Loosening the Leash

0
526

Editor,

[This letter was also sent to the Laguna Beach City Council members on Oct. 13]

I am a second generation, born and raised Laguna resident, and this is the first time I have written a letter to the council. I am writing to request that the city revise the summer dog restrictions along our beaches. While I fully agree with the concept, it is my experience (and that of most everyone I speak with) that the current rules are too restrictive. Please consider the following:

1) Revise the restricted dates from June 1 to Sept. 16 to June 20 to Sept. 8. The beach is virtually empty during those first few weeks of June and just after Labor Day. This timeframe lines up with LBUSD dates and allows for consideration of when the kids and their parents become avid beach goers.

2) Revise the restricted times from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. to 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Our fine lifeguards come on duty at 10 a.m. Why not earlier? Could it be that before 10 a.m. the beach is not yet crowded? Those of us with children and dogs are hard pressed to get our daily walk in before 8 a.m. We are feeding and shuttling kids to city activities such as Jr. Guards, tennis lessons, etc. And after 6 p.m. is family dinnertime. Adding just three extra hours per day would allow so many local residents with dogs the ability to maintain crucial exercise routines for enhanced health and attitudes.

Laguna Beach Magazine’s November issue features an article called “Gone to the Dogs” featuring many Laguna restaurants that welcome four-legged friends. OCdogfriendly.com advertises Laguna as one of the “dog friendliest towns,” but states, “warning: your dog may not understand why this is not a dog friendly beach at all hours of the summer.”  Trust me, it is really hard to look your best friend in the eye on June 1 and expect them to understand the calendar rules.

Let’s loosen the leash a little Laguna! Remember, residents desire our Laguna quality of life year round.

Join our facebook page at: Laguna Beach “Dog Friendliest Town”

Stacy Dugger (and Rusty),

Laguna Beach

Share this:

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here