City Parks Going to the Dogs?

Eight more local parks could become dog-friendly after Tuesday, if the San Clemente City Council approves.

Dog owners lobbied city government all last year -- the ultimate goal being to get a beach designated for use by pooches. The City Council stopped short of letting dogs on the beach, but told staffers to come up with a plan for more park access and more dog runs in parks.

Now, staff has come up with a plan, , to allow dogs on leashes in 10 city parks, up from the current two.

The following are a list of parks suggested for dog access:

• Bonito Canyon Bicentennial Park
• Leslie Park
• Linda Lane
• Max Berg Plaza
• Marblehead Inland
• Mira Costa (dogs currently allowed)
• Parque Del Mar (minus Park Semper Fi)
• Rancho San Clemente
• San Luis Rey
• Talega Park
• Verde Park (dogs currently allowed)

The measure would cost the city $3,500 to revamp signs, a sum that wouldn't include baggies for dog poop, as are provided on the Beach Trail.

Staffers say providing baggies for dog feces hasn't proved to reduce waste in other communities or on the Beach Trail. Rather a "culture of peer pressure" by other dog owners is what causes people to clean up after their dogs. Hence, the "Pick up the Poop" public service announcement video planned for approval along with the dogs-in-parks law.

The San Clemente City Council meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the San Clemente Civic Center, 100 Avenida Presidio.