Gatto introduces bill to protect cities from dog park-related claims

Five years ago, Grassroots organizers from throughout the region began working together to create a dog park in Crescenta Valley.  I was happy to help those organizors pursue their goal and last October, I was honored to be part of the ribbon cutting ceremony that officially opened the park to the public.  Now I'm authoring AB 265, a bill that would make it easier for small  and medium-sized communities across California to open dog parks.  Daniel Siegal of the Glendale News-Press wrote the following article about the challenges to small and medium-sized communities who want to build dog parks, how AB 265 would address them.  He also provided a recent photo of local residents (and their furry friends) taking advantage of the Crescenta Valley Dog Park

Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Silver Lake) has introduced a bill that would limit the liability of local governments that operate dog parks.

AB 265 would also require cities and counties to post signs warning users that they enter a dog park at their own risk, Gatto said in a statement.

 (Times Community News / February 11, 2013)

Under current law, cities can be subject to massive liability claims filed by people who they were unaware of the potential dangers, such as dog bites, that can occur at dog parks, according to Gatto’s office.

“By offering our communities a more sensible set of laws on this issue, we can help make more dogs parks available in more neighborhoods,” he said.

-- Daniel Siegal, Times Community News

You can read this article and more at the Glendale News-Press HERE

Mike Gatto is the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee of the California State Assembly.  He represents Burbank, Glendale, La Canada-Flintridge, La Crescenta, Montrose, and the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, and portions of the Hollywood Hills and East Hollywood.   www.asm.ca.gov/gatto

- Become a fan of Assemblyman Mike Gatto on Facebook by clicking  HERE!

San Diego Pets Magazine: Gatto Bill Would Help Cities Get Dog Parks

Dogs play at a beach in Coronado, CA - A new bill by Assemblyman Mike Gatto
would eliminate barriers for cities like Coronado to build dog parks.

Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles) introduced a bill today to help local governments create dog parks for their residents.  Under current law, cities often hesitate to open dog parks because dog parks can subject cities to massive liability from litigants who claim, for example, that they were unaware of the potential dangers (i.e., dog bites) that can occur at such parks.  Gatto’s AB 265 limits liability for cities and counties that operate dog parks.  Cities must post signs to warn users that they enter a dog park at their own risk, and, because most cities do not patrol dog parks, that the city is not responsible for injuries suffered by park goers or their pets.

The idea for the bill came from a local city councilmember, who expressed to Gatto that cities would open more dog parks, but for the liability concerns.  “Apparently, large cities and counties can ‘self-insure’ and absorb any potential liability,” said Gatto, “but for smaller and mid-size cities, the liability concerns are a major barrier to improving the lives of dog lovers.”

There is precedent for the state stepping in to limit liability for the public good, especially for the use of public resources that come with some inherent danger.  In 1997, the state imposed limited liability under certain circumstances for cities that open skate parks.  Policymakers reasoned then that more recreation opportunities were needed, but that since skateboarding is inherently dangerous, it should be done at the users’ risk and without massive liability for cities and their taxpayers.

“By offering our communities a more sensible set of laws on this issue, we can help make more dogs parks available in more neighborhoods,” said Gatto.

Mike Gatto is the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee of the California State Assembly.  He represents Burbank, Glendale, La Canada-Flintridge, La Crescenta, Montrose, and the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, and portions of the Hollywood Hills and East Hollywood.   www.asm.ca.gov/gatto

Read more: San Diego Pets Magazine - Assemblyman Mike Gatto Bill Would Help More Communities Get Dog Parks

Silver Lake Celebrates its Newest Sidewalk

October 10, 2012 - The completion of a new sidewalk does not usually draw a crowd, let alone three TV news crews a pair of Los Angeles city councilmen, and a State Assemblyman.  But the new, approximately 500-foot sidewalk along Tesla Avenue marks the completion of a years long effort to build a walking path around the Silver Lake and Ivanhoe reservoirs.  Much of the path around the reservoirs was completed at the end of 2008 except for a section on Tesla Avenue, where the lack of a sidewalk forced pedestrians into the narrow street.

While the s$600,000 sidewalk and retaining wall have already been in heavy use for a few weeks now,  a grand opening celebration with councilmen Tom LaBonge and Eric Garcetti, and Assemblyman Mike Gatto was held late this afternoon on the north edge of the Ivanhoe reservoir near the new sidewalk.

Building the new sidewalk was not a simple as pouring a strip of concrete.  At one point, officials were considering building an elevated boardwalk on Tesla. That idea was abandoned in favor of cutting a notch into what is basically part of the dam that contains the Ivanhoe reservoir. That plan, however, needed to be reviewed and approve by state dam officials.

The closure of the 500-foot gap in the walking path means joggers and walkers no longer have to venture into the street to circle the reservoirs. But, as the photos above show, some folks still like to go off road around the reservoir.

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You can read this story and more at the Eastsider LA by clicking HERE

Mike Gatto is the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee of the California State Assembly.  He represents the cities of Burbank, Glendale, and the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Los Feliz and Silver Lake.  E-mail Mike at: assemblymember.gatto@assembly.ca.gov, or call (818) 558-3043.

Website of Assemblyman Mike Gatto: www.asm.ca.gov/gatto

[Mike Gatto] Sunnynook Park Highlights Cooperation in Tough Economic Times

Recently, I participated in an event that exemplified the great things we can accomplish through federal, state, local and community cooperation. This project—the groundbreaking for a new park—demonstrated when government and communities work together, we can preserve our environment and make our neighborhoods better.

On July 25th, I joined with Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District Commander Col. Mark Toy; Los Angeles City Council members Tom LaBonge, Eric Garcetti and Ed Reyes; representatives of the Bureau of Engineering; the Dept. of Recreation and Parks, and numerous community organizations to break ground on Sunnynook Park.  Senior citizens from the Griffith Park Community Center and cyclists on the Los Angeles River Bicycle Path will find the park particularly well situated as each will have a new place to rest and relax along the riverfront.

Sunnynook Park will be a 3.4 acre park located along the bike path on the narrow stretch of land between the Los Angeles River and Interstate 5. The park is located on land owned by the Los Angeles Dept. of Water and Power and CalTrans, using funds from the Santa Monica Mountain Conservancy and the State Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation (EEM) Grant Program.  Plans have taken a cooperative effort by many government agencies as well as community organizations such as Friends of the Los Angeles River (FoLAR).As part of the Los Angeles River Master Plan, Sunnynook will not only create more green space within our community but will also improve accessibility to the river, expand adjacent native habitat by removing invasive—exotic species and planting additional native plants—and provide river-related environmental education.

Sunnynook Park demonstrates that even in tough economic times, cooperation facilitates progress.  I invite you to share with me additional ideas of how State government can work with you to serve and improve our communities.

Read this article and more at the Los Feliz Ledger by clicking HERE

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Mike Gatto is the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee of the California State Assembly.  He represents the cities of Burbank, Glendale, and the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Los Feliz and Silver Lake.  E-mail Mike at: assemblymember.gatto@assembly.ca.gov, or call (818) 558-3043.

Website of Assemblyman Mike Gatto: www.asm.ca.gov/gatto

Veterans Closer to Completing Two Strike War Memorial Wall

Fundraising efforts had a major boost from the Home Depot Foundation, presented by Assemblyman Mike Gatto to foothill war veterans.

By Nicole Charky

July 27, 2012 - Assemblyman Mike Gatto presented a $5,000 donation from The Home Depot Foundation to restoring the Two Strike Park veteran war memorial wall. 

The call to action started in 2006, when Army Spc. Nicholas Steinbacher was killed in Iraq.

After Steinbacher's death, Veterans of Foreign War Post 1614 and American Legion 288 members wanted a location in town to recognize all the locals in the La Crescenta and Montrose area who were killed in action, said Mike Baldwin, who was recently named Veteran of the Year for the 43rd Assembly District.

"We want to pay respect to those who died," Baldwin said.

The $5,000 donation from the Home Depot Foundation and an additional donation of $1,500 in cinder block materials are expected to help rebuild the current structure. 

"With this money we'll be able to give the names of all the people who've given their lives in the Crescenta Valley," said Warren Spayth, Commander Veterans of Foreign War Post 1614.

Family members and community leaders from the Crescenta Valley Town Council came to support the announcement from Gatto.

"We're really proud of this community, which stepped up and helped us. Our wives, our sons, our daughters, they're all proud of this place," said Ken Jury, Commander of American Legion Post 288.

The veterans hope to remember the fallen by next year, on Memorial Day.

Article from the Montrose Patch - Read this article at the Montrose Patch

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Mike Gatto is the Assistant Speaker Pro Tempore of the California State Assembly.  He represents the cities of Burbank, Glendale, and parts of Los Angeles, including Los Feliz, North Hollywood, Silver Lake, Toluca Lake, Valley Glen, and Van Nuys.  He has served in the Assembly since June 2010.  E-mail Mike at: assemblymember.gatto@assembly.ca.gov, or call (818) 558-3043.

Gatto Breaks Gound on Sunnynook River Park

Sunnynook River Park groundbreaking: golden shovels lifting ceremonial soil. Visible from left to right City Engineer Gary Moore, Councilmember Garcetti, Councilmember Reyes, Councilmember LaBonge, Recreation & Parks Assistant General Manager Kevin Regan, FoLAR founder Lewis MacAdams, and State Assemblymember Mike Gatto

July 25, 2012  Before a crowd of about 90, the city of Los Angeles broke ground on Sunnynook River Park this morning. The new Atwater Village park will be located in the mostly vacant area on the southwest bank of the Los Angeles River, between Glendale Boulevard and Los Feliz Boulevard – immediately downstream of the Sunnynook footbridge. The ceremonies were lead by Los Angeles City Councilmember Tom LaBonge, and included remarks from representatives from various city, state, and federal agencies and groups.

Friends of the L.A. River’s Lewis MacAdams speaks at the Sunnynook Park groundbreaking

Speakers included LaBonge, City Councilmembers Ed Reyes and Eric Garcetti, City Recreation and Parks Assistant General Manager Kevin Regan, Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority’s Lisa Soghor, FoLAR’s Lewis MacAdams, Trust for Public Land’s Carolyn Ramsay, City Engineer Gary Moore, and Army Corps of Engineers Colonel Mark Toy.

L.A. Creek Freak wrote about the planned 3.4-acre Sunnynook River Park back in 2008 when it was being planned, and in 2009 when LADWP approved the park existing under their power lines. Though it’s not a big project, it’s been delayed a bit by state and city budget shortfalls.

Location of the planned Sunnynook River Park (from LAist)

It’s a fairly small all-natural, all-passive park, accessible mostly via the L.A. River bike path and via the footbridges that cross the 5 Freeway and the river. The site has had its problems over the years. It’s bordered by the 5 Freeway and the river, so it has been home to homeless encampments, mostly on the freeway-side of the site, maintained by the state transportation department Caltrans. Hopefully the park improvements can create a green space where everyone feels welcome and safe.

Construction gets underway now, and is expected to be completed in the spring of 2013.

Article from LA Creek Freak - Read this story at LA Creek Freak HERE 

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Mike Gatto is the Assistant Speaker Pro Tempore of the California State Assembly.  He represents the cities of Burbank, Glendale, and parts of Los Angeles, including Los Feliz, North Hollywood, Silver Lake, Toluca Lake, Valley Glen, and Van Nuys.  He has served in the Assembly since June 2010.  E-mail Mike at: assemblymember.gatto@assembly.ca.gov, or call (818) 558-3043.

Website of Assemblyman Mike Gatto: www.asm.ca.gov/gatto

Christening the Rosemont Preserve

I am proud to support the opening of the Rosemont Preserve.

Saturday was a good day in La Crescenta, Calif and for those who care about open space in our congested Los Angeles basin. The Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy officially opened its latest acquisition, the 7.75-acre Rosemont Preserve.

Read about Jim Burn's account of the opening in LARIVERFLYFISHING HERE

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Mike Gatto is the Assistant Speaker Pro Tempore of the California State Assembly.  He represents the cities of Burbank, Glendale, and parts of Los Angeles, including Los Feliz, North Hollywood, Silver Lake, Toluca Lake, Valley Glen, and Van Nuys.  He has served in the Assembly since June 2010.  E-mail Mike at: assemblymember.gatto@assembly.ca.gov, or call (818) 558-3043.

Website of Assemblyman Mike Gatto: www.asm.ca.gov/gatto