The recent shore cleanup day prompted many people to visit the Beach and the Albany Bulb. Being very public-spirited (some say excessively so) AlbanyCentral was on hand, helping with the cleanup. While there, our reporter noticed several events-- more along the human interest line--which we will attempt to chronicle here.
The first involved the dogs who were running into the water retrieving tennis balls. This activity generated an animated discussion between the dog owners, the Sierra Club, and the City of Albany:
Sierra Club Rep: Tennis balls are not native to the Bay. Please do not throw tennis balls into the Bay.
Dog Owners: But the dogs bring them right back out!
Sierra Club: The fuzz on the tennis balls has chemicals in it which are not water soluble and will pollute the Bay.
Dog owners: The balls we throw don’t have any fuzz left on them. Our dogs have eaten all the fuzz off long before we ever get here, and the chemicals don't hurt them a bit, except for maybe some extra dandruff around the base of their tales for a little while. Nothing serious.
Sierra Club: Tennis balls are not native to the Bay.
City of Albany Rep: That’s not the only problem. There is a leash law clearly posted here, and even though the sign is upside down, you can still read it. Dog’s must be on leashes.
Dog Owners: Come on! Not when they are swimming in the Bay!
City Rep: The City of Albany property line extends 300 feet out into the water. The dogs are still on city property when they are swimming, and so they must be on a leash. If you want them to swim in the Bay they must remain on the leash and you will have to swim with them.
Sierra Club: No, no, you can’t make them do that! Their polyester clothes can pollute too!
Dog Owners: We wash our clothes for God’s sake! They have no chemicals in them!
Sierra Club: Well what kind of detergent do you use? I’ll bet it’s not bio-degradable!!
City of Albany: We don't care about all that. You will have swim with them on a leash, or you will be cited and your dogs will be confiscated by Animal Control. You will then be required to pay a fine to have them released. Since Albany has no dog pound, we will have to send them to Berkeley, and when you get them back, you may find them less obedient and more inclined to act out and demonstrate. Have you ever seen a dog sitting in a tree? You need to take this seriously!!
Our reporter had to move on so we cannot report whether or not a resolution was reached. Perhaps the City Council will take the question up at a future meeting.
THE SUPPLICANT SPEAKS!!
For years we have marveled at the wonderfully crafted figure on the Bulb, called by some "The Supplicant." But what is he asking for? Until now his request has been a mystery, so it is with great pleasure that AlbanyCentral is finally able to reveal his message. The friendly artists, all members of the Albany Bulb Art Committee (not be be confused with the City of Albany Art Committee) advised us that the Supplicant apparently believes in the old-time gods. Odin is the chief god, Loki is the god of mischief, and Thor is the god of battle and thunder. So here is what the Supplicant is asking for as handed down to us through the oral tradition of the Bulb Art Committee (which never puts anything in writing).
PRAYER OF THE SUPPLICANT
“Oh mighty Odin, protect and preserve the Albany Bulb. It is the last bastion of unalloyed freedom in the Bay Area. Think about it, Odin, where else can people:
· Do construction projects without a building permit or seismic studies? To say nothing of those nosy inspectors.
· Create wonderful art objects not included on the wish list of the Albany Arts Committee
· Camp under the stars (every other year) without paying a camping fee
· Hold weddings, concerts and other public gatherings without a permit
· Study historical building techniques like how they made reinforced concrete in the olden days
· Run their dogs without leashes, dogs who help keep the burrowing owl population from getting out of hand .
And Odin, if you don’t believe it, just watch KALB (channel 33) where they play “Bum's Paradise” over and over again. That will tell you all about it.
But Odin, there are dark clouds gathering. It seems as if you have let Loki loose in the Albany city council chamber. Mutterings about development on the Bulb have been heard. Talk of paths, drinking fountains, restrooms, needle exchange stations, pot clubs, and the like, is floating around. But the worst one is the rumor that the City has secretly offered the Bulb to the American Kennel Club for its new national headquarters. If this happens only pedigreed dogs would be allowed out there!
So I beseech you, Oh Mighty Odin, don’t let any of this happen. Make them leave the Bulb alone and in peace. Years ago, public-spirited companies were kind enough to donate many tons of material to create this last bastion of freedom in the Bay Area. Their legacy of generosity should be preserved and we are counting on you (and maybe Thor could help) to make this happen. If there must be development, we urge you to have them put it on that unused parking lot nearby. That's clearly the logical place for it. And while you’re at it, as a last request, could you please get Loki out of the city council chamber?"