Good evening, Mr Mayor,Council members, staff
I’m here to speak about one of the true gems of Laguna Beach: the Dog Park. It is the only place in our entire city where our dogs can run free, off-leash. But it’s more than just a convenience for pet owners; it serves a vital and diverse community of residents—from families and seniors to those who might otherwise be housebound if not for this social outlet.
It is also a gateway; a stop for many tourists on their way to spend money downtown. Beyond its social value, the park serves a critical environmental function: it is designated as a flood zone, providing essential flood relief during our winter months. We love this park. We love it for the way it used to be, and because it has already reached its highest and best purpose as a recreational and environmental amenity.
But there is a shadow over this canyon. The Pacific Marine Mammal Center is attempting to steal what they explicitly told us they were only borrowing. What is more disappointing, however, is this Council’s opening position: to capitulate to them.
The obvious response to their request for permanent occupation should have been a resounding "No more!" They have had numerous extensions already. By failing to oppose this land grab, you are failing the stakeholders who put you in these seats—your voters.
Look at the 12-foot fence that now dominates the entire upper end of the park. It has been there for nearly three years now, depriving us of our favorite spots and the shade of three mature trees.
I've been to the upper lot recently. The first time I photographed it, I was accosted, told it was private property, and had the police called on me. The second time, after I had returned to my car outside the animal shelter to leave, a PMMC employee approached me to demand what I was photographing— from public property. By the third time, I drove right onto the construction site—no one noticed, because they assumed that I was pacing out the city lot for a reason. 26,000 sq ft adjacent to the PMMC which would make a perfect home for the field hospital.
History tells a troubling story here. Since the mid-90s, every ten years, the City tries to whittle this land away. First, it was a skate park; then, low-income housing; and now, an industrial/medical facility. In 2014, Council records literally described state grant terms as "roadblocks" to be "circumnavigated." Look at the timeline of this current maneuver:
• October: Glenn Gray tells the Friends of the Dog Park that PMMC will be out by December 15th.
• Early December: He’s already discussing a notice for permanent occupation with city staff. • December 17: PMMC formally files.
• January: You set up a "Working Group" twice.
• And then filed a "notice of exemption."
• Today, February 24: The issue isn’t even on the agenda. To my knowledge, not a single person who has spoken here for the Dog Park has even been contacted by this group.
First the extensions, then the rush to try and take stakeholders by surprise, and now the slow roll in an apparent attempt to run out the clock. The Temporary Use Permit mandates operations stop by June 30th.
It’s time to stop circumnavigating the public interest and start protecting the land you were entrusted to manage.
Questions for the Council
• Did the PMMC know about the Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation (EEM) grant restrictions on the property before they signed the Temporary Use Permit (TUP) or requested the Permanent Use Permit (PUP)?
• What will the City tell other non-profits that may request their own 12,000-square-foot space in the park if the PMMC's permit is approved? How can they justify denying others after "giving" land to the PMMC or the Food Pantry? • One council member said in the last meeting that needs change over time, and the area in question might be put to better use for the Food Pantry or the PMMC? Really? One thing we do know over time, is that OPEN SPACE does not come back once it's gone. OPEN SPACE is precious and must be protected at all costs. That does not change over time.