SAN DIEGO — People living in Mission Beach said they want to walk their dogs on the boardwalk no matter what time it is. Many are calling for changes, hoping the city lifts a ban that keeps them from walking their pets during certain hours.
“It’s very peaceful out here, you shouldn’t have to wait until it’s almost dogs to walk your dog,” said resident, Dixie Fox.
Current rules allow leashed dogs only after 4 p.m. and before 9 a.m. daily between November 1 and March 31. Hours are between 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from April 1 through Oct. 31.
Dog owners said the restrictions force them to schedule their walks on quiet or less traversed spaces, including near busy and sometimes treacherous streets.
“Down here at night, it's not always the safest. I typically don’t walk him at night for that reason,” said resident, Mariah Vincent.
“I totally agree, especially right now with the roads being torn up. The sidewalks are torn up too. I tripped the other night because it was darker,” added Sail Bay resident, DeeAnn Murdock.
“They’re doing so much construction, they got the roads torn up,” said another resident.
Now, two locals are trying to get the city to act.
Jeffery Purchin and Nick Cifranic are advocating for the city to approve a 24/7 dog-friendly policy.
“There’s no reason at all why people can’t walk their dog. The sidewalks right behind all the condos are very unstable,” said Sail Bay resident, Jeffery Purchin.
"Mission Bay holds a very special place in the hearts of our community and permitting our dogs to enjoy this beautiful place while keeping them leashed we believe we can enhance the quality of life in several important ways,” said resident, Nick Cifranic.
Cifranic believes allowing dogs on the boardwalk can even boost the local economy
“These establishments will see higher traffic,” he added.
Both men are now hoping to gather community support. They created this online petition, which already has more than a thousand signatures.
“I think it’ll be a long road but I think it's something we can do,” said Cifranic.
The City of San Diego said the current restrictions are in place to protect public health and ensure city shoreline areas are safe and accessible for all.
The men who want to change the rules said they are ready to put the work in.
“I’m not afraid. I’m going to do it,” said Purchin.
Purchin and Cifranic must now get the support of a local town council and community groups before going to the city’s park and recreation department.