lagunabeachindy . com MARCH 15 , 2024 15
Community Pool
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swim and accessibility for young children , in addition to how much more the city would be able to provide the community given a larger pool , but LBUSD did not make any concessions with the city and have moved forward with this project regardless of city needs .
“ They said , ‘ No , they voted on a 50-meter pool . They plan to build a 50-meter pool .’ It ’ s also very clear that not only are they going to build a 50-meter pool , they are going to pay for it themselves ,” said Kempf . “… They are happy to have our contribution , but just to be clear , they are going to build their own pool , and they are going to pay for it themselves if we choose not to contribute .”
Despite the city staff ’ s informal survey results showing a relatively even split between community preferences , the majority of public commentary was opposed to working alongside LBUSD , with concerns focused on the city ’ s ability to impact the expansion project .
“ We are behind the times with this aged pool and the use of running multiple programs at the same time ,” said resident Leilani Fitzgerald . “ This pool means so much to the young … and older families in the community . I would love to be able to swim while my kids are practicing , but there is room for water polo , swim team and lap swim at the same time .”
Between October 2023 and March 2024 , approximately 45 residents wrote to the city council , with a majority opposing the expansion of the 50-meter pool , expressing concerns about accessibility for children and the aging population as LBUSD ’ s pool expansion would not include shallow lanes or options for a children ’ s pool or splash pad .
“ That $ 90 million does nothing to educate our children whose math scores have dropped down to 50 % of all high school students are meeting math standards , which is a far cry from when you were there when we were 58 %, which still is not ideal …” said resident Sheri Morgan . “ So none of these new dollars that they ’ re using for this pool has anything to do with our education of our students . As a city council , please think of the big picture and serve our elderly community and our youngest , but don ’ t let the superintendent decide the future of this town .”
As the city navigates alternatives , including crucial consideration for capital and operating costs and the impact on the existing aquatics program , the issue remains open for discussion , with deliberations expected in the coming weeks .
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GUEST OPINION :
Prepare Your Pets for Rattlesnake Season
By DR . MATHeW COHeN AND DR . ROXANNe KRuGeR , LAGuNA BeACH VeTeRINARy MeDICAL CeNTeR
Rattlesnakes are most active from April to October and sedentary during the winter to conserve energy .
Snakes are scared of humans . Bites occur out of fear and are usually secondary to being accidentally touched or stepped on .
They ’ re most active at dawn , dusk and night and generally try to avoid the warmest parts of the day . Rattlesnakes are found in brush , hiking trails , marshlands , sunny areas , under rocks , trees and sticks . Not all rattlesnake bites are venomous . In some cases , they only give a warning bite and do not activate their fangs that hold the venom .
Symptoms of a rattlesnake bite in humans and dogs include bruising in the bite area , two puncture marks , pain , swelling of the bite area , and bleeding at the location of the bite . Bites are treated with antivenin . Rattlesnake Safety Tips : When walking in nature , stay alert and avoid tall grass , weed and brushy areas . Shake out sleeping bags and tents before using them , never hike alone and wear long pants and boots .
Do not let your dog off leash during rattlesnake season and in high brush areas or around hiking trails . If you see a snake in the wild , do not touch or taunt it . Dog Rattlesnake Bites : Dogs are most commonly bitten in the face or leg . The face is the number one area , as dogs “ look with their noses .” The second most common area is the legs , as they are low to the ground , and when dogs are walking or running , this is the closest area to
VETERINARY , PAGE 18
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