By COMMON SCENTS BY CAROLE ORLIN
A fter writing my last two columns on controversial and complex issues involving the structure of local government and the impact of immigration, I thought it was time to look at a different kind of quality of life issue for those of us living and/or working in Santa Monica.
I just finished reading an article in the SMDP about the proposed off-leash beach area for dogs in Santa Monica, and I think it’s a wonderful idea. My family and I have been to several off-leash beaches (Huntington Beach, Santa Barbara, Carmel, etc.) and were impressed at how beautiful and well maintained they were. I think the dog owners are so glad to have a place to let their dogs romp that they are extra careful to make sure the beaches remain clean. It seems that Santa Monica is a very difficult place to own a pet, whether it is finding housing or locating a good recreational area, either beach or dog park.
Ironically, we have a lot of animal lovers living here. There are many animal rescues and people who open their homes to foster animals until they get a permanent home. It’s both heart-warming and heartbreaking to see so many people spending their valuable time and energy trying their best to find homes for these helpless creatures. I find it very disheartening to see how many people have had to give up their beloved pets or were unable to get a pet because they could not find housing.
My children tell me that some of their best childhood memories revolve around activities with our dog and the fun they had with him. Most landlords do not allow pets. Or, they allow pets that weigh less than four ounces! Yes, the carpet will probably have to be replaced and the place painted after the tenant and pet move out — so just factor that in to the rental deposit. I know many people who would be more than happy to pay extra if it meant they could keep their pet. Remember landlords, there is nothing like a grateful tenant.
With the City of Santa Monica licensing between four and five thousand dogs per year, it is obvious that we need to allot more space for them. There are too few dog parks in Santa Monica. We have Joselyn Park, which is OK, but kind of difficult to get to if you have time constraints and don’t live in that part of Santa Monica. Then there is the tiny park on Main Street, which too often has parking issues. That’s it, except perhaps for the narrow gravel dog run behind Fisher Lumber. Now, I’m grateful for the dog parks that do exist, inadequate as they might be. They are better than nothing, but they do not come close to meeting the needs of our community.
It seems that the notion of an off-leash beach area in Santa Monica generated a negative reaction from a gentleman in Venice Beach last Thursday. In his Letter to the Editor, the writer seemed to be obsessed by a concern over dog and cat feces and urine on the “majestically pristine, world-class beaches” of Santa Monica.
A couple of thoughts come to mind. First, I doubt if the author has spent any time in existing off-leash beach areas. If he did visit one or two, it might put his mind at ease. Another thought about the repeated concern over feces and urine, as well as “public safety.” My own experiences as a resident of Santa Monica over the last four years have demonstrated many more problems with our homeless population than our animal population.
My early morning walks on the “majestically pristine” beach area that the letter alluded to came to a screeching halt two years ago when I viewed a man get out of his sleeping bag on the beach, totally naked, and urinate in front of me. Then, there are those times when I have walked towards the beach, down Montana Avenue, and been startled to see a homeless individual defecate in the alley, a few steps from Montana Avenue. Who is cleaning up after our human friends? It seems rather bizarre that public safety is more threatened by the dog population of Santa Monica than the human population. I rarely see a pet owner who is not overly vigilant to ensure proper clean-up.
The vast majority of pet owners are extremely responsible and become more upset than the non-pet owners when there are visible signs someone has not been responsible for their pet. Besides not wanting our lawns to be used as bathrooms for dogs (or people), it reflects badly on the responsible dog owners. Furthermore, pet owners are also tax payers. Although some people are against paying for dog parks or an off-leash beach with any of their tax money, it’s important to remember that we all pay taxes, and some part of each of our tax dollars goes toward things that we might not endorse or in which we might not participate.
There are endless studies confirming that having a pet helps to lower blood pressure, reduces stress, eases depression, reduces feelings of isolation, etc. Dog parks and off-leash beaches are good for the dogs and good for the owners. There is a large population turnover in Santa Monica, and a dog park or off-leash beach is an excellent way for newcomers to feel like part of the community. It is a place to meet like-minded people. It’s a relaxing place to go before or after work for socialization, networking and just getting to know your neighbors. It increases the feelings of being part of the neighborhood/community, not to mention giving Fido a chance to be off-leash, exercise and meet up with his social network.
Afterwards you have a happy, socialized, exercised and relaxed dog, and a happy, socialized (but not exercised) and relaxed owner. It’s a win-win situation. I even know a couple that met at the dog park and are now happily married (luckily their dogs liked each other).
There appears to be some current debate about the appropriate use of four parcels of land that Santa Monica owns. Perhaps, a dog park would not be out of the question for one of those parcels.
Certainly, the idea put forth to have a leash-free beach area in Santa Monica should be enthusiastically embraced. Having a loyal companion and places to go to thoroughly enjoy the beauty of Santa Monica, while escaping some of the pressures of daily living (from terrorist alerts to traffic alerts), sounds awfully good to me. (Carole).
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 21, 2004. Read the original PDF.