HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/12/1999, - SUGGESTIVE CITY GOALS LETTERS AND OTHER WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCESuggested City Goals
P. O. BOX 3818 • SAN LL_.. OBISPO, CALIFORNIA 93403 • 1 :PHONE 805.544•0142
American Civil Liberties Union of San Luis Obispo County
E I M,
December 30, 1998
Bill Statler, Director of Finance
City of San Luis Obispo
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Dear Mr. Statler:
On behalf of the organizations and individuals included in.this
letter, I would like to assist the City of San Luis Obispo in
its Goal Setting for 1999 -01.
I feel that the most important.goal for the City Council is NOT to
enter into any agreement with any organization or business which
knowingly and willfully discriminates on the basis of race, religion,
color, sexual orientation�,-'i ethnicity, gentle =-and disability.
Sincerely,
Hank Alberts
President
3 -53
P. O. BOX 3828 • SAN E OBISPO, CALIFORNIA 9j403 - l LPIIONE 805.544.02¢2
American Civil Liberties Union of San Luis Obispo County
A C . L • U December 30, 1998
Lora Hutson, E & O /pac Chairperson
Gay and Lesbian Alliance (GALA)
K Norine Shaffer, President
Parents and Friends of Lesbians and
Gays of the Central Coast (PFLAG)
l
Angie
King, President
National Organization #!Women
for San Luis Obispo County (NOW)
Peggy Koteeq Treasurer
Atheists United of San Luis
Obispo County (AU)
Kimberly Rosa, Advisory Member
Central Coast Diversity Coalition
(CCDC)
CONCERNED INDIVIDUALS of SUPPORT:
.4.4; �
Gina Whitaker, member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of San Luis
Obispo County
Lz---e LA'4�
Eric Scb �, member of the tarian Universalist F e
llowship of San Luis
Obispo County
CC: John Damn, City Administrative Officer
3 ��
lW
Residents for Quality Neighborhoods
P.O. Box 12604 • San Luis Obispo, CA 93406
December 31, 1998
h4r. Bill Statler, Director of Finance
City of San Luis Obispo
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Regarding Goal Setting: Budget Proposals
Dear Mr. Statler
Thank you for inviting us to participate in your goal- setting process for the 1999 -01
budget. As you know, RQN's goal is to preserve and improve the quality of life in our
neighborhoods in San Luis Obispo.
We believe that neighborhood preservation, as a generality, is supported by everyone in
the city. However, as long as "neighborhood protection" is a general slogan without
supporting requirements to really protect established neighborhoods, the quality . of life in
our neighborhoods will continue to erode.
Presently, there are very few specific requirements on the books to protect our
neighborhoods. The ones that do exist and have made a difference came from the
neighborhoods, not the city. These include the "Five Plus Ordinance", the "Property
Maintenance Ordinance" and the "Residential Parking District Ordinance".
To really protect our established neighborhoods we must also require, as a part of the
city's planning process, that all projects or proposals which have the potential to devalue,
degrade, or otherwise impact an established area be identified at the outset and that
appropriate and timely notice of these impacts is given to the neighborhood.
We, therefore, propose that the city allocate funding for a planning department
position dedicated to really making neighborhood preservation an integral and
conscious part of the city process. This staff person would then, perhaps, with the
assistance of a citizen ad hoc committee, be responsible for setting up a
"Neighborhood Impact Check List". This would require staff to look at issues in light
of their impacts on the neighborhoods, and to give adequate and ample notice to the
residents, thus, affording them the opportunity to be involved in the decisions affecting
3�
their neighborhoods. This staff person could also be responsible for seeing that the
proposals to protect and enhance neighborhoods already set forth in the Land Use
Element of the SLO General Plan be implemented. (see Conservation and
Development of Residential Neighborhoods; Policies and Programs, pp. 27 -38)
In the area of improvements, we propose that the city allocate funding to create a new
position for a field code enforcement officer in the Office of Neighborhood Services.
Since its inception in 1989, the Office has provided much needed relief for the
residents of our neighborhoods and is now handling in excess of 700 cases per year.
We believe that the increasing enrollments at Cuesta and Cal Poly will add fiuther to
the erosion of our neighborhoods and, unfortunately, enforcement appears to be the
only available remedy.
Finally, last year the city adopted "Neighborhood Traffic Management Guidelines" to
manage vehicular traffic in residential areas (traffic calming). There were several
public hearings on this matter mostly relating to the cost apportionment of
implementing traffic calming devices. RQN was opposed to any requirement that
residents pay or raise the funds to pay for the construction of any such devices. We
would propose, at this time, that the city allocate additional funding in the budget to
allow for reasonable traffic calming devices to be installed, after all the criteria have
been met, without placing a monetary burden on neighborhoods, some of which are
already stressed to the limit.
We appreciate the opportunity to participate in this most important aspect of the city
budget process. As always, we are available if you should have any questions or
comments concerning our proposals.
Cydney Holcomb
Co- Chairperson
544 -8594
Charlie Herrera
Co Chairperson
543 -2061
3 -54
San Luis Obispo County
ARTS COUNCIL
12/31/98
Bill Statler
Director of Finance
City of San Luis Obispo
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Dear Mr. Statler.
The San Luis Obispo County Arts Council and the San Luis Obispo County Arts
Administrators (SLOCAATS) respectfully request a greater financial commitment from
the City of San Luis Obispo for enhancement of the visual, performing and literary arts
in San Luis Obispo in the coming year.
we believe that the requested increase will benefit the City in the following respects
by:
1) enriching the culture fife of the City;
2) enhancing the streetscape;
3) providing educational opportunities for children and youth;
4) building community - art allows us to put a perspective on our
- experiences and is a forum for expressing cultural diversity;
5) increasing economic vitality through increased tourism and
increased participation of locals in art- related events thereby
keeping dollars at home;
6) allowing collaborative efforts to develop between social service
agencies and arts organizations, and
7) helping to insure the cultural health and vitality of the City.
Specifically we request a) a 20% increase in the current budget for the Promotional
Coordinating Committee Grants -In -Aid program specific to Arts organizations with a
more defined eligibility; b) changes in PCC guidelines that would include dairy
operating expenses for arts organizations.
City -based arts organizations like The Symphony , Mozart Festival, and Little Theater
are funded solely by community support and are not subsidized by national
organizations or charitable institutions. With limited budgets and staff, the city arts
organizations have made tremendous contributions to the quality of life in the city.
More assistance is needed to achieve the next level of artistic complexity and public
patronage.
There are numerous creative strategies for allocating more money for the Arts in the
"Post Office Box 1710 , .!::San Luis, Qb' .o;; 083406 e (80-5)..544-9251
(805)546' -i
City. For example, a °Park for the Arts° day wherein all parking meter monies go to
arts organizations, or a percentage allocation for the occupancy tax towards the arts.
Our city is poised for national recognition as a destination for cultural tourism —
promotion and enhancement of the Arts can no longer be considered a budgetary frill
given the facts which have consistently shown that cities with vibrant vital artistic
communities are cities that people want to visit, to invest in, and to live. It is through
the Arts that our city will thrive and prosper. And through the Arts our collective spirit as
a community can shine in its most positive light.
Commitment to the access and affordability of a rich cultural life for &citizens must be
a priority for the City. San Luis Obispo needs arts organizations not only for their
economic impact on the Chamber of Commerce and the Visitors and Conference
Bureau but also for their personal impact on individual citizens.
The dollars given to arts organizations in the city are dollars well spent.
Sincerely,
e0'::=P )q. a
Katherine M. Stulberg
Executive Director
'r�i'i''��I �h
January 2,1999
City of San Luis Obispo
Attention: Department of Finance
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo CA 93401
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY BAND
1869 San Marcos Court
San Luis Obispo CA 95401
Memo: Comments for Goal Setting Workshop
From: San Luis Obispo County Band
For 1999-2001 planning by the City of San Luis Obispo, the members of the SLO County Band have two
items for your consideration:
(1) Performing Arts Amah"dheaterlPavilion: We would strongly suggest that any developments for
the Mission Plaza area or its extension include plans for an outdoor performing arts amphitheater or
pavilion to include a covered stage area large enough to hold theatrics or musical performances by
larger groups —such as local dance troups, little theater, and vocal or instrumental musical
organizations as the SLO County Band. Such a facility should include electrical power, sufficient
righting for evening events, and an area for seating by several hundred spectators.
Such outdoor facilities now do not exist in San Luis Obispo but are available in many of our
surrounding communities. The Band Shell at Atascadero Lake, the newly - rebuild pavilion in the city
park at Paso Robles, the Templeton Band Shell and its adjacent picnic area are examples. These
facilities are a focus of recreation activities in these cities and add significancy to their. community life.
SLO has no similar facility—the amphitheater at Mission Plaza is too small, not covered, and has only
fermited seating and the steps of the Mission Church are not covered, have no seating area and do not
belong to the City.
We believe that a suitable amph'rtheatedpavilion would be a great asset to San Luis Obispo,
would be eagerly welcomed by performing groups in the area, and would help attract visitors to this
city on a year-round basis.
rem SLO County Band 125th Anniversary in 1999: The SLO County Band was organized in 1974 and
has been in continuous operation ever since providing music for civic, patriotic and fraternal events
in the City and County of San Luis Obispo. In 1999, the Band will observe its 125th Anniversary and
we would be delighted to perform at events that could be of mutual benefit. Therefore, we offer our
services to the City Council and Administration in whatever ways you could use us.
Thank You.
For�tthq,SLO County Band,
L4 osse
Publicity Chairman
3.57
Date: January 4, 1999
To: Bill Statler
Department of Finance
City of San Luis Obispo
From: Ran Regier ml /
San Luis Obispo Youth Sports Association
541 -2616
Re: 1999 Community Forum and Council Goal - setting Workshop
Oar new organization represents board members, coaches and parents involved in teams and
leagues, and several thousand of children who participate in organized youth sports in San Luis
Obispo. As a collective voice, we wish to submit our goals and request that they be considered
with the City's firture budget priorities at the January 12, 1999 Community Foram and the
subsequent Council Goal- setting Workshop.
First, we endorse the Major City Goal Recommendation proposed by the City of San Luis Obispo
Parks and Recreation Commission. While completing the proposed youth sports complex is of
paranhount importance, we want to make sure the Council is aware that upgrading current
facilities and establishing standards for maintenance of fields are also critical odors in improving
existing programs. Therefore, we are petitioning the City to allocate resources for new youth
sports facilities and for the enhancement and further maintenance of current athletic fields and
facilities. Our goal is to give every young person access to organized youth sports by offering
safe, appropriate and sufficient high - quality facilities. The Commission's recommendation to
develop a new source of fiords for park and open space acquisitions is also a critical step offering
long-term solutions for the problem of sports facility inadequacies.
Our group hopes to help achieve these goals by participating with and assisting the city and other
appropriate public agencies to:
• establish and achieve specific standards for turf and facility maintenance.
• develop appropriate new facilities by contributing to the available resources and to the design
:process and concepts.
• generate greater community resources for youth sports and athletic facilities by serving as a
liaison between private enterprise and public agencies.
• f icilitate greater cooperation by establishing clear and effective lines of communication
between league and team representatives and city officials and agencies. -
In addition to creating greater access to athletic opportunities and a safe environment for our
children to play, we are very interested in promoting San Luis Obispo as a showcase and
destination for visiting touring teams and tournaments.
We appreciate the opportunity to contribute to the process of establishing the City's two-year
budget priorities and look forward to the opportunity to work together toward achieving these
goals in the months and years ahead. Thank you.
34v
2230 Exposition Drive No. 30
San Luis Obispo, California 93401
January 4, 1999
City Council
City of San Luis Obispo
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, California 93401
Subject: Architectural Review Commission - design guidelines
Dear Mayor and Council members:
My experience of the Architectural Review Commission is that it is attempting to regulate design
without a useful set of design guidelines. Many cities in the state have adopted comprehensive
guideline manuals, and San Luis Obispo would benefit by becoming more contemporary on this
matter. Currently the city's guidelines are so brief and general that they raise more questions
than they answer.
Developers, the commission, staff and the public all suffer through an uneven field of issues that
vary between projects. The usefulness of design guidelines is they provide a degree of certainty
for applicants, staff, the commissioners and the public. They compel all parties to address
specific concepts and elements of design that can otherwise be easily overlooked, willfully
ignored or applied irregularly between projects.
If the city would fiord the consultant preparation of a design plan, a wide variety of design issues
could be settled through a public planning process. The commission could act as the steering
committee for the plan preparation process. The Planning Commission would advise and your
Council would be the decision making body for the plan. Whether called a manual, plan or just
guidelines, a document is really needed to assure some degree of evenness and quality in the
design review process. And, the document will represent the preferences of the city as
determined in a public process, outside any one project reviewed by the commission.
Such a project needs an independent consultant trained in preparing such documents, and the cost
could amount to as much as $50,000. However, it is a timely and beneficial expenditure as the
city sees the development of more difficult or larger sites.
Please approve the expenditure of city funds in the next fiscal year for the preparation of a design
guidelines manual or plan for the use of all parties in the development process.
Sincerely,
awes Lopes
c: Community Development; Public Works
JA N
Request for Funds
1d
®4• .. -
Goal: To secure the financial assistance of San Luis Obispo City, in a joint venture with
San Luis Obispo County and the private group SLO-4 -PUPS, to develop a safe, legal, off -leash
area where people and their dogs can recreate together.
Request:
Total Estimated Cost: $30,000
SLO County: One -half acre of land valued at $20,000
City of SLO: $5,000 for materials
SLO-4-PUPS: $5,000 for materials, to be raised through fundraising efforts
• SLOA -PUPs is a volunteer group seeking to establish areas where people can recreate with their
dogs off- leash.
Although this form of recreation is new to this county, it is not new in California. Our research has
shown that there are hundreds of successful and well - utilized off -leash dog areas throughout the
state. A 1996 survey of San Luis Obispo City residents was conducted as part of a Cal Poly senior
project The survey showed strong support among both dog owners and non -dog owners for a legal
off -leash area In addition, SLO-4-PUPS has informally collected over 1,000 signatures of support for
this project, with over 410 signatures from SLO City residents.
The SLO County Division of Animal Services estimates that there are around 50 ,000 dogs throughout
the county. If only 10% of the owners of these dogs utilized an off -leash dog area, the potential user
group for this type of recreation would be considerable. ✓�'�
The County of San Luis Obispo has recently added off-leash dog anus to the revisedVarks and
Recreation Element of the Master Plan Update. In addition to being a place where people can
recreate with their dogs off-leash, the parks also land themselves to other dog-0rierded events,
including training classes, vaccination clinics, humane education, and picnics and socializing among
people who share a common interest in dogs.
• The county has offered to provide about 12 acre of land, at El Chorro Regional Park, that can be
used as a pilot off-leash area The land is valued at approximately $20,000. In return, they are
asking that other entities raise the funds to purchase and install fencing for the area. SLO-4 -PUPS, a
volunteer group has agreed to work with the county on this project. We estimate it will cost
approximately $10,000 to farm the area, provide gates, signage, ground cover, and limited perimeter
plantings-
In keeping with the City Parks and Recreation Commission's recently adopted goals of creating new
recreational opportunities, we are asking the City of San Luis Obispo to participate in this venture by
providing $5,000, to be used for fencing materials.
Attachments:
A. Needs Assessment for an Off -Leash Dog Park in San Luis Obispo County, 1996, by Whitesides,
Carpenter, Mendal, & Shah; Project for Cal Poly Recreation Class 310, taught by Dr. Hendricks
B. Companions in the Park, Laurel Canyon Dog Park, Landscape, Vol. 31, No. 3, by Wolch,
Jennifer R. & Rowe, Stacy
C. Information about SLO- 4-PUPs
D. Letters of Support
.IAN - 4 1999
COUNCIL
v
NEEDS ASSESSMENT FOR AN OFF -LEASH
DOG PARK IN SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY
i�� - ,bid
Researchers:
Jacqueline Whitesides
Larinda Carpenter
Mary Mendal
Roni Shah
A .L "filiation: SLO -4 -PUPS
Recreation 3 IO
Dr, Bill I-lendriclm
3 -0
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abstract........................................................ ..............................1
PurposeStatement ........................................... ............................... l
Introduction.................................................... ..............................1
Methods........................................................ ..............................2
Results......................................................... ..............................4
Discussions, Conclusions, Recommendations ............ ..............................4
References.................................................... ............................... 6
Survey..................... ............................... .......................Appendix 1
LIST OF TABLES AND CHARTS
Table1 .......................................................... .....................•.......I.
Table2 ........................................................ ............................... I.
Table3 ....................................................... ............................... I.
Table4 .......................................................... .............................I.
Residency................................:...................... ............................II.
Interestin a dog park .......... ............................... ............................III.
Been to a legal dog park ...................................... ............................IV.
Utilization.................................................... ............................... V.
Possible park locations ........................................ ............................VI.
Dogowners ..................................... ............................... ...........VII.
Mileage.................................................... ............................... VIII.
34.r
ABSTRACT:
This study examines the interest in a legal off -leash dog park in San Luis Obispo County.
A sample of 60 residents in the county were selected. Percentages were figured for
demographics and favorable location preferences. Many respondents reported an interest in
an off -leash dog park. It is suggested that the study be continued in other cities within the
county that were excluded from this study due to the limited time available.
PURPOSE STATEMENT:
The purpose of this study is to determine the interest in a legal off -leash dog park in
San Luis Obispo County.
The authors are looking at the following research questions:
1) Is there an interest in San Luis Obispo county in an area slated for dogs and
their owners to walk, socialize, and interact as a leisure activity?
2) Flow far would participants be willing to travel to utilize an off leash dog park if
provided?
3) What location would participants favor9
INTRODUCTION:
"Rover wants to romp, but where can you take him ?" This question has been
brought up by a grass roots organization called SID-4-PUPs who calls attention to the
need for an off leash dog park in San Luis Obispo county. Dog parks are enclosed public
area where people can play safely and legally with their pets off -leash and where dogs can
socialize and play with other dogs. This park not only satisfies the recreational needs of
dogs and their owners, but also the community at large as an ahmnative setting for non -dog
owners to socialize and recreate. The community also benefits as dogs will not be turned
loose off -leash illegally in other parks if dog owners had a legal place to go instead. Dog
parks are present throughout California, so why should San Luis Obispo County be
excluded?
In spring of 1995 the San Luis Obispo county parks and recreation department
initiated public meetings for input to r&-do the park element of the county general plan.
Concerned citizens voiced an interest in an off -leash dog park to the county. They were met
3-44
with a negative response due to limited finding and county preferences for traditional
recreational activities. A group was formed in response to the desire of people for an off -
leash dog park. SLO4-PUPs was created as the San Luis Obispo County for Parks Used
by People and Pups.
The county is becoming more urbanized thus dearmsmg; places for owners and
dogs to socialize. Many dog owners allow their dogs to roam off -leash in neighborhoods,
private lands, beaches, and parks. This is illegal and creates a nuisance for the community,
a safety issue for dogs, and could be costly for owners overcome with tickets and fines.
Why bother to have a dog park in the county? Dogs and owners are caught
breaking the law every day in people parks. A dog park provides a unique lame
opportunity to all ages, social levels, and recreational users. Studies (SL04-PUPS, 1995),
have shown that community dog parks have enhanced the community by making use of a
site not usable in any other capacity, discouraged illegal conduct, and inspired pride in the
community. Dogs provide protection and are effective criminal deterrents. Many citizens,
especially single woman and saner citizens feel safer in parks accompanied by than dogs.
Ibis particular type of park would create an area for bringing people with simril interests
together.
This study will provide SLO4-PUPS with data necessary to support their efforts
toward creating the first dog park in San Leis Obispo county. The research is looking at
whether there is an interest of residents in an off -leash dog park The study will also look at
various locations for dog parks and the willingness of the community to utilize these areas.
Certain locations have been slated for possible off -leash dog parks and the study win ask
respondents their opinions on these areas.
METHODS:
Study Particroants
A random sample of San Luis Obispo county residents are the subjects of this
study. Surveyed participants were at least eighteen years of age. The sample size
consisted of 60 participants. Respondents were asked to participate at the random sites of
Laguna Lake Park, Central Coast Mall, Los Osos, and Cal Poly Campus.
2 3 -6%
11!1�2111111; 110
The instrument for the study is a structured interview combined with a specific
survey. The dependent variable is the interest in an off -leash dog park. By using
percentages and frequencies, this will measure the demographics, interests, and locations
as outlined in the survey (Appendix 1).
The survey will include questions of the participants such as place of residence,
age, if a dog owner or not, if any interest in an off -leash dog park, possible location of a
dog- park, and how far they are willing to travel to utilize a dog park. Validity and reliability
will not be tested.
The pilot study conducted at the Reaction 310 class determined a change in the
position of a question so the interview would run smoother. The wording of maybe was
ganged to widedded and a question was changed to better follow the actual purpose of
this study.
Data collection steps included, choosing four random sites to administer the
interview, (Laguna Lake Park, Central Coast Mall, Los Osos, and Cal Poly), assigning
random times to these particular ar sites, and approaching random participants to administer
interviews and surveys. The survey was administered on Sunday and Monday, February
18th and 19th, 1996, between the hours of 10:00 am. and 2:00 p.m.
A brief introduction to the study and background information was given to the
participants. The researchers are trained and professional interviewers of this study.
The research design is an interview. Frequency and percentages were be tabulated
from the collected data The first objective was to find out if there was an interest in an off -
leash dog park so percentages were calculated to determine the response. Another objective
was to see how far respondents would travel to utilize a dog park so percentages were
calculated on the different possibilities listed in the survey. Lastly, percentages were tallied
to find out what areas were favorable for the location of a possible off -leash dog park.
3 3-r0
RESULTS:
The survey occurred in San Luis Obispo at Laguna Park, Central Cc= Mall, Los
Osos, and Cal Poly campus. The respondents were 70% San Luis Obispo residents, 15%
Los Osos residents, and the remaining spread out fairly evenly among the other cities in
San Luis Obispo County (see Table 1). The age of respondents were mostly in the 18 to
39 year ranges (see Table 2).
The miles respondents were willing to travel to use an off -leash dog park ranged
but most opted for two to three miles (see Mileage Chart).
Of the respondents 41.67% did not own a dog and the numbers of dogs owned by
individual respondents ranged from 1 dog to 3 dogs (see Dog Owners Chart). The study
results also showed 80% of respondents interested in an off -leash dog park in San Luis
Obispo county, participants not favoring and undecided was smaller (see Interest in a Dog
Paris Chart). An interesting correlation found that dog owners were 75 %. interested in a
dog park and non -dog owners had a 25% interest in a dog park Respondents that have
been to an off -leash dog park were very few and those that have not were 93.33% (see
Been to a Legal Dog Park Chart). The areas participants used now as an off -leash dog park
were local parks and schools, Montana de Oro State Park, local neighborhoods, beaches,
and railroad tracks The locations favored for an off -leash dog park are itemized in Table
3, and as a visual see also Possible Park Locations Chart.
Of all the respondents 76.67% said they would utilize a dog park (see Utilization
Chart). Respondents also had additional comments that are outlined in Table 4. The
majority of Comments were favorable to the possibility of an off -leash dog park
DISCUSSION, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
This study concludes there is an interest in an off -leash dog park in San Luis
Obispo county, as most of respondents were in favor of one. It was interesting to note the
first part of the survey queried interest with a positive response of 80 %, while the last
question regarding utilization of the park showed a positive response of 77 %, leads to the
conclusion that some respondents would not use the park even though they stated an
interest in one. It was also found that the places used now to turn dogs off leash are MegaL
Of the respondents most had not been to a legal off -leash dog park.
4 3-47
The high respondent level of San Luis Obispo and Los Osos residents could be
accounted for since the survey was not conducted in the other San Luis Obispo county
sties. The lower percentage of favorable responses to dog park locations in Atascadero
(Heilman) and Cambria (Fast -West Rand) was caused by a lack of familiarity of these
areas by the respondents. The milage participants were willing to travel was spread fairly
evenly leading to a conclusion that a range of 0 to 15 miles would be an acceptable distance
for location of and off -leash dog park
For future research, it is suggested that the study be held in other San Luis Obispo
cities to obtain a representative sample of those areas. Another issue to consider is the
amount respondents are willing to pay for use of an off -leash dog park.
This study can be used with other studies that have been done to compare interests
of respondents in an off -leash dog park. It can be presented to San Luis Obispo County
for their park and recreation future planning.
5 3-10
REFERENCES
Conant N., &,Sturtz, E..:(1995). Report.on dog parks. SLQ=4- Ps; report predated
for the San Luis Obispo County Parks Commission. San Luis Obispo; CA.
6
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abstract....................................................... ............................... l
Purpose Statement ........................................... ............................... l
Introduction................................................... ............................... l
Methods........................................................ ..............................2
Results......................................................... ..............................4
Discussions, Conclusions, Recommendations ............ ..............................4
References..................................................... ..............................6
Survey..................... ............................... .......................Appendix 1
7 3,Ii_
H4 I am a Cal Poly student conducting a survey to determine if there is an
interest in an off -leash dog park in SLO county. Would you be interested in taking some
time to answer a few questions? All information is strictly confidential and will only be
used for the purpose of this study.
Just so you know, an off -leash dog park is an enclosed public areas where people can play
safely and legally with their pets off -leash and where dogs can socialize and play with other
dogs. Off -leash dog parks are not limited to dogs and their owners only, everyone can use
it as a park.
1)Place of residence? SLO_ Los Osos_ Amscadero Paso Robles_ Arroyo Grande
Pismo_ Other
2)Which age bracket do you belong (18 -29) (30 -39) (40 -49) (50 -59) (60 +)
3)Do you have a dog in your home? Yes_ No How Many? 1_ 2_ 3_ 4 5 +_
4)Where do you take your dog(s) to exercise and play off -leash now?
5)Are you interesting in seeing a place for dogs to recreate off - leash? Yes No Undecided
6)Have you ever been to a legal off -leash dog park? Yes No_
')What location(s) would you feel are ideal for off -leash dog parks?
*Please understand none of these sites are now legal for dogs off - leash.
Laguna Lake Park. Property off of Pmdo Road by sewage plant.
El Chorro County Regional Park. East-West Ranch in Cambria
Beach area m South County . Heilman Regional Park.
Ocean Beach between Morro Bay and Cayucos.
$fow far would you be willing to travel to utilize a dog park?
(0 - miles) (2 -3)_ (4-5)_ (6 -10)_ (15 +)_
9)Would you utilize a dog park in San Luis Obispo County. Yes No Undecided
Any additional comments
Thank you for your time and participation!
Vi& -51\Nb 1.
3' 13
Table 1
Residence
Percentage
San Luis Obispo
70.00
Los Osos
15.00
Atascadero
1.67
Paso Robles
1.67
Arroyo Grande
6.67
Pismo Beach
3.33
Shell Beach
1.67
Table 2
18 - 29
40.00
30-39
18.33
40-49
20.00
50-59
6.67
60-+
13.33
Table 3
Locations favored for an off-leash dog park (Note - Check all that apply in survey so results
are over 100 %).
Locations Percentage
Laguna Lake Park 65.00
El Chorro County Regional Park 40.00
Beach area in South County 44.60
Ocean Beach between Morro Bay and Cayucos 50.00
Property off Prado road by sewage plant 33.33
East -West ranch in Cambria 10.00
Hellman Regional Park 18.33
Table 4
Additional Comments r1'etiu0
1.
Good idea
(3)
2.
We need one.
(2)
3.
Water at the site would be a good idea.
(2)
4.
Generally agree with off -leash ordinance and enforcement.
(2)
5.
Liability issue
(1)
6.
Did not realize that it was illegal to have your dog off -leash at the parks.
(1)
7.
Will work if loose dogs are separated, have their own area fenced.
(1)
8.
Did not realize there was not a place for dogs to be off - leash.
(1)
9.
Dogs should be allowed at State Parks on trails.
(1)
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urbanites; the prohibition against dogs funits these-people's
enjoyment of parks they help to finance. Moreover, dogs
motivate their owner; to use sidewalks, streets, and public
parks regularly and thus stimulate social interaction and
enhance feelings of security in urban neighborhoods By
restricting canine behavior, such policies also confine human
activity and the fife of the city itself
In Laurel Canyon Park in Los Angeles, dogs are allowed
time and space to play freely. While Los Angeles is neither
the only, nor the first, city to arm a 'dog park,' Laurel
Canyon ParksZrass'roots origins and its popularity make it
noteworthy. Moreover, malty conflicts arose during the
park's tumultuous evolution that are likely to occur else-
where. Residents, of daL% and planners had to settle disputes
over investment in parks for dogs rather than playgrounds
for children and resole arguments about the efficacy of park
planing and management strategies In developing Iaurel
Canyon Park, the resul t was not aadeoffs bebmen 9dds and
dogs,' but rather, a balancing of benefits for people with dogs
with those of people without dogs The park's development
suggests ways to organize and design a dog park that mini-
mize its negative effects, and in many ways it is a good model
for interested planters, developers, and community leaders.
Thus far the planning and urban design professions have
been conspicuously silent on questions concerning animals
in the city. Our search through planning and design litwa-
tires yielded little on urban planning or design with respect
to fieeroaming animals and nothing relating to the needs of
domesticated dogs and cats Urban park literature mentions
only the health hazard produced by feral dogs and cats We
intend our account of the genesis and future of Laurel
Canyon Park to help remedy this omission.
EvoLunov of THE Pmm
Laurel Canyon Paris nestles in a deep, north-south
trending canyon in the Hollywood Hills, which separate
the Los Angeles Basin from the San Fernando Valley. The
park is reached from Mulholland Drive, which runs along
the crest of the Mills Several houses sit at the top of chapai-
ralcovered hillsides that slope steeply down to the heart of
the park, a 44-acre graded pad on the floor of the canyon.
The surrounding neighborhood was originally developed
as a somewhat 'bohemian' district, but is now primarily
inhabited by affluent and middle-class homeowners.
In 1964 the entire twenty$ae site was acquired by the
City of Los Angeles and was used as a fill site for street
sweepings, slide debris, and other refuse from 1966 until
t97L In the ig7os, aftersome homeowners tried and failed to
develop a nearby site as a neighborhood park using their
own resources, they sought city government's aid to see
their project through. The city agreed to help them, but
used a part of the fill site rather than the homeowners'
choice. Once the site had received minimal improve -
ment —grading, turf a fete trees, an access road. and a
small parking lot —it was named laurel Canyon Park
Initially, local residents used the new park. but it soon
fell into disuse as neighbors became fearful of motorcycle
gangs that began to frequent the park. Its seclusion and
istvist'bihty from Mulholland Drive made the park an appeal-
ing location for illegal drug trade and prostitution. Eventually,
the park began to show physical neglect; trees were de-
stroyed, fences were damaged, graffiti were emblazoned on
benches, and vehicles were repeatedly driven over the grass
Although concerned neighbors asked the city for repairs and
better security, they received no response. By this time, the
park was rarely used by neighborhood residents except for
one group: people who took their dogs to run in the park -
illegally--off-leash. Eventually this group banded together,
and in iggz they decided to improve the parit's condition. A
long-time resident of Laurel Canyon took the lead. 'I said to
a couple of people, lee's see what we can do. And that's how
it started. We knew absolutely nothing about how to reclaim
a park, we played it all by ear and simply byourown efforts and
our own interests, our own involvement and, God knows, our
own money. Over the years we awned that park around.'
By 1984, through these residents' efforts, Laurel Canyon
Paris had once again become a valued community resource.
The presence of dogs with people, privately funded security
patrols, replanted trees and grass, and the use of poopenscoopers
deterred damage to the park and helped to keep it clean. In
effect, the park had been reclaimed by an informally organized
group of dog owners, which later established a nonprofit
organization named 'Parkwatch.' However, for some community
residents without dogs who also began to ftequent the park again,
encounters with free - roaming dogs became troublesome. For
those afraid of dogs, these encounters were traumatic for
others, the dogs impeded the transformation of the relatively
wild parkland into a more formal recreational area
The lanes group, consisting largely of local property owners
and developers, desired a more imposing amenity that would
increase their property values and provide more children's
facilities They approached their city council member, joel
Wachs, who was also the chairman of the city councws Recre-
ation, Library, and Cultural Affairs Committee, for support.
Councilman Wachs pro posed the city spend $s00000 for
improvements that included construction of a gazebo for
community events, a tennis court, baseball diamonds, and a
toddler play area
Park-watch reacted swiftly and vehemently to this pro-
posal. The organization circulated a petition to stop the
planned improvements, since they would have effectively
barred all dogs (whether on- or ofi4eash) from the patio.
After its petition received no response from the city council,
Parkwatch and other community members convened
meetings to voice their opposition to the plan. Local parents
and proponents of the planned improvements countered
with the claim that because of the canyons topography, most
homes did not have large backyards, thus Laurel Canyon
Park served as the "community's backyard." As such, it
needed additional amenities for children. However, the
proposed threat to the status quo found a majority in support
of Parkwatch's position and the group's membership grew to
over one thousand people. As a result, the plan was scaled
down to a $55,000 expenditure for a toddler play area.
3-gV 17
To satisfy the %cried needs of park users, a small section of the park s as field. with morning and afternoon hours scheduled for oEHeaslt use.
fenced as a children's play area. Dols are allowed in the surrounding Many families bring loth children and dogs to the park.
Disgruntled residents registered their objection to the
plan's revision by calling in a record number of complaints
about free- running dogs to the city's Department of Animal
Regulation and Control. The battle escalated as the charges
for leash law violation were expanded and violators were
prosecuted more frequently. In the worst instances, ,violators
alleged that they had been mildly assaulted before they were
handcuffed and taken to jail
In 1986 this protracted struggle ended when city redis-
tricting put Laurel Canyon in a new district. which was
electing a city councilpetson at that time. Parkwatch pre-
sented their own proposal to Mike Woo, the young urban
planner who was running against the incumbent for the
district In an interview, Woo recognized the aims of
Parkwatch's program, which permitted dogs to run freely in
the pant, as legitimate: "I think that it's important to try to
serve the broad array of recreational needs of the population.
And I think that the dog park in Iaiad Canyon is an example
of trying to redefine what we mean by recreation. For not
just the dogs but also the dog owners, Laurel Canyon Park
provides a major opportunity for wbat I would consider to be
recreation. That means relaxation, that means getting away
from the mundane urban existence _and unfortunately in
Los Angeles, as in many other cities, there is an absence ...or
shortage of this kind of recreational opportunity for people."
Partly through its coalition with Parkwatrh, Woo's .
campaign was successful. Once in office. Woo sought to
refirmne the question of park use when he introduced a
motion to the Recreation, Library, and Cultural Affairs
Committee to create a pilot off-leash program in the park
He argued that the conflict was not one of dogs versus
to
people, as opponents of the program claimed, but that there
were simply two groups of people with distinct interests those
who wanted to use the park with their companion dogs, and
those who did not want dogs allowed in the park He pro-
fessed to represent urban government responsive to all
constituents, including park resets without dogs.
However, the pilot program was opposed by Council-
man Wachs and several neighborhood organizations,
among them parent groups and homeowners' associations
that included some of the original founders of the park
Two such groups, one a parents' association that began as
a babysitting cooperative, argued that the park was not big
enough to accommodate both dogs and children and that
children could not play there when free4vaming dogs
were present In their view the children simply came fast
They also voiced concerns about park cleanliness, health risks
linked to dogs (including dog bites), and increased traffic
and illegal parking along Mulholland Drive. Although traffic
around the park was already recognized as a problem, others
of these concerns appeared to be more subjective, and the
political discourse rapidly became polarized into a debate
over filling needs of children versus those of dogs. This
rhetorical tactic was reflected in print media and television
headlines declaring a war of "Dogs vs. Kids."
The struggle often grew hostile on home turf, and both
sides claimed the other resorted to unfair tactics. At public
meetings of the city council committee, concerned citizens
fumed out in force, noisily arguing the merits of the pilot
program. An influential member of the anti-dog park
coalition was discovered to have claimed the support of
other local organizations erroneously and was forced to
3 - F-5,
retract the claims Later when the same petsoti s financial
interest in a development corporation that owned land
surrounding the park was also revealed, Councilman Wachs
withdrew his opposition to the Parkwatch proposal. One
participant in the affair commented that this information
'would have been nothing more than arad interest
eroept for the tact that nobody knew it," while others felt
disillusioned, seeing this as political manipulation for profit.
Opposition to the program dwindled.
The pilot program finally was approved in 19M It
incorporated the needs. of both children and dogs through a
`dual us age" or timesharing program. In this system dogs
would be allowed off4eash in the morning before laoo A ta.
and during evening hours after g-oo P.et., kavirng the park
free of unleashed dogs during the middle of the day. Dog
owners were also required to comply with all other pant
regulations, to keep thew dogs out of children's play areas,
and to pick up and properly dispose of char dogs' stools
. This did not-win the support of opponents, however.
Instead they saw-dual usage and hence the entire pilot
program as a victory for Parkwatch. An opponent of the
pilot program chided Councilman Woo: "During the
school year, ten to three, parents are working during the
week and children are in school. During Saturday and
Sunday, maybe it's a better time, but you know the times
that I do my errands, that you have birthday parties, that
you have baseball games, or soccer games, or anything
else like that, it's usually between ten and three."
A bnxhure published by a local organu;uion of
dog park supporters explmts park rules and
whiidts funds and volunteer help. The group
helps to suaint un cleanliness and security in the
part and to encourage park users to follow park
After sit months, the Recreation and Parks Commission.
which oversees the city's parks department, faced the choice
ofmakatg the pilot ptngtarn a pe nmem a<tangemeM extend-
ing the trial period, or ending the a xsimeut abogether Again
public meetings were jammed, as Parkwatch members faced off
with opponents of timesharing. Opponents not only ques-
tioned its efficacy, but also challenged the social policy that
they felt underlay the olf4eash p mgram. 41 think the broader
social policy questions should be: who gives Multe Woo the
right to cede four prime acres of park land to dogs in an age
when we should be investing in our kids, not in dogs to have
thew own private park in the Santa Monica Mounter Should
one dog equal one kid, in terms of votes?"
They also questioned the legality of the program, since
neither a study nor a formal environmental review had been
conducted. Finally, a nearby resident, disturbed by park
noise, filed a suit against the city for not filing an environ-
mental impact report on the program
Unable to resolve the conflict, the commission ex-
tended the pilot program three times Eventually in 1 ggo,
after an analysis was completed and a negative declaration
of environmental impact was recorded, the commission
approved the park time-sharing program. They recom-
mended minor changes to prevent potential health risks
and to reduce noise and traffic problems They also called
for several additional dog exercise areas to be established
in other parts of the city. In egg 1 the Los Angeles City
Council approved the commission's recommendations
PARKWA'fC8
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WE CHANGED THE LAWS!
For People and Dogs
to Enjoy Together
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VIOLATIONS of CITY LAWS
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Paris rides are posted eoospiatotule and trash cans and PooIxT stooPe
am available dttoughout the park Peer pressure ensures that people are
cooscientiaa in drew use of the park
20
Stxxu. D1\.vauts (WTI IF PARK
What is the scene at Laurel Canyon Park during off-leash
hours, and who uses it? On each weekend day, an average of
45o can arrive and leave the park, almost all of them during
off4eash hours (This is tro more cats than is typical for a
park of this size.) Since most are Carrying at least one canine
passenger, as many as one thousand dogs may enjoy the park
over the course of a weekend. Weekday numbers are lower.
Dogs mast and greet other dogs and people, drink frrorn their
own water fotmtai catch @isbees and balls, play tug ofwar, roll
in the grass, pounce on one another in play, make amorous
advances, and simply watch each other. One woman credits
the park with her dog's socialization, "This was an abused puppy,
and when I got it, it was vetywithdtawn, in fact nasty. I attnbute
her success to get along with dogs and people out of this
park.' In the words of serval dog owners, 'Dogs love it here."
People-watching at the park Can be just as fasdnadM as
dogirauhing. Single people and families, children and the
elderly use the park. Some bring coolers and picnic lunches,
a few arrive in running gear and jog around the park with
their dogs, others play with their dogs or simply stroll around
the park, stopping to chat with people and dogs who cross
their path. The presence of dogs clearly fosters social interac-
tion between people, and people often learn the names of
each others dogs before they learn one another's nines It is
common to see strangers, young and old, enter into easy
conversation about their dogs As one park user observed, "It
doesn't seem to be much of an age thing here, it's just
everybody's got the common bond of loving dogs." In many
urban parks, fear often inhibits such sociability. But evert
elderly risers find this park an ideal place to socialize, an
urban open space where they can feel secure. Those using
the toddler play area also interact with off-leash area users.
We often observed small children on their way to the play
zone with a parent, greeting a friendly dog, and many
children bring their own dogs with them when they come to
the park. One parent praised the off-leash program because
it brings children and dogs together to play, adding, "As a
dog owner with kids, we'd like to see it this way all the time."
In general all types of parkgoers indicate that they enjoy
milting with other users. One park suer maintains, "You Can
be a redneck, an intellectual, a has-been, a whaesbeen.
Everyone's having a great time, it's civilized." And some have
formed lasting friendships at the park. 'It's funny, you know,
it's saved a lot of people psychologists' bills because it's so
peaceful and wonderful and people sit down and talk, and
you wouldn't believe the problems that come out, that
people talk about. How many friendships have been formed,
how many marriages have been formed, how marry love
relationships.. I've made very, very close friends up here that
I've had for years now."
In 1988 Parkwatch conducted a thirteenday survey to
estimate the number and home origins of the park users
The results sho%%ed that the park serves a large region. While
most of the more than one thousand users surveyed came
from areas adjacent to the park (comprising much of
Hollywood. West Hollywood, and the southern San
On a typical Sunday afternoon, all of tfie picnic tables and benches are
occupied Steep hillsides and fences enclose the park, making it safe for
dogs to roam freely acrus the Geld. At the center table, a member of
Parkeatetrsolicits funds to help pay for services and supplies for the park.
Fernando Valley), a significant portion traveled as many as
twenty m7es to to vide cite park coming from Westl osAngdes
Coker City, Silver lake, and the western San Fernando Valley.
Despite heavy usage unusual for a small park lawns are
well -kept; Pwtwratch patrols and self - policing by users ensure
cleanliness There are few serious altercations, and diligence
and informal warnings issued to people with troublesome
animals have kept problems to a minimum. Remarkably, no
dog bites have been reported.
Matey people had not been active in community affairs
before they became involved in the controversy surrounding
the off4eash program. As one participant put it,'I think we've
all had a good lesson in local politics, and local politicians!"
Moreover, the issue brought many local residents together
for the first time, allowing them to share information and
concerns about their neighborhoods. The park still serves to
build and sustain a sense of community. 'There are people
who talk endlessly, they ll talk politics, they'll talk issues, and
it's a clearinghouse for ideas It's very easy to go into that
park wing to get support for something.'
The effort to establish the dog part: alto promoted
participants' feelings of empowerment. 'There's nothing like
going through fire to make you aware that there are many
things that need to be done, and it is possible to do them."
Thus the grass-roots origins of the park contribute to the
social dynamics in the park and greater citizen involvement
in other local development issues and turban politics.
Despite opponents' predictions, officials receive a very
low number of complaints compared to those for other
urban parks and recreation centers, and most of these are
about noise and traffic. Steep hills separate the park from
most nearby residential development only a few homes are
visible on the hillside rising above the site. However, al-
though barking dogs do not significantly affect the ambient
noise level, on days of heavy pant attendance, noise frorn the
pant can flow up the natural topographic funnel and reach
these houses
Both advocates and opponents of the park agree that the
off4eash experiment revealed an extensive desire for dog
parks, as people's willingness to drive miles to visit the park
attests. How can we explain this popularity? Many users bring
both dogs and children, enabling them to play with their kids
and give the family dog some exercise at the same time. For
other tisem many of them single or members of childless
families, companion dogs are their families Morem -er, as
urban densities increase, more households with dogs reside
in large apartment buildings or in high-density neighbor-
hoods. These households require public open space for
3--O 21
Drafting Eau== are constructed so that both dog and people can
quench thew durst. Park mm have left bads and tabs to inacase the
ready apPlyof wan for dogs.
their recreational needs. In addition, mounting activism
for animal rights may promote a more militant demand for
urban open spaces for dogs as well as people.
L
LmssFm o Fxoits wREL CANvoN PARK
What can Laurel Canyon Park teach communities and
community designers?
The most basic lesson is that urban designers need to
plan new communities and retrofit older neighborhoods
with regard for animals as well as people. Currently'
planners must consider only endangered species in their
plans for new developments: they seldom address the
needs of non - endangered wildlife and companion animals.
hGnimizing development's impact on urban free life, such
as birds, squirrels, or coyotes, requires dose study of animal
22
behavior and cerelid design. The case of Laurel Canyon Park
demonstrates the necessity that commmiities and planners
also recognize the needs of companion animals in designing
housing, subdivisions, and public space.
In particular, dogs, intelligent, sociable, and energetic,
need physical and social stimulation. cif planners included
vest- pocket dog runs and larger designated off4eash area
in urban parks, they could eliminate much of the destruc-
tive canine behavior that results from boredom and lack of
exercise. In turn, communities would benefit from a
reduction in the number of animals who are deposited and
subsequently killed in animal shelters.
Once space is allocated, what makes a dog park work
Our observations of Laurel Canyon Park suggest there are
four critical factors.
First, the extent of the demand must be estimated
correctly. The citywide response to Laurel Canyon Park
suggests that more than one off -leash site may be essential
for any one of them to work properly. If a region provides
too few off -leash programs, these may become victims of
their own success.
Second, successful maintenance of a dog park requires
grass -roots efforts, even in communities willing and able to
fund a park fully. Park users educate each other about park
programs, introduce newcomers to park rules and infor-
mal behavioral norms, and develop ways to handle prob-
lems such as dog fights. User organizations can also work
with local animal welfare agencies to sponsor fund- raising
events, obedience training, or vaccination clinics. Such
organizations require considerable time and resources,
and, while more affluent neighborhoods can provide full
support, lower - income communities may need financial
assistance to establish or subsidize nonprofit organizations.
Tbird, the specific provisions of the off4eash programs
are vital Although it represented a workable compromise
in Laurel Canyon Park dual usage is not an optimal
solution. Ideally, the off -leash area should be open during
all park hours A single -use policy is simply easier to
understand and remember: and it reduces competition
and potential conflict between user groups
Lastly, responsive environmental design influences a
dog park's success for both human and canine users If at
least one area is well-fenced, dose proximity of different
use zones appears to work. Fencing or topographical
barriers also ensure the safety of children and canine users.
However, the inevitable noise and ttaffic from a heavily
used park require that any sizable off4eash area be placed
apart from residences. Landscape buffers, such as hedges,
trees, and land forms, can also help to screen residences
from noise. And of course park design should create
aesthetic enjoyment for people as well as utility for dogs,
since a dog park is for people —kids and parents, lovers
and spouses, friends and strangers —es well as for dogs.
Although not without contro%vmr. Laurel Canyon
Park's innovative urban planning has proven successful. Its
popularity demonstrates the need for more off4eash areas.
,3—p
These will succeed with gnccroots involvement. careful
progrttnming and environmental design, and the provi-
sion of a sufficient number of sites. Morem-er, the evolu-
tion of Laurel Canyon Park highlights a growing consider-
ation of the well-being of animals in urban design. The
development of the off-leash program led to park improve-
ment and greater community cohesion. As planners and
others continue to respond to the demands of people with
companion animaL% they also reflect an increasing aware-
ness of the importance of animal life in urban environ-
ments. Shaping urban design as if animals mattered can
make cities more liveable for everyone. l=
Fuitnirx RL%Dra;
Phil Arkow, ed. 77te lmning Rand: (bmpanian
Animals in lhfBeipinglWissions For the
latham Foundation. Saratoga. (al.: R & E
Ptlhlishirm t9ti7.
Steven U. Garber. nie Vdhan Natumlist. New
YorL N91ey. 1987.
%rwki Hearne. Adam's Yaslt: CaUingAnimals by
Name. New Yarlc Knopf. 1986.
Desmond Morro 77m Animal (bnlmut: V/aning
the Planet. New lbrl warner Books, 1991.
Man Randolph. Ibglnm Berkeley. ('al.: Nolo
Press, 1988.
Tom Rcpn and Peter Singer, cds. Anima( Rlglar
and Hunan Obr*alians Engletvoad Cliffs.
NJ.: Prentice-Hall. tyyo.
DrAM mRohhitta(LflonS. xkm and Spencer
(';dull. bogs and Their People Pet FaoTiated
Interaction, in a Public Setting7Jmundef
(a a am0mmsl'llnmgm#Mna t9 ( 1991): S'pr
James Serpeu, In the Compacts ofnnimalr A Stilly
of Humaa- Animal fWatiaaships New YnrL•
Blactxell, ty86.
Photography by Stacy Rowe.
Iai ('whom Park is the scene of many animated discumiotn betxeen human as well as canine
companions Sumo supporters feel that its popularin• threatens to onrrwhelm it: they use some of
their funds to promote the construction of mote dog parts in the Los Angela area.
"b t j
Information about SLO-4-PUPs
%46
Statement of Purpose: SLOA -PUPS was formed in 1995 by dog owners who want to create
safe, legal and convenient off -leash areas where people can recreate with their dogs in San Luis
Obispo County. We support leash taws, which protect both people and pets from harm.
Contacts: Ellen Sturtz, 772 -1651
Nancy Conant, 1385 I EP St, Los Osos, CA 93402,528-1537
Description: An off -leash recreation area is a fenced area with double gates at the entrance.
Sealing for dog owners, such as picnic tables or bendies, is available. Signage, which gives
information about off -leash regulations, obedience classes, rescue contacts, health related
notices, and other pertinent concerns, is prominently located at the site.
County Support Representatives of SLO4-PUPs attended all public hearings on the draft
update of the Parks & Recreation Element of the County General Plan. We have made 2
presentations to the County Parks & Recreation Commission. The draft Parks & Recreation
Element now contains a recommendation that off -leash areas be developed in the County.
We have had four meetings with Pete Jenny this year. The first was held in March to
discuss the possibility of setting aside an area for off-leash recreation at El Chorro Regional Park
Pete Jerry initiated this meeting.
The second meeting was held in July. A third meeting was held in August when we
presented a sample survey to Pete. The survey was designed to gather more information about
off-leash areas in other jurisdictions. Pete reviewed the survey, made recommendations, had the
surrey typed and prepared a cover letter, signed by both Pete and Paul LeSage (City of San Luis
Obispo Parks & Recreation). The City faxed the surrey to 37 communities in California. SLO-4-
PUPs has compiled the results of the returned surveys.
The fourth meeting was held in November when we presented the initial results of the
survey to Pete. We also discussed the potential sme of the area, other uses that might occur
there, and a timetable. Pete suggested that we wait for major fundraising efforts until the picric
area has been renovated, which should be completed by spring of 1999.
Location: The pilot off4eash area will be at El Choro Regional Pamir
Materials: Fencing for approximately 'A acre, inducing double gates at the entrance to the
area Fencing will be 4 feet high. The County of San Luis Obispo and SLO- t-PUPs will decide
the type of fence material. The surface of the off-leash area will be covered with shredded hark
andlor wood drips. We hope to provide some perimeter plantings of xerophytic plants, as
recommended by SLO Botanical Garden representatives.
Time Frame: Fund-raising for fence materials will begin in late spring 1999. We expect to
have enough money to build fence by spring of 2000. The fast off -leash area should be open by
July 2000.
Evidence of ability to raise money: SLO- 4-PUPs raised over $500 in 1996, which was
targeted to publicize our efforts. These funds were raised solely through donations resulting from
articles and letters to the editor in the local paper.
December 28, 1998
COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
bepautment of cEncRat seRvices
COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER • SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA 93408 • (805) 781 -5200
DUANE P. IEB. DIRECTOR
Nancy Conant
SL04PUPS
1385 181" Street
Los Osos, CA 93402
OFF -LEASH DOG AREA
San Luis Obispo County Parks is committed to providing diverse recreational opportunities for the
county's residents and visitors. To that end, we have included a variety of potential locations for off -
leash dog areas in our draft update of the County Recreation Element. We are also interested in
establishing a pilot program to pave the way for those proposed sites.
To that end, we are very interested in working with SL04PUPS to establish such a project at El
Chonro Regional Park. Located near the City of San Luis Obispo and relatively close to the Los
Osos -Morro Bay area, we believe El Chorro provides a good setting to test the idea of an off -leash
dog area As we have discussed at the park, we have a small site of approximately % acre which
should prove suitable and I am prepared to recommend the project to the County Parks and
Recreation Commission if we can satisfy a few basic conditions.
Because of our limited financial resources, County Parks must limit its assistance to providing a
location. However, we do endorse the project and support your attempts to raise the funds necessary
to implement and maintain this facility. We look forward to working with you -in the future. Good
luck with your fund raising efforts.
L
PETE
Parks Manager
3 -nz
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
June 15, 1995
Division of Animal Regulation
885 Oklahoma Avenue • P.O. Box 3760
San Luis Obispo, California 93403 -3760
(805) 781 -4400 • FAX 781 -1065
Tim Gallagher
Department of General Services
County Government Center
San Luis Obispo, CA. 93408
Subject: Parks Master Plan & Off Leash Dog Parks
The Division of Animal Regulation continues to support the
inclusion of possible off leash dog areas in the update of the
County Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
As requested by Sandra Zaida of the Department of General Services,
this Division, with the assistance of several dedicated citizens,
has compiled a generous amount of material from other areas where
off leash dog parks are currently in existence. Correspondence
with other jurisdictions indicate these areas are well utilized by
the public and pose few problems.
Research shows close association with pets generates good health
and a sense of good will towards others;. both human and animal.
Interaction with pets at locations other than the home setting are
beneficial towards community education in responsible pet ownership
and proper socialization for the animal. Surplus dogs arriving at
the county shelter are often relinquished or abandoned due to
behaviors resulting from the lack of socialization with other
animals and people. The use of dog parks provides legal areas for.
citizens to raise and train their companion animals to be welcome
members of our community.
Staff for the Division are frequently asked where in our county
they may legally exercise their dog off leash. We would welcome
the ability to direct these responsible citizens to such a legal
location. The Division strongly feels the creation of off leash
dog parks will strengthen the relationship between the dog owning
public, those who enforce animal related laws and citizens who
prefer to recreate in other ways.
I look forward to working further on this endeavor with the public
and county personnel.
Sincerely;
Stephanie Ruggerone
Director, Division of Animal Regulation
3- ?3
Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County
January 4, 1999
Director of Finance
City of San Luis Obispo
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
RE: COMMUNITY GOALS
Dear Sirs,
The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County has been working with the City and the
community for over 12 years to enhance the quality of life we all enjoy. A great deal of this
quality stems from our cultural institutions as well as the quality of the environment that
surrounds our community.
We encourage the City to pursue three goals.
1. Creek Day. The City added a new cultural tradition this last year with First Night. We would
like to see increased support for another cultural event that occurs each year, Creek Day. We
have worked with the City for over six years sponsoring a creek clean -up and education fair
in the fall of the year.
'W � v
��°_ Creek Day celebrates the principal natural resource that lies at the heart of our community;
VSan Luis Obispo Creek Creek Day provides an event that features hands on educational
s activities for the entire family. We also take several tons of trash out of the creek just before
8 the winter rains arrive. The City has helped provide staff support as well as financial help to
cc
p rent the tents each year What we need is additional finding for advertising. The event is
attended by over 500 each year but we could reach a wider segment of the community with
greater advertising. The power of advertising has never been more apparent than with First
Night The attendance and City support of this event has raised our sights as to what could be
accomplished-
We request a budget of $5,000.00 to assist with television and print advertising. KSBY has
been a generous sponsor of the event the past two years. We could reach a broader segment
of the community with additional paid advertising.
Otagon Barn Restoration. The Land Conservancy has pioneered, with its own finds and
those of our 500 contributors, the restoration of what is one of the City's most visible and
historical landmarks, the Octagon Barn on South Higuera. The restoration of this barn into a
useable structure will provide the City with an important tourist attraction and strengthen the
diversity of our economic base The Land Conservancy proposes to use the building as a
Farmer's Market (to showcase our agricultural resources) as well as a showcase for natural
3 -q f
P.O. Box 12206 • San Luis Obispo. CA 93406 • (805) 544 -9096. • FAX (805) 544 -5122
and agricultural history. As a stopping point on the City to Sea Greenway, it will also
provide a continuing link for all of our citizens with the natural history and rich scenic
quality of San Luis Obispo Creek
Our work over the past two years has strengthened file foundation and braced the internal
wood support structure This has been made possible largely due to the contributions of many -
of our local business. Most notably, this includes Burke Construction, Sansone Construction,
Hayward Lumber, and Bob Vessely. We are now raising money for the biggest project of all,
the roof. The roof will require unique shingles which will have to be custom made. We need
$50,000 to re- shingle the roo£ This is the last but most expensive remaining part of the
structure that needs to be repaired before the building can be used. We would urge your
support of this important project.
3. Water quality monitoring. The Land Conservancy has been undertaking a volunteer based
water quality monitoring program for the San Luis Obispo Creek Watershed. This program
collects real data that can be used to assess the health of the creek. All the monitoring of the
creek is done by citizen volunteers, but finding is needed for equipment maintenance and
publishing of the water quality information. Published information will serve as a reminder
to citizens of the importance of high water quality and the role each citizen can play in
improving our nearest natural resource. Funding in the amount of $4,000 would be sufficient
to restock equipment and find the publishing of the program newsletter and data report
4. Greenbelt protection. Last but certainly not least we urge continuing support for
acquisition of easements over land within the Greenbelt from willing landowners. This
program has proven to be successful and we are pleased to be of help to the City in this
process. We urge your continued support at the existing level.
S' yours,
Ray Belknap
Executive Director
3 -95
COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
HEALTH AGENCY
DRUG AND ALCOHOL SERVICES
1102 Laurel Lane
San Luis Obispo, Caldomia 834014489
Phone: (805) 781 -4275 Fax: (8051 781 -1267 or 781 -1227
Susan G Zepede, Ph.D.
Health Agency Director
Paul Hyman M.P.A.
Drug and Alcohol Director
Bill Statler, Director of Finance
City of San Luis Obispo
990 Palm Street
SLO, CA 93401
RE: Council Goal- Setting for 1999 -01
The SLO County Substance Abuse Prevention Alliance is pleased to respond to Mayor
Settle's request for written ideas about flmdmg directions for the upcoming 1999-01 budget
period for the City of San Luis Obispo.
The SLO Prevention Alliance is a county -wide coalition composed of representatives of local
area partnerships (such as the Mayor's Youth Task Force) and other groups concerned with
alcohol and other drag prevention. The mission of the Alliance is to establish a county-wide
forDm for dialog, training, information exchange, advocacy, resource development, media
advocacy and action to prevent alcohol, tobacco and other drug - related problems among
both youth and adults in SLO County.
We are deeply appreciative of the role of the City Mayor, City Staff and members of the_
Mayor's Youth Task Force in mobilizing youth, families, local organizations and volunteer
groups to address the prevention of substance abuse in SLO City. The past three years have
successfully mobilized the human resources needed to address these issues; now it is time for
the City to assist these resources with some financial backing. If specific substance abuse
prevention activities were funded in the City's upcoming budget plan, the Mayor's Youth
Task Force and the Community of SLO as a whole would have a more clearly defined
substance abuse prevention vision resulting in clearly defined goals, accountability, and
performance -based outcomes.
Page 1
3--fG
What follows are some youth - oriented substance abuse prevention projects which the
Prevention Alliance feels could be supported through the City's budgeting process:
1. Creation of a Youth Aaron Council: Critical to the success of prevention programs
targeting youth is achieving their investment in the program. Youth need to be part of
the planning as well as of the implementation. Recruiting youth into a Youth Action
Council to support and advise the Prevention Alliance will help to support this
agenda.
Cost to City over 2 Year Period: Staff time, communications costs ... $ 2,000
2. Establish training programs for youth in Conflict Resolution Skills: Prevention
planning and action inevitably involve conflict, particularly if different communities
or ethnic groups are trying to work together. In the interest of cultural diversity and
cultural sensitivity, the Alliance will be supporting a plan to train youth in skills
designed to divert conflict into creative, productive channels. These ira mgs will also
be a fruitful environment to recruit youth to participate in more specific alcohol,
tobacco and other drug prevention programs. Currently, in North San Luis Obispo
County, Paso Robles Youth Task Force is supporting the beginnings of just such a
conflict resolution program, and it is the intention of the Alliance to encourage the
replication of this program in other cities in SLO County. This could be achieved
through collaborative work between the City, local business, the School District, SLO
County Drug and Alcohol Services, and local conflict resolution providers.
Conflict resolution may also be implemented within the community. One example
would be where there is a significant amount of interaction with local businesses.
Often business people do not know how to relate to students and conflict may result in
the banning of students and feelings of ill will. Presentation may be made to business
people, students and school staff to teach strategies for resolving conflict. This
process also depends on dialog between business and youth as part of another project
objective: youth and business owners working together to develop sales practices and
policies that reduce sales of beverage alcohol to underage youth.
Cost to City over 2 years: Staff time, training materials, contracts with conflict
resolution providers, publicity costs, incentives: ......... $5,000
3. Preventing Teenage Binge Drinking: Recent tragedies involving underage drinking
and subsequent disappearance and possible violence prompts this suggestion.
Identified as a key problem in the school site survey conducted county-wide in 1996,
some sort of forum needs to be created to provide information, training, and
opportunities for dialog between parents, youth and business owners to facilitate
elimination of binge drinking among teens and young adults, as well as preventing
Page 2
3-x'7
youth access to beverage alcohol, both in the home and in the off -sale retail business
environment.
The training and forum could result in the development of a parent/teen support
network facilitated by local helping professionals who will be volunteering their time.
Businesses will also be asked to participate, engaging the cooperation of youth, law
enforcement and business in developing and enforcing sales practices and policies that
eliminate teen access to beverage alcohol. Additional supporting and concurrent
activities would include minor decoy operations, Hands Off Halloween, and Holiday
and Graduation publicity campaigns. The Prevention Alliance could assist by
providing information about these strategies to interested people, but a proposed
budget line item for such a project would secure their implementation.
Cost to City for 2 Years: Staff time, training materials, publicity costs, meeting
rooms maintenance, incentives, communication costs ......... $5,000
4. Hands Off Halloween is another effective strategy proven in other urban areas which
the Prevention Alliance is eager to initiate here in the City of SLO. This strategy
involves youth working cooperatively with local businesses to educate them about
unethical advertising which targets youth - particularly during the Halloween
Weekend.. These strategies, however, will be just as effective on other Holidays. The
Cambria/Cayucos Youth Task Force has already recruited youth to canvas local liquor
store owners and assess their advertising practices. Estero Bay Youth Coalition has
also registered interest. This strategy will also augment the Teen Binge Drinking
Prevention Program discussed above. Training and media advocacy materials are
inexpensive, proven to be effective, and will be acquired through funds identified in
the City budget.
Cost to City for 2 Years: Staff time, publicity costs, materials ... $3,000
5. Minor Decoy Activities and Related Publicity: Local police in SLO could schedule
minor decoy operations to coincide with Senior Prom and Graduation Nights. The
Prevention Alliance will work with SLO City and City Police departments to provide
a background of publicity stating that businesses need to support policies that reduce _
teen access to alcohol and need to take action against underage sales. After the decoy
operation, if vendors are cited, Drug and Alcohol Services will provide Responsible
Beverage Service Training to cited businesses, and the City will place advertisements
in local media for merchants who wish to participate, thanking merchants who did not
sell to minors. After completion of Responsible Beverage Service training, formerly
cited merchants will, if they choose, also receive recognition.
Cost to City for 2 Years: Police staff time or overtime, publicity costs,
communications costs: ...................... $ 5,000
Page 3
6. Drug -Free Cinco de Mayo Celebration: The Prevention Alliance will be working
with members of local Latino organizations to assist them in organizing safe and
sober activities celebrating Cinco de Mayo. Concerted action will be taken to not
accept donations from liquor companies in exchange for advertising space. This is
viewed as a form of cultural "hi jacking", and viable non - alcohol involved
alternatives must be found that provide a drug -free environment. City support of such
an event through publicity, venue development, financial support will be critical.
Cost to City for 2 Years: Publicity, Venue, Other Support ..... $3,000
The Alliance is very supportive of actions already taken by the City of SLO, and it is our
hope that your budget planning process will increase the existing commitment to a drug -free
community in the years to come. We hope these suggestions are helpful to your budgeting
process. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at any time. My phone is
781 -4282.
Sincerel2Hansen
Wayne
SLO Prevention Alliance
Page 4 %— 917
Date: January 4, 1999
To: The City of San leis Obispo Council
From: The Mayor's Youth Task Force
Chair, Karen Aydelott
Re: Council Goal-Setting for 1999 -01
What:
The San Luis Obispo Mayor's Youth Task Force is requesting funding from the City Council of
530,000 over the next two years (S15,000/year) to fund selected programs designed to support the
positive and healthy development of the youth of our community.
It is our belief that the Mayor's Youth Task Force is in a unique position to assess and meet some of the
most pressing developmental and preventative needs of this city's youth. It is our intent to focus on middle
and high school students and to provide both support and opportunities that would enrich their lives, build
positive life long skills, connect them with'their community and support healthy life choices. This includes
activities that support primary substance abuse prevention and the education of parents and the community.
The 1992 report, A Matter of Time: Risk and Opportunity in the Nonschool Hours, published by the
Carnegie Council on Adolescent Development, is very clear in stating that a community approach is very
important to successful youth programming and that community collaborations must take the lead in
identifying and assessing youth needs, and then providing them the opportunity to participate in positive,
values building programs.
This finding would allow the task force to maximize the existing resources among our current members, to
increase our collaborative efforts, and to seek additional finding. It would allow us to target the programs
that would provide the best outcomes and meet the most pressing needs in a purposeful and strategic
manner. Additionally, the Mayor's Youth Task Force funds only the direct costs of program delivery
firther mwomizing the investment
The Mayor's Youth Task Force is a collaboration of individuals and agencies organized for the purpose of
maximizing resources to support the youth of San Luis Obispo in becoming self-sufficient individuals
capable of making significant contributions to society. Our goals include the following:
• To support, create, and evaluate programs that best meet the identified needs of the youth of
San Luis Obispo.
• To increase access of youth to primary prevention and intervention services.
• To promote and coordinate collaboration between individuals, agencies, organizations and
businesses serving youdi, and youth.
• To identify and develop new sources of funding for youth groups.
Members of the Mayor's Youth Task Force include representatives from the Laguna Middle and San Luis _
Obispo High Schools, the San Luis Obispo Police Department, the Park and Recreation Department, the
YMCA, concerned parents, community members and students.
Over the past two years with Center for Substance Abuse Center fimdmg from the San Luis Obispo
Prevention Alliance, the Mayor's Youth Task Force has hosted a ReDUIce project at the high school,
provided additional funding for the Student Assistance Program at both the middle and high schools,
supported student involvement in First Night, and funded a Teen Leadership Development and Activities
Program at Laguna Middle School.
5--106
Why:
The Mauer of Time study also states "millions of America's young adolescents are not developing into
responsible members of society. Many will not lead productive or fulfilling lives. Young adolescents,
aged 10 to 15, do not become mature adults without assistance." Even in San Luis Obispo County, our
youth cqx m cut with independence and are making decisions about potentially dangerous behaviors that
will affect the rest of their lives. This report stresses providing guidance for positive development,
including positive values and role models, which help build the internal, unquantifiable values that become
one's character.
Schools, parents, and especially youth have convinced us that in San Luis Obispo students are a very
underserved population at a time in their lives when they are most vulnerable. Young adolescents are
experiencmg many developmental changes and often experiment with many options as they develop their
individual self concepts and begin the transition to adulthood. Obviously, the after school hours provide
ample opportunity for these young people to make a variety of choices, often not always in their own best
interest.
The 1993 study, Utilizing Community Assets in Revitalizing Neighborhoods by the Center for Urban
Affairs and Policy Research at Northwestem University, recommends using funds where they will make
the biggest impact and that those programs were preventative, developmental, and especially those that
involved youth as resources not problems.
We have all heard the lament of San Luis Obispo's youth: "There is nothing to do here ". This seems
particularly significant when looking at the recommendations of a long term! study of American youth,
Adolescent Trme Use and Risky Behavior, which found that when comparing teens who spent one to four
hours a week in extracurricular activities with those who spent no time in such activities, the "no time
students were 57% more likely to drop out their senior year, 490A more likely to use drugs, 370/6 more
likely to be a teen parent, 35% more likely to smoke and 27% more likely to smoke. They also discovered
that a kid who had one risky behavior was two to four times more likely to have another. This overlapping
would suggest that programs that focus on one type of risky behavior are too narrow and that, as the
Mayor's Youth Task Force is recommending, promoting positive behavior is the best counter.
The Mayor's Youth Task Force's mission is also supported by a 1994 report from the University of
Chicago's Chapin Hall Center for Children that states that primary services can help youth, that
communities are the proper units of action, that residents and youth should be involved in the planning and
development, and that resident and youth involvement will strengthen community ties.
We also know this from the Search Institute's two year study of 90,000 teenagers, Healthy Communities,
Healthy Youth. Youth do best when the community actively supports their health development and where
schools, houses of worship and youth - serving agencies hike the YMCA are the strongest.
It is therefore difficult not to conclude that the young people of our city require a great deal more support
from this community and that the Mayor's Youth Task Force is one of the very best and most. efficient and
effective ways this community investment could be made.
How:
The Carnegie Council also stressed that youth need opportunities directed at overcoming bad attitudes and
developing skills needed to prevent these attitudes. This requires programs that build social competence,
problem solving skills, and a sense of purpose and autonomy. This forms a web of attributes and
approaches to life that help reduce the rate of risky behavior.
The best programs are the ones where youth want to be in the programs. Those are the programs that give
young people the freedom to select and stuctne the programs to a great degree and that view young
people as assets, not potential liabilities. Programs that offer youth the chance to serve allow the
3-101
community to benefit from that service and the community will notice that teens are contributing to the
improvement
The funding which we are n4Uesting iron the City Council for the next two years will give the Mayor's
Youth Task Force the means to both sustain and develop programs with outcomes that would include youth
who develop positive attitudes and youth who learn and value such assets as respect, responsibility, caring,
and honesty. An added benefit is the expansion of opportunities for more students to participate in fim,
safe and enriching activities planned and organized by their peers, which clearly addresses the need for
more activities for our middle and high school students.
Programs funded would be designed to directly meet the prevention related needs of the young adolescent
and would meet the need for primary prevention of teen pregnancy and teen drug and alcohol use.
They will engage youth in positive, challenging and rewarding activities that will encourage them to
develop self- confidence, motivation, self - discipline, the ability to communicate and work well with others,
plus develop the skills needed to actively contribute to their conummity. These are the very skills
considered by many to be key primary preventative assets for children facing an uncertam future.
An example of a program currently fimded by the Mayor's Youth Task Force directly addresses the
primary prevention needs of middle school students while helping them develop the skills necessary for
successful and productive adult lives.
The YMCA Teen Leadership and Activities Program is designed to engage middle school students at
Laguna Middle School in meaningful and productive activities that provide opportunities to develop
leadership, communication and problem - solving skills, to provide direct service to their community, and to
have safe and enriching fim.
A group of students, who are both chosen and self - select, and who represent the diversity of the student
body, meet weekly with a YMCA professional who works with these students to develop leadership skills,
creativity and a service ethic through the bands on experience of decision malting and program
implementation. These young people then plan and implement activities for both their small group and for
the entire student body. Activities include service learning and enrichment opportunities as well as
recreational activities_ This program is designed to build on each young person's own individual strengths.
In this environment the program then allows young teens to learn more about themselves, to be challenged
and motivated, and to plan, implement and experience the rewards of success. The program allows them to
experience farltne m a safe setting, to practice leadership skills with their peers, and to contribute in
positive ways to a larger group, be it their school or the larger con mumity.
Other proposed programs include a Youth Forum that would provide young people an opportunity to learn
about municipal government, to voice their concerns and hopes, and to problem -solve and make
community recommendations. Earth Service Corps, a national YMCA program model that engages high
school students in service to the environment, is another possibility. Attached are several additional
program proposals that would directly address the very real concerns regarding alcohol use among --
students at San Luis Obispo High School.
The San Luis Obispo Mayor's Youth Task Force is very committed to providing the youth of this
community with supported opportunities to stretch, to grow, and to develop the skills necessary to live
happy and productive lives. As we know this is not easy in today's society. We believe, however, that
with your support and finding we can make a lasting difference in the lives of the youth in our city.
Thank you very much for your consideration of this request.
Mayor's Youth Task Force Proposal 1/4198
3-lo7v
Information for City Council Goal Setting Meeting
In the past year, the students, parents, teaching staff and administrators of San Luis Obispo High
School have become increasingly concerned over the amount and frequency of drinking going on
among high school age students in our community. Several incidents involving SLOHS students
that resulted in accidents, hospitalizations for alcohol poisoning, driving under the influence
citations, school suspensions and recommendations for expulsion have led to a focus on two
particular problems: unchaperoned parties and binge drinking.
We brought our concerns to the Mayor's Youth Task Force and received its support in addressing
these serious problems. Should the Mayor's Youth Task Force be granted the finds it is
requesting, it would be able to help support programs like the three described below which we
hope can have a substantial impact on the problem of underage drinking. in our community.
Dangers of Binge Drinking
We are currently designing a student presentation that includes information, professional videos
and a student written and performed role play that we hope to take to schools throughout the area
to alert students on the dangers of binge drinking. We have applied for a grant through the State
Safe Schools and Violence Prevention Office to help with our costs, but additional fiords will be
necessary to accomplish our goal.
Positive Farmb ReladoLfts
We would hike to add an alcohol abuse education component to the Positive Family Relationships
program coordinated by Connie Nakamura and Petra Patterson. Their program currently trains
volunteer facilitators who offer quality parenting classes to the parents in our district. The
program is supported by the San Luis Coastal Unified School District, but the Mayor's Youth
Task Force could also play a vital role in helping to design and support its expansion.
EliminatingJJnchaperoned Parties
Following the model created by a group of concerned parents in Tacoma, Washington, we would
like to create a parent organization committed to eliminating unchaperoned parties where so much
risky behavior like binge drinking occurs. The plan would include education, creation of a
directory and sponsoring activities for young people that would not involve alcohol. The Mayor's
Youth Task Force has already responded enthusiastically to this idea.
Impacting the problem of underage drinking will require a long -term commitment from the -
community. With adequate funding to help support those with good ideas and the enrgy to carry
them out, the Mayor's Youth Task Force can make a difference.
�-/b �
Hallmarks of Youth Development
Youth Development needs to be distinguished from youth development. The former
refers to a specific methodology. The latter refers to the general maturation process youth
go through Good Youth Development efforts aid in the process of healthy youth
development
The following program strategies are the hallmarks of Youth Development
RELATIONSHIP BASED Youth benefit from meaningful relationships with adults
outside their family. The responsibility for the initiation and maintenance of the
relationship is the main responsibility of the worker.
VALUES BASED Youth are searching for answers to guide their actions. Character
development is the emphasis rather than values clarification. Programming implements
character development directly and indirectly.
SOLUTIONS ORIENTED Youth are viewed as opportunities not problems. Work is
goal oriented and future focused. Objective is to help build capacities and assets rather
than just resolve problems.
SENSE OF OWNERSHIP Youth are viewed as a partner not a recipient of service.
Youth have input into goal and programming. Strategies are implemented that foster
sense of leadership and ownership.
EXPERIENTIAL Youth learn best by doing. Experiential learning is primary program
strategy. Program incorporates physical activity that matches developmental need to be
active and have an element of risk.
PROGRESSIVE DESIGN Youth are not static. Programming aids in the
developmental process by offering different levels to advance into. Levels build on each
other and increase in complexity, type of involvement and risk.
LONG TERM Youth need consistency. The relationship and programming is available
over the long tern not just for specific time limited periods. Youth can grow up while
growing through the program. _
FUN Youth gravitate towards fun. Fun takes many forms: workers' positive attitude,
quality programming, element of risk.
3'-(09
Rgure 1
A framework for Understanding Youth Outcomes in the Context of Development
THE SOCIAL CONTEXTS OF YOUTH EXPERIENCE
BACKGROUND 4" %s -gam"`•'
POSITIVE OUTCOMES
FACTORS •self-efficacy
DEVELOPMENTAL •
NEEDS mental health
?xr • educational commitment
CURRENT s--'° • Food/Shelter •others
DEVELOPMENTAL —�� • Supportive : a•
LEVELS :_:..:::.•,:':.=
Relationships
� •Safe Places:
T' ' O : .... NEGATIVE OUTCOMES
_ ^ ..� .?:.,:_ • Opportunities
INDIVIDUAL /1` r
DIFFERENCES � �'.''�-� � �- °alcohol and other drug use
:_ ,i Gj Y
°t
`: :...'=:� =s �. school dropout
others
From Problem- Focused to Positive Youth
Development
Traditionally, policy- makers, funders, and program planners have
considered the role and impact of youth programs from a problem -
focused perspective. A specific problem is targeted (for example, violence,
school drop -out rates, pregnancy, alcohol use) and programs and other
strategies are developed to fix the problem. However, as youth
development expert Karen Pittman has suggested, "problem-free is not
fully prepared.' We need to move beyond the problem- focused paradigm
that tries to reduce or control negative behavior through prevention, early
interventions, and treatment and/or incarceration when the problems
become severe. Although there will always be a need for these types of
services, those who work with and care about young people are
recognizing the power of an alternative approach, one which focuses on
promoting the positive. Search Institute's asset - building framework is an
example of this positive approach (see Figure 2).
Making the Cott: Measuring the Impact of Youth Development Programs 3 /��/
figure 2
What's Different About Asset Building?
An asset - building perspective transforms the way communities address youth issues and think
about youth. Some of the differences are:
COMMON APPROACHES TO YOUTH ISSUES
AN ASSET-BUILDING APPROACH
Focusing on problems
•••••••••••""" "'• Focusing on the positive
responsibility for making
Pointing fingers and assigning blame
..................... Taking personal
a difference
Reactive
............•••••"•' Proactive
Mobilizing the public as well as all youth -
Heavy reliance on professionals
.....................
in a community
serving organizations
Viewing youth as problems
..................••• Viewing youth as resources
A vision- building perspective
A crisis- management mentality
..................•••
Cooperation Within the community
Competition among sectors and
.................."•
service providers
��••� Unleashing the caring potential of all
Heavy reliance on public funding to
......••.....
residents and organizations so that
provide services
n be focused on
public resources ca
areas of greatest need
Despair about entrenched problems ......•••••••••""•• Hope that change is possible
From Peter L Benson. Uniting Commun)Nas for Youth (M nneapons. MNs Search 4n.dtute. 1995).
The Troubled Journey: A Portrait of 6th -12th Grade Youth and other
Search Institute publications, present a framework 30 developmental
assets — things that all young people need in their lives in order to thrive'
('This framework of 30 assets has recently been expanded to �1
Figure 3 for a list and description of the changes). Surveys y
250,000 youth in 450 communities show that these developmental assets
are building blocks that help young people make positive and healthy
choices. Figure 4 on page 6 shows that the more assets young people
have, the less likely-they are to engage in problem behaviors, and the
more likely they are to engage in positive, prosocial behaviors.
4 MaEing the Case.. Mea wring the Impact of Yawk Devtlopma+t Progrcros
JAN -04 -99 MON 03:46 PH FAX N0. P. 02/03
;' • . 40 Developmental Assets
Search Institute has identified the following building blocks of healthy development drat help
am 7►O M young People gnaw up heahhy, caring, and responsible.
CATEGORY ASSET 1•W" AND
Support
I. Family sappeut�Farnily life provides high levels of love and support•
2. Positive family co ==nicetion -Young person and her or his parents) communimre
Positively. and young person is willing to seek advice and counsel from parmt(s).
3. Other adult relationships -Young person receives support from three or more nonpueru
adults.
4. Caring ne406orftood -Young person agxuieaees caring neighbors.
S. Caring eaehooI climate -- School provides a caring, oneouraging environment.
6. Parent Irmlvoment in aeehoolinc- Parents) arc actively involved In helping young person
succeed in school.
Empowerment
7. Community vahsea youth -Young person perceives that adults in the community value youth.
8. Youth as resources-Young people arse given useful roles in the community.
9. Service to others -Young person serves in the community one hour or more per week.
10. Safety -Young person feels safe at homc at school, and in the neighborhood.
Boundaries &
11. Family boundaries- Family has clear rules and consequences and monitors the young
Expectations
person's whereabouts.
1I. School boundatiee- School provides dear rules and consequences.
13. Neighborhood boundaries- Neighbors take rvsponsibiiiry for monitoring young people's
behavior.
14. Adult role models - Parents) and other adults mold positive, responsible behavior.
15. Positive peer influence -Young person's best friends model responsible behavior.
16. High expectations --Both pareal(s) and teachers encourage the young person to do well.
Cousttuctfve
17. Creative activities -Young person spends three or more hours per week in Lesson or
Use of Time
practice in musk, theater, or other iris.
18. Youth pragraa,s -Young perwe spends three or more hours per week in sports, clubs; or
organizations at school andfor in the community.
19. Religious community- -Young person spends one or morn hours per week in activities in a
religions instirution.
20.71me at home -Young person is out with friends `with nothing special to do" two or fewer
night& per week.
Cosnmitmetat 31. Achievement motivation -Young person is motivated to do well in school.
to Learning 22. School engagement -Young person is actively engaged in learning.
23. Homework -Young person reports doing at least one hour of homework every school day.
24. Bonding to school -Young person cares about her or his school.
25. Reading for pleasure -Young person reads for pleasure three or snore hours per week.
Poaitivc 26. Cating- Young person places high value on helping other people.
Yap =s . 27. Equality a � j��� Young person places high value on promoting equality and
28. Inalegrfty-Young person acts ova convictions and rtands up for her or his be& -fi.
29. Hoaestp -Young person'&as the truth even when tt is not easy.*
30. Respoans{btltey -Young person accepts and takes personal responsibility.
31. Restraint-Young person believes it it important not to be sexually active or to use alcohol
or other drugs.
Social 32. Planning and decision makiag -Young person knows how to plan ahead and make choices.
Competencies 33. Interpersonal competeneNYoung person has empathy. sensitivity, and friendship skills.
34. Cultural eompstence-YounE person has knowledge of and Comfort with pcopic of different
eulu+ral/raeaal/etimie backgrounds.
35. Resistance skills -Young person can restxt negative peer pressure and dangerous situations.
36. Peaceful conflict resolution -Young person seeks to resolve conflict nonviolently.
Positive 37. Personal power -Young person feels he or she has control over "things that happen to me.'
f ds ndty 38. Self-esteem -Young person reports having a high self - esteem.
39. Sea of purpose Young Person reports that 'my life has a purpose
40. Positive view of psnsonal fnhsne -Yotmg person Is optbaiadc about her or his permnat future.
- - +. �- - .+•w.w�....�+.�v.wrrv.�..���q i�IX �4NMriL 1.M.M�"- _•w:�l. wr,
?j -107
Rpm 4
The Impact of Developmental Assets
Based on Search institute's study of more than 250.000 youth across the nation, this chart shows that the more assets
young people experience, the less likely they are to engage in a wide range of risky behaviors. In addition, youth with
more assets are more fikely to grow up doing the positive things that society values.
Percent of Youth Engaged in Each Activity, by Number of Assets Reported
RISK - TAKING BEHAVIORS
Problem alcohol use
Sexual activity
Antisocial behavior /violence
Problems in school
POSITIVE BEHAVIORS
Volunteering in the community — 15%
Success in school ■ 5%
RISK - TAKING BEHAVIORS
Problem alcohol use
Sexual activity
Antisocial behavior/violence
Problems in school
34%
yo
POSITIVE BEHAVIORS
Volunteering in the community 34%
Success in school _ 13%
RISK- TAKING BEHAVIORS
Problem alcohol use - 9%
Sexual activity 170/6
Antisocial behavior /violence _ 130/6
Problems in school ■ 4%
51%
51%
POSITIVE BEHAVIORS
Volunteering in the community 57%
Success in school 28% _
RISK - TAKING BEHAVIORS
Problem alcohol use
3%
Sexual activity
- 7%
Antisocial behavior /violence
■ 5%
Problems in school
t 1 %
POSITIVE BEHAVIORS
Volunteering in the community 75%
Success in school 51%
ONMENTAL CENTER OF
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY
4 January 1999
San Luis Obispo City Council
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Re: City Budget Goal Setting
Dear Mayor Settle and Councilmembers,
BoAm of TRUS'rE1m
David Braun, Chair
Carol pimentel, viftcaair
Leslie Jones, Secretary
Susan Polk, Treasurer
Don Dollar
Geof Land
Bob Lavelle
Jennifer Remo
Kimberly Rosa
Arlene Winn
Holly Ziegler
Thank you for this opportunity to comment on priorities for the 1999 - 2001 budget cycle.
ECOSLO would like to make the following suggestions for your consideration:
GOAL: Examine the Modal Split Objectives ( #14) and other Goals, Strategies,
Z and Objectives in the Circulation Element and evaluate City progress.
u � �
` v The City's Circulation Element (adopted in 1994) is due for a periodic review (Cl
16.1.10). It is time for an honest evaluation and, if necessary, adjustment to City funding
tV priorities, if needed, to meet stated objectives.
GOAL: Complete Railroad Bike Path to Cal Poly
Cal Poly is updating its Master Plan, and it is likely that there will be a firture increase in
enrollment as a result. A perfect mitigation to offset a potential negative traffic impact
would be to get Cal Poly on board to help complete this project. The City has completed
Phase One, the Jennifer Street Bridge, and is moving ahead with Phase Two. During this
next budget cycle the City should build on this momentum and public support to
complete this project. Not only would the path be a great transportation route to Cal Poly,
but it would also be a recreation opportunity for cyclists, joggers, and city visitors.
Completing the path would also put "eyes on" this area, and could be the catalyst for both
redevelopment and clean up of the area.
GOAL: Continue funding to support transit, bike lanes, and improvements to
pedestrian infrastructure.
Traffic is on the rise in San Luis Obispo and continued funding for alternative
Transportation is required to bring us closer to the goals set out in the Circulation
Element. Recent major expenditures to increase parking (and automobile traffic) in the
downtown need to be offset by expenditures to support alternatives.
3 -i07
864 Osos Street, Suite C Tel. 805/544 -1777
P.O.Box1014 Fax 805/544 -1871
SanLnis0bispo,Califbmia93406 Printed an 100% tree-free, chlorinejreepaper e-mail ecos/o@slonetorg
GOAL: Increase funding for acquisition of Open Space in the City's
Greenbelt.
Public support for a greenbelt around the city is strong, with some key and popular
acquisitions made during the past several years. Some General Fund monies should be
earmarked for open space acquisitions, and an ongoing fundraising mechanism needs to
be established, perhaps through another attempt at a ballot measure, to fund parks and
open space.
GOAL: Begin design plans and public process to develop the Court Street site
and to dose Garden Street (between Higuera and Marsh) to
automobile traffic.
The creation of new parking in the downtown by building a new parking structure next to
the existing structure at Marsh Street would offset the loss of street and surface parking at
these two locations. Both of these projects have been talked about for years. Now, in this
next budget cycle, is the time to get started on the design and public participation phases.
It may be possible to involve Cal Poly students in the design (some work has already
been done) and a consultant might only be needed to complete the final phases.
There have been several great ideas proposed for Court Street including a permanent
Farmer's Market with offices and residences above, and opening up the creek (a perfect
time to do this is during the Iiiguera Street reconstruction). Garden Street is a perfect
place to create another pedestrian - oriented retail area, like the very successful Downtown
Center, with outside "cafd" seating. There is community support for both of these
projects, and the City should begin working with property owners to see if there is
support from them as well.
GOAL: Establish an Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) around San Luis
Obispo by a Council- initiated Charter Amendment.
By .Council action, ihe.City should put a Charter Amendment on the ballot to establish an
Urban Growth Boundary by writing the ultimate boundary of San Luis Obispo into the
City Charter. UGB's are a planning tool increasingly used by cities that advocate
"compact urban form ". In the states of Washington and Oregon, communities are
required to draw long term UGB's. Some California cities where voters have approved -_
UGB's include Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Healdsburg, Pleasanton, Novato, and Windsor.
Some Cities that have created UGB's by council action include: San Jose, Cupertino,
Morgan Ml, Monte Sereno, Los Gatos, Santa Barbara, and Modesto.
A UGB would send a clear message to city residents and to the County that the City is
serious about containing sprawl and creating a Greenbelt. It would also give city residents
certainty about-the ultimate boundary of SLO, and it would give developers and
speculators certainty about where firture urban development is to be approved. The
creation of SLO County's first UGB in San Luis Obispo would be an example for other
communities to follow, and places San Luis Obispo in the forefront of urban planning.
'lj-�// D
GOAL: Appoint a citizen "task force" to advise the Council on the
Conservation Element Update
The update of the Conservation Element merits the involvement of a citizen "task force"
to guide the council on this important update. The current Conservation Element dates
from 1973, and this update process is an excellent opportunity to get input from the
community. The existing Natural Resources Committee that was organized by Neil
Havlik for past projects such as the Birding Guide and the City Poster may be a good
framework for beginning this process.
GOAL: Develop a comprehensive Y2K contingency plan for the City
It is likely that the new millenium will bring challenges to the City when computer
systems fail due to an inability to recognize "00" as a date. At this point, it is unknown
how great an impact this will have, but the City should plan for worst-case scenarios and
have a contingency plan in place to address the potential loss of power and other critical
systems for up to a month. Public education should be a key component of this plan.
GOAL: Open a "Natural History Museum" in San Luis Obispo
This is an excellent time to pursue the creation of a Natural lEstory Museum in
downtown San Luis Obispo. Such a center would serve to showcase the natural history of
the area; highlight current open space projects; catalyze and organize community ideas
and involvement in natural resources matters; provide purchase opportunities for the City
Poster, Bird Guides and other publications; provide educational and tourist opportunities .
and more, via displays, docent programs, speakers series, special events, annual
conferences, on -site education, etc. It could well be a source of revenue for the City, a
boost to other businesses that benefit from tourism, and an educational resource that will
instill respect for natural systems in firture generations. A Natural History Museum would
build upon work ahrady started by the City in creek restoration, Greenbelt acquisition,
and habitat protection.
Respectfully (submitted,
L v at
Executive Director
?y ///
December 30,1998
To: San Luis Obispo City Council
Subject: Goal Setting/ Sports Complex Mitigations
Dear Honorable Members of the San Luis Obispo City Council,
Mayor Allen Settle and the previous City Council should be strongly commended for their
previous work to see that identified sound and light impacts from the Cal Poly Sports Complex on
the "line of sight", Bishop's Peak neighborhood are effectively mitigated.
Residents of the impacted Bishop's Peak neighborhood have met with Cal Poly
representatives and have agreed to implement specific sound mitigations found in the Sound
Study done through the cooperation of Cal Poly and The City of San Luis Obispo. Written
support for implementing these mitigations has also come from Mke Ryan and Bud Laurent on
the County Board of Supervisors, and Residents for Quality Neighborhoods. Light mitigations
have also been agreed upon between representatives of the impacted City neighborhood and Cal
Poly representatives.
A specific goal of the City Council should be to continue to strongly work to ensure that these
sound and light mitigations agreed upon with Cal Poly's representatives are implemented.
This goal is a very specific way to preserve an established city neighborhood. The successful
implementation of these agreed upon mitigations will also serve as a very real demonstration that
Cal Poly and San Luis Obispo neighborhoods can work together cooperatively.
Although it may be decided that this is " too small" of a goal for this process, or it doesn't quite
fit the process, I believe that the Council's strong commitment to work for the implementation
of these agreed upon sound and light mitigations should be reinforced at this time.
Carla Saunders
RECEIVED
AO CITY COUNCIL
IGR
Interfaith Coalition for the Homeless
Date: January 1, 1999
To: San Luis Obispo City Council
From: Lisa Wallender "
President, Board of Directors
Interfaith Coalition for the Homeless
Subj: Suggested Two -Year Goals
Request: Continued strong support for Prado Day Center for the Homeless
Why: The Prado Day Center for the Homeless has successfully addressed many serious community
concerns in an extremely positive way. Continued support from the city is critical to its long term success.
Background: The agencies who serve homeless people are located in several different places throughout
the city. Before the Prado Day Center was built, it was very difficult for homeless people, whose ability to
get around is typically limited by serious health considerations and lack of transportation, to access the
services they needed to get back on their feet. Additionally, homeless people had nowhere to do during the
day, and the People's Kitchen served lunch on the porch of the Old Mission; that combination meant there
was a high presence of homeless people downtown that was unacceptable to marry downtown merchants.
The development of the Prado Day Center has addressed these issues. Homeless people are much better
able to manage their lives now that they have a single place to access both basic services (showers; laundry,
mail, telephones) and professional services (health clinic, mental health outreach, dmg and alcohol
counseling, literacy tutoring, job search training, and more). Having a new place for people to go dining
the day and relocating the People's Kitchen to the center has significantly reduced the presence of homeless
people downtown.
The Prado Day Center has received consistently high praise from all who use it — service providers and
clients alike — as a wonderfully positive solution to so many difficulties faced by clients. It is being usco as
a model by other cities who recognize the importance of addressing homeless issues in positive ways, and it
recently won statewide recognition in the California Healthy Cities and Communities award program. The
attention given this project recognizes not only its success in addiessng.manifold community problems, but
also the remarkable collaboration of goverment and psivate enterprise that makes this project succeed.
The City of San Luis Obispo has shown very strong leadership in this project in many ways, and provided
absolutely critical support in the form of grant finding, boss passes, and prtrvision of utilities. We request
that you contimue your strong support for the Prado Day Center to ensure its cone mued success in the years
to come.
P.O. Box 1575 • San Luis Obispo, CA 93406 • 805 - 528 -5253
Contributions to the Interfaith Coalition for the Homeless are fully tax deductible