Saturday, September 12 saw the official opening of the first of two new places for dogs and their human companions to recreate (the second, K-9 Corners, will open Sept. 27; see Events below). The Downtown Dog Park, brought into being through the office of 2nd District Council Member Suja Lowenthal, comprises 22,000 square feet (nearly half an acre) of land in Lincoln Park in the Civic Center, 333 W. Ocean Blvd. The park is enclosed by a fence of the sea-blue wavelength design that has lately been a Long Beach rec brand, and there are two separate sections for small and larger dogs. Sandra Gonzalez, Parks and Rec’s Planning and Developing bureau manager, benches and a double drinking fountain at two-legged and four-legged heights will soon be installed.
Eager residents ready to romp arrived before the 10 a.m. opening in various states of dress and accessory. This human companion is demonstrating responsibility for his dog’s pleasure in an off-leash romp and for other people and animals who share the park.
Pet park patrons receive petting and praise from non-pet people who also enjoy Lincoln Park.
ACS manager John Keisler discusses animal issues with Dr. Greg Perrault and assistant Cookie.
Eva Kuncewicki, owner of Chewsy Dogs, visits with Lola, Mandy and husband Jason.
2nd District Councilmember Suja Lowenthal chats with Animal Control Services’ operations chief Michelle Quigley. Son Avi is more interested in how his best buddy, Stella Lowenthal, and Lowenthal’s chief of staff, Broc Coward, are deciding who the A-dog is.
Long Beach Animal Care Services (there’s Judy!) provided education and help…
…It’s A Grind was there with free coffee, and P.J.’s Pet Café offers pet cuisine samples.
“We want this park for all stakeholders downtown,” emphasized Lowenthal in her presentation. Public parks are for the use of the public. The dog park’s fenced area will separate people who prefer not to interact with dogs from the dogs and their companions. On the other hand, if you like dogs, but don’t live with one, you can make lots of new friends in here. As with all parks, there is a code of behavior for the Downtown Dog Park (see above).
Rules are rules. Councilmember Lowenthal walks the talk… or scoops the—well, you know.
Councilmember Lowenthal, joined by City Manager Pat West and a number of other guests cut the ribbon to open the gate and let the games begin!
Councilmember Lowenthal invites any Long Beach resident interested in volunteering for the Lincoln Dog Park Advisory Committee to call her chief of staff, Broc Coward, at (562) 570-6684, or e-mail him at broc.coward@longbeach.gov.
Pet Projects
Sept. 26, Seal Beach Animal Care Center’s “Wag ’n’ Walk”
The Seal Beach Animal Care Center (SBACC) proudly announces its 14th annual walk for the animals. Wag ’n’ Walk is an opportunity for you and your dog to enjoy a walk together and help raise money and awareness for the pets in residence at SBACC. Justin Rudd along with Rosie and Riley will be the grand marshals. Register at http://www.sbacc.org to join the walk at the Seal Beach Pier, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Sept. 27, K-9 Corners Grand Opening
Join Assembly Member Bonnie Lowenthal, 54th AD, Councilmember Robert Garcia, 1st Council District, the Long Beach Redevelopment Agency, the North Pine Neighborhood Alliance, Long Beach Parks, Recreation & Marine and the Long Beach Police Department as we celebrate the grand opening of K-9 Corner! K-9 Corner is the City’s newest Dog Park, and is located in the 1st Council District. The park features solar-powered lighting and drought-tolerant landscaping. The free event will feature free food, drinks, pet adoptions, information booths and children’s activities. Noon–3 p.m. 306 Pacific Ave., Long Beach.
Oct. 9, Compassionate Cuisine
Come to the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden at CSULB for a celebration of World Vegetarian Day, with tastes of delicious vegetarian cuisine from many nationalities and ethnicities—all cruelty free. There will be music—including the Irvine Young Symphony, which played at the Beijing Olympics—raffles, special guest presentations and more. Reservations required—$35 per person includes food (there is a charge for beer and wine). Visit compassionatecuisine.net for information and reservations.
Oct. 18, Long Beach Walk for Farm Animals
Take your compassion to the streets with other concerned Long Beach residents and their friends to raise awareness about the plight of farm animals as well as vital funds for Farm Sanctuary’s rescue, education and advocacy work. Your $15 registration fee entitles you to a limited-edition 2009 Walk T-shirt, designed by Herbivore Clothing Company Founder Josh Hooten. To reserve your shirt, make sure to register by September 25. If you can’t join the Walk, please consider a donation. Visit http://walkforfarmanimals.org. Farm animals need people like you to spread the word about what’s happening to them on factory farms.
Ongoing—Pet Literacy at ACS
Pet Literacy is a City of Long Beach Animal Care Services (ACS) program at the P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village. The program promotes humane treatment, socialization of animals, creating a connection between animals and humans, and literacy through reading aloud to the animals. Wednesdays–Sundays, 2–3 p.m., 7700 E. Spring St., Long Beach
