tornadoes28 on November 11, 2009, at 12:31PM – #1

Doesn't really matter. It's only a place for dogs to poop and pee anyways.

James on November 11, 2009, at 02:26PM – #2

At least people were using the site. Before the Gala most dogs used it as a waste deposit. What part of curb your dog don't people understand? I'm a dog owner and have trained my dog to relieve itself along the curb: I let it play on the grass but it never relieves itself on the grass. Most people seem to let their dogs relieve themselves against the buildings so their urine streams down the sidewalk. Please take your dog to the curb and make sure it only plays on the grass. We all use this minimal space together. Let's be respectful of eachother and the law.

Brigham Yen on November 11, 2009, at 11:31PM – #3

OMG that looks HORRIBLE. I HOPE that the people responsible for maintaining the LAPD HQ are aware of the DEAD grass and will promptly resolve this by laying sod grass. This is embarrassing to have a brand new facility already in disrepair after less than a month in existence. What a shame.

JM on November 12, 2009, at 09:11AM – #4

Slightly off topic, but in line with the thread, what's up with the dogs Downtown? The most disturbing trend I've noticed over the past few years is an increasing number of dogs. Disturbing, because I can't fathom keeping a Great Dane or Rottweiler cooped up in an apartment/loft. And I'm tired of people using any green space that's developed Downtown as their dogs' private latrine. It's gross and it means that the rest of us don't get to enjoy the park. I'm never going anywhere near that grass.

Robert on November 12, 2009, at 11:49AM – #5

JM: First of all, it doesn't matter the size of a dog. They all have four legs, they need to be walked on a regular basis and they all have to relieve themselves. They are domesticated...not animals running in the wild like wolves. Don't blame the dogs...blame the city for not having areas available for dogs like every other city in the US. I am all for areas like they have in Paris where dogs are not allowed on the grass...just give us some grass or or some wooded areas that are watered frequently to avoid the odor.

I am also for dog owners having to be responsible for their own dogs as well. One suggestion is to carry bottled water with you and wash down the urine.

Dogs have helped make downtown livable, safe and community-oriented. I can tell you nobody is going mug me with a large dog on a leash! I remember when I first noticed all the people walking dogs Downtown...I commented that it has finally become a real neighborhood.

Ravi on November 12, 2009, at 12:20PM – #6

I noticed to the right of the 3rd St bridge on the hill that the existing lawn had been removed and re-seeded to grow ... a grassy lawn. Is it possible to speed seed the lawn at the LAPD in a similar manner? You know - the green stinky stuff?

JM on November 13, 2009, at 03:11PM – #7

Robert, I don't see how dogs make the community better (safe, livable, and community-oriented)? Frankly I feel sorry for the dogs because of their selfish owners and their need for company, no matter what. And you need a dog to keep you safe?? That's crap. Finally, I lived in Paris for 5 years and one of the biggest problems was stepping in dog turds, so the little grassy areas don't always help. I have no problem with some dog parks around Downtown, I have a problem with our lack of parks and how they immediately become de facto dog parks. I wouldn't let my kids play there...

Robert on November 13, 2009, at 03:56PM – #8

JM: Downtown never had people walking the street with their dogs until recent years. Now you see throngs of dog walkers in the mornings and evenings. That helps make a community....along with strollers and joggers and bicyclists. Chill out man..I have two rescue dogs who would have been euthanized. A lot of downtowners I know have rescued dogs from shelters. There are irresponsible dog owners...just like there are irresponsible parents. I don't have kids but I would never complain about them. My point is that the city needs to step up to the plate and create areas for dogs. They have done nothing even though the real estate boom Downtown has brought in a lot of tax dollars to Los Angeles. Sorry, but most dog owners I know are not selfish..in fact quite the opposite!

Bert Green on November 13, 2009, at 04:03PM – #9

I agree with James about the curbing issue. My office faces the glass double doors leading into my gallery, and all day long people walk their dogs by. Many of them allow their animals to urinate on my doorway, while the business is open! I've even seen professional dog walkers do this.

One time I came home at night to a woman allowing her dog to urinate directly on the closed door to my loft building. I asked her not to do that and she cursed me out.

I am fine with the dogs downtown, and I am friendly with a lot of them. It's just about respect of common space.

Noe on November 14, 2009, at 12:09PM – #10

I love dogs but I'm over them downtown.

The urine stench is getting unreal, especially around the front doors of loft buildings.

All those potted trees and plants next to the front doors of loft buildings -- used to make an entrance more inviting -- are being used as urine stops.

It's disgusting.

E. on November 14, 2009, at 11:38PM – #11

I agree with Noe. I also think dog "owners" need to start carrying little water bottles so they can wash the doggie urine away. It's a much better accessory than a fancy leash or sweater. If it were random people pissing on the street instead of the dogs, it wouldn't be tolerated. I do love dogs, but sometimes the owners are a bummer.

RJ on November 15, 2009, at 09:38AM – #12

i do think that it is the dog owners who are partly to blame but the city has not offered a better alternative. Pershing Square offers an area specifically for dogs to go and has posted signs on the grass that let owners know it's off limits. i am not sure how well this works, but i take my dogs there and they are happy to go in the designated spots.

as for the urine smell..... if you think that is soley dogs you are ignoring throngs of homeless and drunk people that think the city is their toilet. i have seen on too many occasions all kinds of people just peeing (and even pooping) in the street, sidewalk, alley, in the doorway to my building..... and i live on broadway! to place the blame on the animals alone isn't fair.

i also think that a lot of people do feel safer with a dog. that is just the way it is. if a dog equates safety and that safefty brings more peolpe downtown then it is a small price to pay for the community that is growing. i think overall our neighbors are terribly respectful and, just like any other problem downtown, this "problem" will find a solution that will make everyone happy. think positive!