Dogs will have to stay off San Clemente beaches – for now.
The City Council discussed allowing dogs on leash along a small section of beach near the north end of town, but decided Tuesday, March 16, to send the matter back to the city’s Parks, Recreation and Beaches Department for further study and to develop recommendations.
The idea was brought to the meeting by Councilman Steve Knoblock, who proposed a one-year pilot program for the stretch of beach between Djie Court and El Portal be an area where leashed dogs could go on the sand.
Public comments were mixed on the issue, with some dog owners saying they welcomed a place they could bring their furry friends, while others worried about dog feces and urine ending up in the ocean, among other issues, especially at this specific location where high tide brings water across the sand to the rocks and would wash it into the sea.
One comment noted the beach is popular for surfing “and a dog beach will contaminate the ocean.”
Another person said they wished the proposal was for an even larger area and for dogs to be able to play off their leashes.
There were also concerns expressed about whether the city would be liable if a dog bit a child or adult and if lifeguards, already tasked with watching over the water to keep people safe, would have to tend to the area.
Denise Erkeneff, president of the Surfrider Foundation’s South County chapter, was concerned there was no staff report, no environmental or fiscal study, no community input or public outreach with the councilman’s proposal.
“We are very concerned about inviting bacteria, dog feces,” said Erkeneff, who sits on a committee studying bacteria at the pier, where birds are suspected, which the city has spent thousands of dollars to investigate. “Why in the world would you allow more bacteria sources onto our beach?”
A commenter who identified as “San Clemente dogs” promised to behave: “As a dog, I can assure you, we will not bite people, kids or each other.”
Knoblock said he thought a pilot program would save staff time and energy. He said he’s not worried about the bacteria because “this area gets washed and flushed twice a day” from high tide.
The city’s recreational manager, Samantha Wylie, said the department is exploring the idea of dogs being allowed on the beach based on feedback on the city’s 2018 master plan.
The Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission wanted to gain broader feedback and directed staff last month to do more footwork in reaching out to the community to get broader perspectives about what area was the most feasible, she said.
Staff members were told to bring back that information in April for additional review.
Councilman Chris Duncan said without information on fiscal impacts – such as adding signs or enforcement – or information about potential health or safety risks, “it’s difficult to move forward without that information in a reasonable way,” he said.
“I get it’s a test program, but we don’t have the basic information to judge if this is the right place … or maybe if time limitations are in order,” he said of possible hour of the day when dogs would be allowed. “If you look at other beaches, they have those things. This seems like a shot in the dark.”
Councilman Gene James said he’d like to have a dog beach, as would his dog, Gracie. But the narrow beach in the location proposed concerns him.
“All that urine, all that feces is subject to go out into the water,” he said. “I’m concerned from a water quality perspective. … I think it needs more staff work.”
The council told staff members to report back on overall dog accessibility and improvement ideas within the city, including a dog beach.
The city’s Park, Beaches and Recreation Commission is expected to talk about a dog beach in April and have an analysis report ready for the City Council to discuss by early June.
