OCEANSIDE: Idea of dog beach surfaces again

By PAUL SISSON - Staff writer | Saturday, May 17, 2008 5:10 PM PDT ∞

Jenifer Johnson of Solana Beach hangs out with her pug dog named Charlie Murphy at Dog Beach in Del Mar on Wednesday. Some residents of Oceanside are hoping the city will create a dog beach there. (Photo by Hayne Palmour IV - Staff photographer)
A sign banning dogs on the beach near the Oceanside Municipal Pier on Wednesday. Some residents of Oceanside are hoping the city will create a dog beach near the mouth of the San Luis Rey River. (Photo by Hayne Palmour IV - Staff photographer)
The section of beach just south of the San Luis Rey River mouth in Oceanside on Wednesday. Some residents of Oceanside are hoping the city will create a dog beach there. (Photo by Hayne Palmour IV - Staff photographer)

OCEANSIDE ---- Work on a bridge near the Oceanside Harbor may be reviving some dreams that the city could have its own dog beach, residents and officials said last week.

The new Pacific Street Bridge, expected to open this summer, will create a more isolated stretch of beach just south of the San Luis Rey River mouth, a spot some dog lovers have said would be a great place for pets.

Oceanside resident Hugh Foley said recently that hardly a day goes by when he does not glance wistfully at the stretch of sand and think about walking it with his buddies, a German shepherd named Cash and a beagle mix named Whiskey.

"I go by there quite a lot, and I'm always thinking 'You know, this is the perfect place for a dog beach,' " Foley said. The closest beach that allows dogs to play without leashes is now in Del Mar, roughly 20 miles away.

Foley said he has discussed the dog beach idea with other pet owners and that "people seem to really, really want it." He said he may try to form some kind of task force to lobby for the issue.

Oceanside Mayor Jim Wood said he sees no reason why the city could not at least study the idea of a dog beach at the river mouth, especially since the new bridge will largely separate vehicle traffic from the beach.

"I wouldn't mind having something like that in Oceanside. I know it's wildly popular in Del Mar," Wood said. "Of course cleanup (of animal waste) would be key, and parking would be an issue as well."

Wood said he would be willing to ask city staffers to study the idea if the public showed enough interest.

"I would certainly be willing to bring it up as an agenda item for discussion," Wood said.

His willingness, however, does not mean that a dog beach would be an easy sell, particularly among residents who live closest to the river mouth and have complained in the past that a dog beach could bring more traffic and mess to their neighborhood.

Dogged in 1998

If Wood pitched the dog beach idea to the rest of the City Council, he would not be the first elected official to do so. In 1998, Councilwoman Carol McCauley proposed a dog beach on the same stretch of shoreline near the San Luis Rey.

The council discussed the issue, but voted 4-1 to keep dogs off the sand after many residents in the nearby North Coast Village condominium complex opposed the idea.

The homeowners said they worried that dogs would poop on private property en route to and from the city parking lot closest to the site.

Gordon Witz, a Realtor and full-time resident of the 550-unit seaside condo complex, said he believes any new attempt to create a dog beach would draw the same kind of opposition.

If the City Council considers such a proposal "I know for sure they could expect a fight," Witz said. "A majority of the owners would definitely be against a dog beach there."

Foley said he believes the dog community could find a way to coexist with homeowners and keep their pets from leaving a mess.

"It just seems to make so much sense," Foley said. " It's a totally enjoyable experience for everybody. People go to the one down in Del Mar who don't even have dogs just to watch them."

At present, Pacific Street is built across the mouth of the San Luis Rey River, forcing all water through an arched culvert in one relatively narrow section. When the new bridge is completed, the sea-level road will be removed, allowing the river to seek its own path to the sea. It is unclear exactly which path the river will seek.

"Everybody wants to know what it's going to look like down there, but I don't think anybody knows," said project manager David Toschak. "You could end up having more sand north of the river instead of south like it is now."

If the beach shifted north of the river mouth, it would be right next to a city parking lot at Harbor Drive and Pacific Street.

Regulations

Though many proposals that affect the beach have to be cleared by the powerful California Coastal Commission, creating a dog beach isn't one of them, officials said. That decision could probably be made by the City Council.

Sherylin Sarb, the Coastal Commission's district manager assigned to Oceanside and Carlsbad, said there are no coastal laws that would prevent a city from creating a dog beach. No special-use permit from the state would be required, she said.

But she added that, if the dogs were going to occupy a coastal area where there is nesting habitat or other activity by any protected species, then the California Coastal Act might require more involvement from the coastal panel.

"If it required a new parking lot, or doggie water fountains or something like that, then we might also get involved in permitting," Sarb said.

With dogs swimming and playing in ocean and river water, the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board might also have a say in the development of a new dog beach.

John Robertus, executive officer of the control board, said dog droppings can become a public health issue if they are not immediately bagged and removed by owners. He said the board routinely monitors ocean and river water quality in every coastal city, and might issue fines if pollution levels were to increase.

"If a beach gets posted for fecal matter and it's coming from dogs, we are going to take aggressive action," Robertus said.

He said the dog beach just south of the San Diego River in Ocean Beach ---- about 37 miles south of Oceanside ---- received warnings to clean up about 10 years ago after water quality monitors detected very elevated fecal coliform levels.

"We don't have any problem at all with a dog beach as long as there are plenty of bags and trash cans to pick up the waste," Robertus said.

Costs and caution

Robertus said the city of Del Mar has not encountered water-quality problems with its dog beach, which is confined to the city's "north beach" area on the northern edge of the San Dieguito River.

On any given day, dogs of all shapes and sizes run on the sand. The water-loving breeds happily streak into the surf to retrieve tennis balls bobbing among the waves.

Pat Vergne, director of community services for Del Mar, said his city spends between $16,000 and $20,000 annually for "mutt mitts" used to pick up beach deposits. He said about 35 percent of the city's $300,000 beach maintenance budget goes to maintaining the section of beach where dogs are allowed off-leash from Labor Day to Memorial Day.

"We find that most people do pick up after our pets, and for those that don't there is some additional cost for lifeguards who have to write an occasional ticket," Vergne said.

He said Del Mar's dog beach was established about 35 years ago after famous animal philanthropist Helen Woodward gave the city a section of blufftop real estate that overlooks the beach.

"Over the years it's definitely become very popular," he said. "We get calls from Orange County, from inland areas. And our residents, most of them either own dogs or are dog lovers, so it's an amenity that they enjoy." Oceanside recently opened its first off-leash dog park next to the North County Humane Society, which is located in an industrial park near Mission Avenue.

Humane Society Executive Director Julie Bank said anyone wishing to establish a dog beach should be aware that doing so will take much more than pounding a few signs in the ground and lining up a row of trash cans.

"Somebody's got to manage it. If you've got people brining aggressive animals, you have to have a system in place to deal with that," Bank said.

Most dog beaches rely on patrons to police themselves. Bank said the city's new dog park has taught her that self-policing only goes so far and that the park had better have someone available to handle potential problems quickly.

"When you've got self-policing, you always have some people who don't follow the rules," she said.

Contact staff writer Paul Sisson at (760) 901-4087 or psisson@nctimes.com.

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59 comment(s)[-]Go to Top

duh wrote on May 17, 2008 6:45 PM:it turns out, the citizens that live in the condo community are not the only tax paying residents in oceanside- I'm sure the rest of oceanside would love a dog beach- do what is best for the community as a whole, not a small section of people... Go dog beach!

North Coast Villager wrote on May 17, 2008 8:56 PM:KEEP YOUR DOGS IN YOUR OWN YARD AND OFF OUR BEACH!! Oceanside had to install a $5 million treatment plant at Loma Alta Creek because people will not pick up after their dogs in their own neighborhood and now you want to let them come here? No XXXXXXX way!!!

Yes wrote on May 17, 2008 9:42 PM:We have wanted a dog beach for eons! Let's go for it!

Wood is pet lover wrote on May 17, 2008 9:46 PM:I have seen Mayor Wood at the Dog Park with his dogs and he is definitely a dog lover. I hope he gives this a good study. It seems to me that if people want a dog beach they should be willing to address the concerns of the neighbors near the beach. A self policed dog beach might work. Wood is a fair man and if it is not accepted by the neighbors he will not vote for it but he is willing --it appears-- to give it a chance.

to duh wrote on May 17, 2008 9:46 PM:What a novel idea-- do what is best for all of Oceanside like bring in industry on Industry Street and to hell with the people who live next to it. Yeah, you go dog beach, you go Robertsons!!

Umm.. wrote on May 18, 2008 12:53 AM:When the dog owners can clean up along Grandview St. on the north side, then they can have the dog beach. Until then, lets have a dog-log free beach.

Ruff ruff wrote on May 18, 2008 5:58 AM:The "sand's the limit"...can you imagine? Local pit bull breeders will have somewhere to bring their dogs, and just think, the vacation rentals at North Coast Village can advertise that Oceanside has a dog beach. Wow, and once the harbor campers find out, they can advertise this great information throughout their network of campers! Just think of all the possibilities, and WE, THE CITIZENS WILL GET TO PAY FOR IT ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FORGET the DOG BEACH! Our beaches are posted enough and I don't want to spend precious budget funds on POOP!

NotGonnaHappen wrote on May 18, 2008 6:05 AM:How about a smokers beach, a cat beach, an ATV beach....the list goes on. In reality, a special interest beach isn't going to fly as the government wants the Arizona crossing removed and returned back to a natural delta.

local osider wrote on May 18, 2008 6:38 AM:to North coast villager...you still have the other side of the complex for family fun...Pet owners will organzie and lobby to defeat your mindset..NCT readers pay attention for more to come! We will have a dog beach in Oceanside at some point..North Coast Village is full of out of town renters, the owners rarely even hit the beach..I know I lived there...

To North Coast Villager wrote on May 18, 2008 6:49 AM:I could have cared less one way or another if they allowed dogs on the beach until I read your comment. It not YOUR beach and the treatment plant wasn't only because of dogs. Its miserable people with attitudes like yours that create problems everywhere. I now hope they allow dogs on the beach and create a designated dog barking area right under YOUR condo window.

Smarter wrote on May 18, 2008 7:09 AM:TO NORTH COAST VILLAGER - Get your facts straight - the treatment plant was not put in because of dog feces - humans have been washing their trash, soap suds and debris down the storm drains, out to the ocean, for years. Most responsible dog owners pick up after their pets, but there will be some, just like humans who don't care. I've seen people let their kids go to the bathroom on the beach. The dog beaches I've been to are cleaner than the beaches visited by people and their garbage.

Bits wrote on May 18, 2008 7:12 AM:YES! PLEASE! Dogs LOVE to romp on the beach and in the water....as for the mess, there are already regulations in place regarding owners cleaning up the 'waste'....and it makes me ill when I go out in my own front yard and find a pile from some unknown dog...We shouldn't allow a few ignorants to destroy life for the rest of us! We live in a beach community - and should be able to enjoy it with our dogs....as long as they are well behaved....any dogs who are aggressive would be banned from the dog beach - as well as OWNERS who don't bother to clean up after their pets! It's doubtful that dogs would even poop in the water....so there's no excuse!
Post STIFF FINES for anyone caught leaving the waste piles behind...and let our families (with their dogs!) enjoy the beach!
I personally see no reason one is not allowed ot walk their dog on the regular beach - as long as the dog is behaved, ON A LEASH, and no poop left behind! For most of us, our dog is a part of the family - and we should be able to enjoy the beach WITH OUR FAMILY - as long as we respect others rights to a clean, enjoyable beach experience!

To NC Villager wrote on May 18, 2008 7:18 AM:Yeah, the treatment plant was put in because people won't pick up after their dog xxxx!! Right. That's not why the treatment plant was put in. You must not be a dog lover. People wash as much garbage toward the treatment plant as any animal ever could. I've lived in North County for 60 years and I'd love a dog beach and I would also like things the way they were in the 60's but that's not going to happen. I'm a native Californian and would love to go back to the time when we didn't need a treatment plant - people are to blame for needing the treatment plant - not dog xxxt. GO DOG BEACH. Duh

not amused wrote on May 18, 2008 7:22 AM:What Oceanside needs is a dog beach, gang beach, transient beach, party beach, drunk's beach and the much smaller taxpayers beach, to make sure that we remain inclusive. Apologies to those I may have missed.

GFN wrote on May 18, 2008 9:09 AM:Dog-Poop Beach is what it will be...just like the rest of them!

Stephen Roe wrote on May 18, 2008 9:34 AM:If Del Mar doesn't have a problem with their dog beach why should Oceanside have a problem with a dog beach...It makes sense as more people will come to Oceanside and spend money locally. I would be interested in opening a do-it-yourself dog wash for pet owners.

to Bits wrote on May 18, 2008 9:58 AM:"For most of us, our dog is a part of the family - and we should be able to enjoy the beach WITH OUR FAMILY"

A dog is not a family member, it is an animal. Putting them in a sweater and letting them sleep on your bed does not make them any more human. The fact is that dogs are annoying they scare a lot of people. Leave the dog at home in the yard where it belongs.

osider wrote on May 18, 2008 10:00 AM:There is a do-it-yourelf dog wash place it is called Dippity Dog on El Camino Near Vista Way

gretchen wrote on May 18, 2008 10:40 AM:YEA Dog Beach. I have to drive 40 miles RT to get to Del Mar's dog beach. I can't wait and urge all of you to contact your city councilpersons....constantly and in overwehlming numbers so we can get this done. And for those oposed due to poor owners who don't pick up after their dogs...levy a huge fine $500 for not picing up after themselfs. I pick up my dogs lands mines!

Lifeguards wrote on May 18, 2008 10:58 AM:Will our lifeguards be watching for dogs in distress while the dogs romp in the surf or will they be too busy writing citation for other dogs doing what come naturally on the beach??

TK wrote on May 18, 2008 11:43 AM:I am a dog owner and a surfer/beach lover, time share owner on the Strand. I would support a dog beach, but as a responsible dog owner, I see some problems with dogs being on the beach/waves. Some things to think about:

Dog poops in the waves. Are you going to retrieve the floaters ?

What happens when they pee on the sand ?

Just some things to think about....

DOG LOVER wrote on May 18, 2008 2:48 PM:YES, PLEASE MAKE A DOG BEACH AT THE RIVER MOUTH IT IS THE PERFECT LOCATION AND MAKES SINCE! JUST BECAUSE NCV CAN'T HAVE ANIMALS DOESN'T MEAN THEY OWN THE BEACH NEAR THEM! WE ARE REPSONSIBLE PET OWNERS AND WILL SELF POLICE THE DOGS AND OWNERS!

PLEASE MAYOR WOOD MAKE THIS HAPPEN!

Dude wrote on May 18, 2008 3:14 PM:This is a no brainer. Just look at the dog beach in Del Mar. It attracts people from all over the area. It would be a great asset and would probably improve property values in the area. It would also be good for the merchants at the Harbor.

Why Not wrote on May 18, 2008 9:25 PM:Why not just let people have dogs on all the beaches. Stupid rule anyway. Just one more thing the lifeguards can ticket people for. And people do it anyway! While it may not be according to the rules, every school in Oceanside is a dog park (just watch one on weekend mornings), and no one seems to complain about that.

TO TK wrote on May 19, 2008 6:53 AM:Don't be ridiculous. If you think toddlers don't poop/pee in the ocean and on the sand you have your head in the sand. I have gone to the dog beach in Long Beach for years and 99.9% of the people pick up the dog poo and, if they don't, others give them killing stares or tell them to do so. I've even seen people pick up dog poo from the dogs belonging to other oweners. I think the majority of dog owners are responsible. They bring their dogs to dog parks and beaches because they want them to have exercise, enjoyment and fun. So what if there is a little pee in the sand - stay away or wear flip flops - no one is asking YOU to come to dog beach. I think we deserve it in Oceanside - it's called progress. There is more garbage on the "regular" beach than dog beaches I have gone to. What about what humans leave on the beach? By the way, I surfed for years and never, ever had any poops float by me.....

esteban wrote on May 19, 2008 6:55 AM:SOUNDS like a good idea but, I've been to the dog beach in Del Mar. People don't always pick up after their dog; especially when they are running around lose.

Dog Bite Attorney wrote on May 19, 2008 7:05 AM:Sounds like a good idea to me and should be good for business,mine.

stand up wrote on May 19, 2008 7:57 AM:Its time to stand up and say 'their dogs'. they are not children, or seniors, their dogs. those that need to have this love affair with their pets, well---keep it at your home, believe it or not your pet is happy there. Don't push it on the rest of us (goes for just about everything, doesn't it).

Stand up should sit down wrote on May 19, 2008 10:05 AM:You know nothing about being a responsible dog owner. Responsible dog owners take the dog out of the home and socialize the dog at parks with other dogs and children. A well socialized dog is a good dog. They need to be socialized with other dogs and children so they are not afraid and bite. Dogs that stay home and are never socialized are not mentally healthy and can not be trusted around other dogs or children.

Good Idea wrote on May 19, 2008 10:06 AM:With the price of gas, driving to Del Mar, paying for parking, etc. isn't worth it. To open a dog beach in O'side would be awesome! There will always be a few who don't clean up after their dogs, but a majority of them do. It's never been a problem in Del Mar, so I doubt it would be in Oceanside!

EatYourFeedback wrote on May 19, 2008 10:59 AM:Amen, "To North Coast Villager"!

If we follow his rationale, the next thing to happen will be humans being banned from the beach.

Oside Res wrote on May 19, 2008 11:05 AM:I would prefer a topless beach before a dog beach.

resident wrote on May 19, 2008 12:18 PM:the fear of things unknown is classic Oceanside. The fact that this city would keep an Airport that loses money every year, even though it is used by about 100 non residents, and not have a dog beach on an unused stretch of sand- which would be used by thousands of residents over the course of a year, is classic Oceanside. The "issues" some people are so scared of could be addressed in 10 minutes. Just bizarre...

Randy wrote on May 19, 2008 12:30 PM:I have no problem with dog beach, so long as canines wear diapers!

Majotiry Rules wrote on May 19, 2008 12:53 PM:Put it on a ballot - let the citizens decide. This is a COMMUNITY - not a CONDO ASSOCIATION! The beach is everyones - so let everyone decide. I do not have a dog - but wouldn't mind sharing the beach with one. Perhaps, we increase the license fee for dogs -or issue special doggie beach permits that must be displayed by the owners - just like a fishing license - to cover the cost of policing and clean-up. It seems Council Member McCauley was ahead of her time.

McCauley Beach wrote on May 19, 2008 12:55 PM:Let's do this and lets give credit where credit is due...we have Bishop Recreation Center and we all know what a disaster she was for Oceanside - so perhaps we can honor someone who truly had our best interests at heart and call this McCauley Beach!

Bill One wrote on May 19, 2008 2:48 PM:I don't want a dog beach. It's nasty an unhealthy.

Also a local wrote on May 19, 2008 2:58 PM:I am all for exercise. I am also for skaters as long as they behave like members of decent society. What I DO mind is that many of the skating population feel that they are ENTITLED to 2 or 3 parks in a city, and that it's ok for the city to shell out over $750,000 of our tax dollars for the skaters' entertainment and recreation. How about charging to use the park? This may help pay for its upkeep. If you have to pay to use something, you just might treat it more respectfully.

Give it up wrote on May 19, 2008 3:21 PM:Look people, Change is perpetual, dogs are becoming a more popular item in households nd believe it or not they ARE becoming famliy members, since when does something have to be human to be a family member, people take their dogs for regular check ups (just like a person) and take them on family trips with them. think about the surfers and swimmers that go out into the waves if they have to pee or dump a log do u honestly think that most of them will stop in the middle of catching a wave or swimming a meter outt o sea to swim back tot he bathroom??? heck no they will drop it in the WAVES so what is so different if a dog or a person pees in the surf. give it a rest it's going to happen if you don't want it to then get of your butt and start a petition, EARN YOUR RIGHT TO B!TCH ABOUT IT, but if you jsut complain complain complain and do nothing about it then us dog owners are going to gain a dog beach.

Osider wrote on May 19, 2008 4:26 PM:All you people that are against a dog beach are not animal lovers. This would be great for the city of Oceanside! IF DEL MAR and OB CAN DO IT, SO CAN WE! I used to take my dog to Del Mar and not once was there any problems. Let the city do its research and contact Del Mar and OB for some input on their dog beach. WE THE CITIZENS AS A WHOLE WANT THIS! Most NC Villagers are renters and this would not impact their lifestyles. All they want to do is complain because, they have nothing better to do. If you dont like then, MOVE!

Cindy wrote on May 19, 2008 4:59 PM:since when do the 550 owners/renters get to dictate what our city does with a PUBLIC beach? I've been walking my dogs past that beach nearly every day for the past 13 years...lets give it a try for one year and close it to dogs from June 15th to September 15th as Del Mar does...

Bill wrote on May 19, 2008 5:26 PM:All you dog lovers missed my point. I don't want your dogs around me. I don't like them coming up to me, i don't like the mess. I have been bitten too many times by dogs that the owners said "he never bit anyone". And no, I don't antagonize them. What I find ironic is most of the people that are most anti smoking have dogs. I don't see much diffrence. The dogs are a threat to my health and I don't want to deal with them. And no, most dog owners are not considerate, they think I should love their dog too and have no problem letting it run up to me while they smile and think I like their dog.

To Bill One wrote on May 19, 2008 6:01 PM:You must not have any pets. It's not nasty nor unhealthy and if you think so, stay away from that section of the beach. It's not any nastier than being with people who blow smoke in your face or cough in your face or gee, I've seen this - going to the bathroom in a public place and then NOT washing your hands - GROSS. Why don't you people against dog beach go hang out in public places - like the MALL. Give us a dog beach with fresh air and happy people and dogs. This would only be a section of the beach - not the whole thing so shut up.

Matt wrote on May 19, 2008 6:29 PM:I think Carlsbad would be a better location for dog poop beach. I more centrally located and they could rake in the bucks now that they charge for parking.

point proven wrote on May 19, 2008 7:42 PM:see 'to bill one' above. attack the person with an opposing opinion. 'humans stay away from the beach'. If its such a great deal for the dogs, let them start a petition, if they can't get it done, oh well. Let them just be happy they don't live in another 40% of the world...like it was said above,,they are dogs not humans they are not equal no matter how many times you say they are.

Poop Pickerupper wrote on May 19, 2008 10:33 PM:My wife and I drive from Oceanside to Del Mar and OB to take our 2 well behaved Boxers. We usually buy food and pay for parking at Del Mar. We have never had any problems with other dogs at either place.

I also surf in Del Mar occasionally. The poop is not an issue as most people pick up after their pets.

Robert G. wrote on May 20, 2008 12:59 AM:I think it's a great Idea, The popularity of O.B. and Fiesta Island, tourist love these kinds of activities. I would like to respond to a few previous postings. First is "Grumpy Bill", Similar to San Diego dog beach designs are set-up to keep the dog's "in" by fencing, walls or jetties and separate from the beach remainder.
Rules will be similar to O'side's dog park and here is a couple All dogs are to be Licensed, Shot Records, trained to verbal commands, aggresive dog behavior is immediate exit.

Thinker wrote on May 20, 2008 6:30 AM:Let me explain how most dog beaches work for you people who DON'T GET IT. A section of beach is designated for people and their dogs so YOU people who don't want to be around dogs can actually GO to the portion of the beach (up and down the coast) where dogs DON'T GO so they won't be coming up to you, biting you, annoying you. I feel the same way about babies on the airplane - should we try and keep them off too - very annoying when they are screaming in your ear, the parents are changing diapers while still in their seats, etc. There are a lot of things in this world that are bothersome - Bill should learn to cope - here is the same thought another way - GO SIT BY YOURSELF BY THE PIER - there aren't any dogs there but lots of annoying little children whose parents don't watch them. Have a good day. GO DOG BEACH and annoying people - STAY AWAY. Get my point.....

Jane H wrote on May 20, 2008 8:13 AM:I recently moved to Carlsbad from Seattle and I am appalled at the dog-hating attitude here. I can't even take my dog in public parks. Hello? My dog has as much right to public green spaces as your kiddo. Dogs were everywhere in Seattle and people cleaned up after them. We never had an issue. Here I am not allowed on the beach or even the seawall with my two "girls". Those who think dogs equate to pitbulls and left behind messes need to get a little love in their lives and adopt a pet. I can't imagine life without mine. This is what lease and scoop laws are for, people. Humans are capable of leaving of litering and polluting as well, and that's what litering laws are for. They work.

atdogbeach wrote on May 20, 2008 10:57 AM:I've been driving to dog beaches in Del Mar and Fiesta Island from Oceanside for over 10 years to let my yellow lab romp in the waves and socialize with other dogs. As most of you have mentioned above, folks who take the time to socialize their dogs are more responsible than your average beach goer. I for one always carry extra poop bags. If I see a "bad master" not picking up their dogs waste, I approach them asking if they might need an extra bag. As stated earlier, other dog beach lovers don't tolerate the mess either. We travel with our pet, spending our money in cities that are "pet fiendly". It's a huge industry, and income generator for commuties like Ocean Beach (world famous!), Del Mar, Big Bear Lake, Santa Barbara and Carmel. Dog friendly lodging and patio dining is in big demand as are dog beaches up and down the coast. Fess Parkers (4 star hotel) in Santa Barbara has pet dining and spa menus, restaurants in Carmel have dog patios and menus. This is big business folks, and would be a huge asset to the City of Oceanside. Of course there are some who will fight this concept. I wish these folks would remember that 99% of the beaches and parkland are just for them, and no one will force them to visit a dog beach - although I do highly suggest it! Maybe, just maybe you will experiance an obviously needed smile and laugh. If anyone is starting up a steering committe to look into this, please let me know when and where. I would be happy to volunteer my time to make Oceanside a dog friendly city!

valkyrie wrote on May 20, 2008 11:05 AM:I think we are all aware that we are talking about dogs, not children, and that while we may love our dogs as our furry children they are still dogs. I think we can all agree that dogs like children poop and pee regardless of whether it is on the sand or in the water.
I personally have two dogs that my husband and I take to the dog beach in Del Mar as well to the hopefully future Oceanside dog beach area. We pick up after our dogs. Much more so than most people. But regardless where you go, you will always find people who do not pick up after their dogs, themselves, or their kids. This is not a new concept. How about the nasty condoms that my husband and I had to walk around while at this beach? There is always going to be "someone" who breaks the rules, but the rest of us should not be punished for their actions. This is a perfect location for having a dog friendly beach. Certain parts of the Dog Beach area charge for parking fee's. Why not put something similar here and use that money to help pay for clean up? Why not offer more unemployed people jobs to help keep the beach maintained. This proposal would be for the community of oceanside, not a bunch of vacation rental owners who are hardly ever there in these condo's.
Why keep wasting your energy on reminding us all of the fact that they are dogs not humans. It is humans like you who make co-existance amongst any species be it human or animal so difficult.
Go dog beach!

Bill One wrote on May 20, 2008 5:19 PM:I think you are all right. I need to be more tolerant. I think I am going out back and have a cigar.

fecal matter wrote on May 20, 2008 6:51 PM:If there is a dog beach allowed the concern is the water quality. As long as it does not elevate the bacteria in the waater and the dog owners are Fined $500. for not cleaning up after there dogs mess. It might work. But there would have to be tight restrictions. 90% of Dog owners are good responsible people. It is the other 10% I am concerned about.

To fecal matter wrote on May 20, 2008 8:13 PM:Fecal matter should be using his/her brain matter. This has NOT been a problem with other beaches that I know of although beaches are being tested and closed on an ever-incresing rate due to sewage spills and storm drain debris being dumped into the ocean by people - not dogs. Let's set up monitoring for the condom-using people who just dump their used condoms where people sit, walk, etc. and fine them$500 as well and have tight restrictions on them. Let's also monitor those parents who leave diapers in the sand - why don't we all just go overboard here and be totally absurd. The dog beaches I have been to are frequented by people with dogs so the people without dogs are comfortable at other "people" beaches so go THERE. It won't be an issue for the dog-haters if they just don't go to a dog beach.I don't want to smell cigar smoke on dog beach either - by the way - it's gross and I don't want to step on the ashes....

Hey Estaban wrote on May 20, 2008 8:20 PM:The word is loose not "lose" - People don't pick the dog poop on sidewalks either - what are we gonna do about that? I don't want to "lose" dog beach because people are close-minded and ignorant. Why is this such a big deal -there are plenty of beaches for people who hate dogs.

dog beach wrote on May 29, 2008 11:53 AM:i am so excited i hope oceanside puts in a dog beach! not only are dog parks good neighbors ( i live next door to one) but i have never had a problem with the dogs or the owners. O'side can only benefit from having a dog beach! my dog and i would love to come to Oceanside and spend our time (and money)there instead of going all the way to del mar.

Maysa wrote on Jun 22, 2008 12:33 PM:When I read about the possibility of a dog beach at the Oceanside beach area i was stoked! I love the beach and I would love to be able to take my sweet beagle with me. He loves to swim and play with other dogs. It's amazing to watch how well dogs can get along with each other- sometimes better than people! But unfortunately Del Mar Beach is too far for us... for now he's confine to a small park next to my house and our very small backyard.

Joelle wrote on Jun 22, 2008 1:14 PM:I moved here from Orange County and the most amazing huge strip of beach in Huntington Beach called "dog beach". Dogs run happy and safe. The beach is extremely clean because the kind of people who take the time to drive their dog to a beach, pick up after them.

LOL Estaban wrote on Jun 28, 2008 5:00 PM:You are absolutely right, there are tons of beaches for those who hate dogs, LOL! Had to laugh, it's so obvious! What's sad is that those people who are opposed to dog beaches react from fear and un-founded opionions, NOT facts. And what about the argument of the non-dog owner taxpayer? Anywhere I have ever lived, most of my neighbors had dogs. Dog owners are not a minority, but a majority in most communities. Comparing dogs to druggies, smokers, transients, like some other posters did, just shows ignorance and anger.

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