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The Parks and Waterfront Commission meets on Wednesday September 10 at 7 PM at the Frances Albrier Community Center at 2800 Park Street in San Pablo Park to discuss the state of the parks, many of which are in desperate need of repair, as well as the related state of the Parks Department budget, which is currently running a deficit. 

The agenda includes a report on a proposed renovation project at the Ohlone dog park, which has aroused a controversy over whether to subdivide the small area to allow a protected section for smaller dogs or place a quiet area in one corner. Off-leash dog parks continues to be a hot topic at Commission meetings, but we are hoping for a short and civil discussion, as there will not be an action at this meeting, just a report. 

A second problem that aroused interest around the world is the overpopulation of ground squirrels at Chavez Park, which the Water Board has been monitoring because of concerns that their burrows might penetrate the protective cap and allow leachate from the still decomposing landfill to enter San Francisco Bay. 

The City passed a new ordinance (7356) forbidding the feeding of wildlife that includes substantial fines for violation, and a committee of animal care advocates meets regularly with public works officials to develop an educational brochure and appropriate enforcement. 

In June a subcommittee of the Parks and Waterfront Commission held three public meetings to develop new signage for Cesar Chavez Park that would inform users about the new no-feeding ordinance and better orient dog walkers about the location of on and off-leash areas. 

The Commission will hear an update on the new signage as well as a staff report on the parks tax budget that should illuminate the discussion about Measure F, the proposed parks tax increase. In the spring, the Council ordered two community surveys to test the electoral viability of several propositions concerning parks as well as other subjects. 

The parks commissioners watched the debate about a potential parks tax or a Mello-Roos bond with mixed feelings, as the Council shifted its support from one to the other over several meetings in May and June, leaving many commissioners as well as community members with a sense of vertigo, which is a euphemism at best. 

In all commission meetings, public comment is welcome.