the holidays, and you and your pets can have your picture taken with Santa. Prices are $15 for a 4 x 6 keepsake photo or two photos for $20. Proceeds benefit spcaLA. Additional photo packages will be available for purchase from Otis & Lucy Photography. All cats must be in carriers and all dogs leashed. No more than two dogs per adult. Photo ops will be in the For more information, visit www.spcaLA.com.
November 20, Fostering Class, P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village, 7700 E. Spring St., 10:00am–noon, free event
Help a pet better his or her chance at adoption! SpcaLA is looking for foster parents for pets of all ages and needs. Potential foster parents must fill out and submit an application prior to attending a foster class. Visit www.spcaLA.com for application or call (323) 730-5300 x300. We provide the pet, food, and materials, you provide the home.
December 3, Holiday Bone-Anza, Good Neighbor Park, 2800 Studebaker Rd., 9:00am–2:00pm.
Long Beach has a huge canine population estimated at over 100,000. We have several great parks and a dog beach around town, but there aren’t enough off-leash areas to provide the running and playing room needed to keep our urban dogs healthy and happy! Friends of El Dorado Dog Park wants to help solve this problem by creating a three-to-four-acre dog park in El Dorado Regional Park, and a fun event is planned to help raise the $100,000 needed to make this happen. Along with music, a raffle, free popcorn for the kids, dog training demos and more, there will be more than 30 vendors and a few gourmet food trucks offering their wares to the holiday-shopping crowds. A humane education table will be in place to disseminate information about a major objective of the animal-welfare community. Join us and help us create a place where dogs can be social and healthy, both physically and mentally! Visit www.eldoradodogparkfriends.org for more details; e-mail info@eldoradodogparkfriends.org for questions and information. Sponsorships are requested.
Virtually Pets
I’m dreaming of a white rabbit…
Yeah, we’re pretty sneaky, but this is more fluffy temptation on our part to join in on the festivities at LBCC (see Pet Projects). Angelic, yes?
Shane & Cricket
Shane, a miniature schnauzer, and Cricket, a papillon, were left nearly a full day in the house when their owner died suddenly. These are two dogs used to a lot of love and care, and they’d love to spend the holidays and every day thereafter with someone who can give them the same. Contact our friend, rescuer Ingrid Hurel, at pajade@yahoo.de.
Mike Reed and Topaz. Topaz still needs a home.
As you may remember, Ingrid Hurel is the lovely rescuer who helped with the sad case of Armed Forces Veteran Michael Reed and Topaz. Here’s the update: Michael is getting weaker and sicker and is being cared for in his trailer. Topaz, however, was found to have a mass near her vulva. Luckily, the operation was successful and she’s cancer free, but there’s a bill to the tune of $3,500. This is doubly tragic, as Veteran’s Day has just passed, and there’s nothing that would be more meaningful to Mike than to have Topaz in good health, and he’s also resigned himself to the idea that she’d do better if someone were to adopt her. SSI has no money for Mike’s rent anymore so, unless he’s fortunate enough to go into a nursing home, he’ll lose the one he has. If you can help, please e-mail Ingrid at pajade@yahoo.de.
Kittens…
…and more kittens.
Yes, it’s kitten season, which is the busiest season of the year, because it happens all year long, and people still aren’t spaying and neutering and are dumping the results. Our friend and cat rescuer Denise has a bunch of them ready for good homes—all colors (the guy in the second photo does a neat imitation of a housefly, as you can see) and one disposition: sweet. Contact Denise at denise4re@verizon.net for your very own.