DOG PARK POLICY NEAR DRAFT TO BE DONE IN FEW MONTHS.Byline: Eugene Tong tong 1 tr.v. tonged, tong·ing, tongs To seize, hold, or manipulate with tongs. [Back-formation from tongs. Staff Writer Since Stevenson Ranch Stevenson Ranch, California (in the 91381 ZIP Code) is a Los Angeles County, USA, unincorporated community west of Santa Clarita a few miles south of Six Flags Magic Mountain amusement park. The Stevenson Ranch fountain was redone in 2007. residents petitioned to close off part of a local park for people with their dogs, county officials have been drafting a comprehensive countywide policy for off-leash pet areas at public parks. ``We're trying to do a comprehensive job,'' said Lyn Wallensak, a spokeswoman for the county Department of Parks and Recreation. ``We have to be confident of what we're suggesting. ... People either love dogs or hate them. You have to achieve a balance.'' The study began last September after some dog owners in the unincorporated Adj. 1. unincorporated - not organized and maintained as a legal corporation unorganised, unorganized - not having or belonging to a structured whole; "unorganized territories lack a formal government" Stevenson Ranch community began defying leash laws leash law n. An ordinance requiring that dogs be kept on a leash when not restricted to their owners' property. at Richard Rioux Memorial Park. Noting that some cities in the county have off- leash dog parks or areas, they took the issue to county Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich Michael Dennis Antonovich (born 1939 in Los Angeles, California) is a member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors representing the Fifth District, which covers northern Los Angeles County, the Antelope, Santa Clarita, Pasadena, and parts of the San Fernando and San . Officials expect to present a draft plan for public review in a few months, Wallensak said. She said county-government researchers have examined off-leash ordinances throughout the region and considered how areas for free-running dogs could be integrated with typical park activities, such as sports or group picnics. ``Would you be displacing other recreation activities?'' Wallensak said, noting that researchers have needed to ask that question. Last summer, an informal group of dog lovers defied Defied is an active punk rock band from Long Beach/Wilmington, California. They were formed in December 2001 by guitarist, George Romano; bassist, Melvin Trinidad; and drummer, Manuel Mora. Defied soon inducted Brian Zuniga as lead vocalist in February 2002. county leash laws by allowing their pets to run free inside a fenced picnic area at Rioux Park - one of just two recreation areas in Stevenson Ranch. County police began cracking down, citing the owners after repeated warnings. Each violation carries a fine of up to $250 and court appearances. Eugene Tong, (661) 257-5253 eugene.tong(at)dailynews.com |
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