Workshop to Focus on Places Where Dogs Can Roam

Residents are invited to attend a workshop Monday to help develop recommendations on roaming areas for dogs.

The workshop is in response to concerns by Mayor Ann Christoph, who suggested in February that the city consider banning dogs from small parks and play areas. Christoph said she was concerned about dogs relieving themselves in confined spaces where youngsters play.

But dog owners railed against the idea of further restrictions on animals. They said the fault lies with irresponsible owners who do not clean up after their pets. Already, dogs must be on leashes anywhere in town except at the city’s fenced “Bark Park” on Laguna Canyon Road.

Unwilling to impose further restrictions on pets--at least for the moment--the council recommended that the matter be directed to the city’s recreation department for consideration.

The workshop will be at the Veterans Memorial Community Center, 384 Legion St., at 5:30 p.m. The goal will be to define key concerns about pets and then identify possible solutions.

Those who wish to contribute but cannot attend the meeting are encouraged to mail suggestions to the Recreation Committee, 515 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach, Calif. 92651.