City Votes to Allow Dogs Closer to Beach

Port Hueneme is putting dogs and their owners on a longer leash, agreeing to relax rules designed to restrict their access to the city’s beachfront.

The City Council on Wednesday voted to amend an ordinance that had banned dogs from the south side of Surfside Drive.

The change would permit dog walkers to stroll on the ocean side of the street that parallels the city beach as well as popular paths on that side of the road.

Dogs would still be prohibited from the beach itself. A final vote on the amended ordinance will take place next month.

“I’ve had more contacts with constituents on this issue than with any other,” Councilman Jonathan Sharkey said. “We’re striking a reasonable balance with this ordinance. The last one was completely out of whack.”