Last night in a 4 - 1 decision by the Manhattan Beach City Council approval was granted to the Parks and Recreation Department to allow dogs on leash at Bruce’s Beach park in Manhattan Beach. In addition, the Council voted unanimously to expand on-leash walk-through areas at Sand Dune Park and Polliwog Park. The meeting included community involvement by people on both sides of the issue. Most people came out to speak out about Bruce’s Beach Park. Residents with dogs around the park spoke in favor of being able to have equal access to the park and residents without dogs spoke against. The big issue? Waste. Stepping in, running around or laying a blanket on a place where there is or once was dog waste was the argument against opening the park to dogs. Dog owners argued that there was no evidence that NOT opening the park to dogs legally (as people are illegally using it now) would prevent the dog waste issue. By allowing dogs legally in the park, it would create a community of owners who valued the benefit so much they would be extra vigilant in cleaning up after their pets and other’s pets who were less responsible.

At the end of the night, after about 3 hours of community speakers, the City Council gave approval for access to dogs on leash for a trial period of 3 months. During this 3 month “test”, residents would be asked to make reports of any problems and the Community Dog Advisory Committee would be asked to report all complaints and responses to the access to City Council at the end of the trial period. In addition, the Council advised the committee to go back and do homework on a location within Polliwog park that could be used for the same purpose.

This is a huge success for those of us who have fought for equal access in the parks here in Manhattan Beach! We are a unique city, in that we are the only city within miles who do NOT allow dogs on leash in parks. It seems that no one knows where this ban began or why. We’re working an uphill battle for equal access in all parks. As we move forward, we will be working on community requests for more dog parks, access to parks with our dogs and on leash access to walkways connecting our city areas. Hard to believe it’s this challenging to share our city with our furry friends. Enjoy your sunsets here and clean up after your pets!

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The Parks and Recreation Department led by the sub-committee Pet Owners for Quality of Life is recommending to the City Council of Manhattan Beach that dogs and their owners have some access to local parks. This access would be on a trial basis allowing the community to be fully involved in reporting problems and successes with the access if permitted. Manhattan Beach is one of the only cities in California with no access for pets and thier owners in community parks. This committee, at the request of the community, seeks to address this issue by finding solutions that work for all of the citizens of the city.

Recommendation:

The recommendation is that the Parks and Recreation Commission approve, on a trial basis, the following expansion of dog access in city parks:

1. Expand current on-leash dog access to the upper trails at Sand Dune Park, excluding the north steps. (See city website for diagram)

2. Establish on-leash dog access for the western most path at Polliwog Park.

3. Expand on-leash dog access to include entire Bruce’s Beach park. This would allow walking or sitting on the grass, but no off leash activities.

A meeting with the City Council and residents is set for Tuesday, September 18th 6:30pm to discuss this issue.

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Manhattan Beach is beach volleyball! Once again, we will be graced by the presence of greatness with some of the best volleyball players in the California Beach Volleyball Association. Top four teams from each division win complementary berth into the U.S. Open of Beach Volleyball.

Cal Cup Tournament to be played in Manhattan Beach on September 1st and 2nd on the South side of the Manhattan Beach Pier.

Tournament begins at 8am.

For more information see the CBVA website. Or go to the City of Manhattan Beach website for information on parking and local restaurants.

As your local resource for housing and information, I can make the following parking and restaurant recommendations:

Parking: Once you enter Manhattan Beach west of Sepulveda on Manhattan Beach Blvd., pass over Ardmore Drive and Valley Drive. You will immediately see a shopping center on your right called Metlox. You can take the next right at the Pomodoro restaurant. Halfway down the block you can turn right into an underground parking structure. The lowest floor has the longest metered parking for all day beach-goers. Be sure you have quarters! There are no change machines.

Meals: We do have the usual Starbucks and Coffee Bean or Noahs bagels. If you want to venture to some of the best food in town, see Uncle Bills on Highland just North of Manhattan Beach Blvd. Sometimes you’ll wait 15 minutes, but it is well worth it. Lunch: Sandwiches from Becker’s Bakery at Manhattan Avenue around 10th should hit the spot. If you’re still around and ready to celebrate after the tournament, I suggest you go for the coldest beer in town at Shellback’s on the corner of Manhattan Beach Blvd., just above the pier. Have the Chicken Nuggets. They’re made with beer batter and they are awesome!

Have a great time! Be safe!

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The 4th Annual Pet Appreciation Day and Adoption Fair is coming up on September 30th at Live Oak Park in the heart of downtown Manhattan Beach. Festivities will begin with a “Walk and Wag” doggie walk at 10:30am, finishing at the park location. Official festivities begin at 11am and end at 4pm. You can bring the whole family, including your pets. There will be raffle prizes, silent auction, pet related booths, boxer kissing booth, animal rescue groups with pets for adoption, great food, live animal entertainment and demonstrations and live music!

The City of Manhattan Beach will also be offering pet licensing that day. So, if you’ve been putting off the most important tag on your dog’s collar, this is your chance to get that doggie licensed. Some of the local businesses who have generously donated items for raffle and auction are Shade Hotel, Bora Bora, Rock N Fish, Pet Flys, The Pet Food Store, Christie’s, Red Carpet Car Wash, and more…

Check this event out and know you’re having a great time, benefiting a great cause! All proceeds from donated raffle and auction items will go to benefit local rescue organizations in their efforts to place homeless animals in loving homes.

Never been to Manhattan Beach and want to know more about what to do here?

Check out http://www.downtownmanhattanbeach.com/index.cfm

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