An Interesting read on the recent Albany Waterfront Committee meeting.

Lots of discussion about controlling the dogs at  The Bulb, which centered on how to license dog walkers, or dog guardians, as well, committee members also talked about how to determine which areas should require leashes; how to protect certain areas from dog-induced wear; and how to make sure the public supports the plan.

The new policy (download the draft of Albany’s Waterfront Dog Policy), could ultimately be folded into the Parks and Recreation Department’s dog ordinance.

Some public comments made at the meeting included:
one woman saying she doesn’t take her 14 year old dog to the Bulb because it is too “chaotic”;

and of course, as always, there is suggestion that “fenced-off area for pets could be helpful in ensuring community members and Bulb visitors respect the ordinance.” (More fencing?!)

And another asked why they weren’t looking to the Voices to Vision report that cost thousands and thousands of dollars; noting that along with the other studies done costs now total up to the millions spent on these studies.

Read more about the Waterfront Committe Meeting and what was said at AlbanyPatch.com

Discussion regarding Albany’s Waterfront include:

Observations – walking dogs has become one, if not the, primary user activity at the Waterfront – observations indicate that most dogs are off-leash – people love walking their dogs at the Waterfront; while others avoid the area because they are uncomfortable (I’m assuming they are referring to off-leash dogs); Cleaning up after dogs-some complaints about inconsistent cleaning up.

Questions being addressed regarding these observations

Should policies include all kinds of Waterfront park visitors?

Should policies recognize existing conditions and provide more amenities for dog owners?

Should commercial dog walking be allowed at Waterfront?

Should there be seasonal or year round exclusion of dogs from sensitive bird habitat areas?

Should there be specific off-leash dog areas?

Should there be “dog free zones”?

Discussion of Enforcement

Enforcement difficult with two jurisdictions, both with different rules regarding on-leash vs off-leash

Jurisdictional boundaries are not clear-cut in the field – to users and enforcers

Alternatives to think about

Leash/Dog Regulations

Retain existing city rules: dogs off-leash under proper control (no change)

Create uniform dog leash regulations (need to amend city regulations regarding designate specific areas for dogs Dogs On Leash, Off Leash, No Dogs for specific areas – Beach, Plateau, Neck, Parking lot, Cove.

Seasonal exclusion from sensitive bird habitat (seasonal flyway October-March) Year round exclusion form sensitive bird habitat.

Limit days/hours for dogs

Create fenced area on Bulb for dogs off-leash; other areas become on-leash or “no dogs”.

There is much more to read including the issue of Commercial Dog Walking – if Albany should adopt commercial dog walking regulations similar to EBRPD and the enforcement of policies.

Visit Albany City Website – Waterfront Committee – Agendas & Minutes

http://www.albanyca.org/index.aspx?page=330

Oscar - Photo By Jill Posener

Crow

THE best thing about the bulb  -  the dogs!

The sad part is when the day comes when we have to say goodbye.

Sadly, we had to say goodbye to Oscar and Crow  –   very special dogs that shared the trails with us.

They will be missed.

UPDATE! Hija is FOUND!

Please Help Find Hija.

Lost last night, June 8th at approx 8:00pm, at the Albany Bulb. Little Hija was frightened by some loud trucks. She was last seen on the freeway heading towards Richmond.

“Hija (pronounced “Aiya”) is a 15 lb. black and tan chihuahua.  She is somewhat shy and tends to run away from strangers, bicycles and loud noises.  She has tags on her collar, which she has been known to slip out of.”

Please call Lani or Jeff  if you have seen her.

Phone numbers to call:

(510) 910-0633

(510) 517-9553

Looks like the 12th Annual Bay to Barkers Dogwalk will be at the Albany this year

August 2, 2009 ~ 8:30am to 1pm- Golden Gate Fields, Albany

I have to wonder – why the change in venue?

Is this just another subtle move to “commercialize” ,take back, restrict, …..!!!

Paranoid? Not much.

Here is more information:

The Berkeley East Bay Humane Society is proposing (PDF) the Berkeley Humane Society “Bay to Barkers” event be held at the waterfront!

Berkeley – East Bay Humane Society Bay to Barkers (website)