LA Looks to Create Its First Dog Beach

A Los Angeles City Council committee asked parks officials today to explore the feasibility of putting a dog park at Cabrillo Beach, near the port of Los Angeles.

The city “does not have a dog beach, which is unfortunate and we deserve one,” Councilman Joe Buscaino told his colleagues on the Arts, Parks, Health, Aging and River Committee.

The panel approved Buscaino’s motion asking Recreation and Parks and port officials to study and report back in 30 days on whether it would be feasible to put the park at inner Cabrillo Beach, on the harbor side of the breakwater.

There is a “lack of water circulation” in the water in this part of the beach, making it unsafe for public use, Buscaino said, with the area consistently getting “F” grades from Heal the Bay and other environmental groups.

“But today you’ll find families down at inner Cabrillo Beach splashing in the water,” Buscaino said. “We need to send a message to the people that beach is not safe -- so my idea is to give it to the dogs.”

Residents asked the councilman three years ago about finding a spot for a dog park, according to Buscaino spokesman Branimir Kvartuc.

Buscaino asked city staffers today to use dog beaches in Malibu, Huntington Beach and Long Beach as possible models for one in Los Angeles.

City News Service