For the Record Gazette

Most people who have a golf cart use it to transport themselves around the golf course. One of these days, I promise to give that a try. For the most part, my electric powered vehicle serves as my precious pooch's exercise machine.

Sure, I try to walk her at least a mile a day and she has the run of the backyard but Sandy is big, a hunting dog and couldn't possibly be satisfied walking around here at an old lady's pace with a chain around her neck. At least when I let her run beside the golf cart, she can be free (even though on a leash) and feel the wind in her ears as I struggle to keep my arm in its socket.

At $3.50 per gallon, I can no longer afford to take Sandy to the dog parks in Palm Springs or Palm Desert. It makes me sad, because she enjoyed running free, socialize with other dogs, while I was able to interact with other humans. To my knowledge, there is no legal place in Banning or Beaumont where dogs can run off leash. That's too bad. The fact is - we need a dog park.

I think I mentioned this six years ago when I moved to Banning and Bill and I hadn't yet rescued Sandy from certain extinction. I had gone to various dog park facilities with friends in other cities and enjoyed the interaction between the canines and the humans. One friend knew the name of every dog in the park! She was short on identifying the people by name and would introduce them as Fifi's mom or Bruiser's dad.

Still, the socializing between people and their pets was extraordinary. There is no question in my mind that as much fun as the animals had, the people were enjoying themselves just as much. One widower mentioned to me that taking his dog to the dog park was the highlight of his day, as he got to talk with people rather than sit alone in his house. A dog park can do as much for people as it can for their pets.

What it takes is cooperation between local government and the people who want to use the dog park. It takes a bunch of sturdy fencing and a couple of gates. The main entrance has a holding area. There are two sections. On one side are the smaller dogs; the other is for larger dogs (usually over 25 pounds).

There are plenty of trash bins, pooper scoopers and disposable bags. There are provisions for water and even hydrants for male dogs to feel at home. There needs to be extreme cooperation between the people who own/run the park and the folks who use it.

There need to be rules and they need to be adhered to or the operation is doomed to fail. I think there should be a membership, where people who want to bring their dogs there pay a modest annual fee to help with the maintenance and amenities of the park; like shaded areas, etc.

The membership and registration would include certification that each dog has current vaccinations. Aggressive dogs and their owners would NOT be welcome or allowed. The park may or may not require staffing but it certainly would require regular maintenance.

I know there is land in Banning, because I have checked it out. Various developers have offered strips of land or easements under utility lines which has little or no other property use. Finding the land is not the problem, having this kind of action move forward without a “champion” of the cause is.

While the cities of Banning and Beaumont couldn't get together on a dual use for the animal shelter (TOO BAD), maybe we can take a regional approach about a dog park that would be equally appreciated by humans! Whether it's in Bannmount or Beauming- who cares? The people and the animals win. Let the talking and planning begin.

Speaking about the underpass - - -

I've had several written and phone communiqués about my recent column asking questions about disbursement and reimbursement of fees from the Highland Springs Underpass (CFD-86-1). I will admit to one mistake. I alluded to the fact that I was the “go to person.” I probably should have said, I'm the person people come to with questions” and that's just what happened in this case.

Of course, the underpass got built! I just drove through it. The fact that it took me three traffic signals worth of inching along because so many people were driving on Highland Springs to spend their money in Beaumont stores like Home Depot and Wal-Mart did not go unnoticed.

I never implied or intimated that I had answers. If I failed, it was not adequately imparting that I was asking questions and SEEKING responses. I believe the questions are still valid. Were fees collected? If so - when and how much?

The shopping Mecca located off the west side of Highland Springs Avenue certainly is benefiting by the fact that every ten cars are not interrupted by a train stopping. I think it was brilliant of earlier councils to have the wisdom to share some of these major and visionary infrastructure costs. As the ordinance read, the costs were supposed to be borne by the cities of Banning, Beaumont and the County of Riverside.

As with most development, someone has to pay the first (read major) installment. Then, as development occurs, those benefiting by the infrastructure contribute their fair share. My questions were not rhetorical: I was and continue to seek answers.

IN THE REAL WORD is written for the Record Gazette by Gail Paparian, a Banning resident for nearly six years, has served on Banning (and Riverside County) commissions and committees. She currently serves on these boards: Community Blood Bank, San Gorgonio Pass Rotary, San Gorgonio Pass Boys and Girls Club and a member of the Banning Economic Development Committee.