Local Group Lobbies for Dog Beach

The new San Clemente Dog Beach Now group wants just what its name says—a place to run pooches in the surf.

Tuesday night, . Some people , but about a half-dozen residents came to lobby for a dog beach.

"We understand that these things can be daunting sometimes, but it has worked out in other places," said Don Slater, a founder of the group.

Members of the group cited the dog beaches in Huntington Beach and Del Mar as successes.

One member pointed to the potential economic benefit of an influx of dog lovers into town.

"I personally, just to practice with my dog, drive to San Diego," said Megan LaRue, a professional dog trainer and San Clemente resident. "And guess where my money goes? With these events, they attract thousands."

One resident, Helen McCue, worried that dog waste would infect the sand at the beach.

The Beaches, Parks and Recreation Committee with be responsible for presenting city officials with a recommendation concerning the potential for allowing dogs on the beach in San Clemente. They meet again in the first half of December.