November 6, 2006: FOLF Donates $2,000 to Santa Cruz for Lighthouse Field Fountain
Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Commissioners' Meeting

Friends of Lighthouse Field presented our case 'Preserving the Community at Lighthouse Field State Beach' to the Santa Cruz Park and Recreation Commissioners. The 15 minute presentation delivered by Michael Tilson provided the commissioners with FOLF's encouragement for the commission to make their recommendations NOW to the City Council.

Download the FOLF presentation (.pdf 1.3MB)

The commissioner's discussed the timing and form of the recommendation and can be expected to make a recommendation in favor of continued off-leash access at LFSB at their December meeting. It will be important for all who would want the continuation of off-leash access to attend this meeting or to write the Parks and Recreation committee prior to the December meeting. Grant Weseman spoke in opposition during public comment and requested to present his views at length in December.

Our presentation was well-received and really helped clarify our position especially around stewardship and safety. It also helped the commissioners visualize how the park will likely deteriorate without the active presences of the FOLF community.

In addition to our presentation, Mike presented to P&R's Steve Hammack a check in the amount of $2000 to defray the cost of a new pet/human fountain in LSFB - which received applause and appreciation from the staff and commissioners.

Kris Reyes, the chair of the commission clarified for other commissioners that their considerations for other off-leash and/or dog park areas is separate from the LFSB off-leash issue which is complicated because of the State's role in management of the park.

The commission appears to now better understand how they need to proceed in order to influence the City Council. Mike clarified that FOLF's efforts have been primarly focused at the City and State Park levels, because our State elected officials, including John Laird and Joe Simitian, are unlikely to act without the guidance or input from Santa Cruz City Council. Thanks to Mike Tilson for presenting our position.