Our dedicated community of dog walkers and lovers is committed to keeping Cesar Chavez Park and the Off-Leash Area (OLA) clean and safe for everyone—both dog owners and non-dog owners alike. We cherish this park as a vital space for our community, providing a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Recently, our harmonious experience has been challenged by an article titled “A Park For People,” posted on Martin Nicolaus’ website. This article advocates for banning all dogs, both leashed and unleashed, from Cesar Chavez Park. The author contends that with over 99% of Berkeley's parks accessible to dogs, there is a significant lack of dog-free spaces, which they view as an issue of fairness and equity.

We strongly believe in maintaining Cesar Chavez Park as a welcoming area for dogs and their owners. Our dogs enrich the community, fostering companionship, exercise, and social connections.

Moreover, a more extensive version of this initiative has surfaced on Nextdoor, urging residents to support the transformation of Cesar Chavez Park into a “Park for People.” This has prompted calls for emails to the Mayor and city council members advocating for the ban of dogs in the park.

With 90 acres total and 17 acres dedicated for off-leash interaction and play, people of all ages come to the OLA expressly to visit, pet, hug, and play with the wonderful dogs that frequent the area. Children’s day camps, bicycle clubs, and school field trips often lead to joyful interactions between kids and dogs.

I recently met with Parks Commissioner Claudia Kawczynska, who confirmed that we are in the early stages of planning improvements for Cesar Chavez Park. It is crucial for us to express our appreciation for a dog-friendly environment in our communications with city officials.

**What You Can Do:**

1. **Contact Your City Council Representative:** Email your support for maintaining Cesar Chavez Park as a dog-friendly space to council@berkeleyca.gov. This email will reach the Mayor, all Councilmembers, and the City Clerk.

2. **Mention the Ongoing Discussion:** Inform them that you are aware of the initiative to ban dogs and that you strongly oppose it. Express your desire to be involved in the upcoming planning process.

3. **Share Your Experience:** Emphasize how visiting the OLA benefits your health and enjoyment, not just your dog’s. Thank the city council for their past support and inquire about ways to ensure continued support for the OLA.

4. **Spread the Word:** Forward this email to your spouse, partner, and friends, encouraging them to express their support as well. A united voice will have a more substantial impact.

5. **SIGN THIS PETITION!** Let Berkeley City Council know how many of us love our dogs and want to continue enjoying the OLA.

**Additional Points to Consider:**

- If you have children, share how they love visiting the park with their dog.

- If you are a senior or have disabilities, explain how your dog helps you stay active and engaged.

- Highlight how your dog fosters community and enhances your quality of life.

**Contact Information for City Officials:**

- **Mayor:** Adena Ishii - mayor@berkeleyca.gov

- **District 1:** Rashi Kesarwani - rkesarwani@berkeleyca.gov

- **District 2:** Terry Taplin - ttaplin@berkeleyca.gov

- **District 3:** Ben Bartlett - bbartlett@berkeleyca.gov

- **District 4:** Igor Tregub - itregub@berkeleyca.gov

- **District 5:** Shoshana O’Keefe - sokeefe@berkeleyca.gov

- **District 6:** Brent Blackaby - bblackaby@berkeleyca.gov

- **District 7:** Cecilia Lunaparra - clunaparra@berkeleyca.gov

- **District 8:** Mark Humbert - mhumbert@berkeleyca.gov

Let’s work together to ensure that Cesar Chavez Park remains a welcoming place for everyone, including our beloved dogs. Thank you for your support!