The City of Costa Mesa will reopen the Bark Park, with new rules and guidelines in place, this Saturday June 13.

“I know that many residents and their furry friends are anxious to return to the Bark Park,” Mayor Katrina Foley said.  “As we reopen it’s critical that our guests follow the social and physical distancing guidelines as well as clean up after pets playing in the park so that we can stay open. I’m looking forward to seeing many dogs running free during my daily walk past the park.”

Amenities will not be open at the park to limit touch points, including seating areas and dog water bowls. The public is encouraged to bring their own chairs, water, and dog water bowls to hydrate pets.

Additionally, as part of practicing responsible pet ownership, the public is encouraged to bring their own dog waste bags to pick up after their pets.

New signs are posted with the following guidance:

• Use facility at your own risk.
• Practice physical distancing of six feet or more.
• No gathering.
• Benches within Bark Park will remain closed at this time.
• Facial coverings are required while visiting the Bark Park.
• Practice good hygiene and stay home if you are sick.
• Wash your hands after visiting the park.
• Avoid petting or touching dogs that are not yours.

The Bark Park will be open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 p.m., except Wednesdays when it is closed for regular maintenance.

Police Chief Rob Sharpnack reports police officers conducted an investigation into reports of a coyote den in the College Park area and found that no such den exists.

“Based on our observations, we believe an adult and two teenage coyotes have habituated the area,” Chief Sharpnack said. “In response, we have conferred with Fish and Wildlife and placed traps in the neighborhood. The “Havahart” traps have been out for a few weeks and are checked multiple times per day by Animal Control. Thus far, we have yet to trap a coyote.”

Chief Sharpnack notes that these actions are consistent with the city’s Coyote Management Plan.

Click here for our Coyote Information page for the Coyote Management Plan, video tips and more.

It should be noted that although the department employs humane traps, it is against the law to relocate captured coyotes. Additionally, the Police Department has and will continue to remove coyotes who have become aggressive and a threat to the community.

The police department has also placed traps in the Monticello area, near City Hall, and around Vanguard. No dens have been identified or located in any of these areas as well. In working the previously described areas, Animal Control staff have observed the presence of a variety of coyote attractants. For example, one resident had an elevated plate full of peanuts and sunflower seeds. It appeared the resident was leaving the food out for squirrels, which in turn will bring in coyotes.

The department has also seen evidence of coyotes feeding on fruit trees, easily accessible trash and food waste and pet food. In addition, the department continues to request residents with overgrown shrubs and plants cut them back so coyotes will not bed down in those concealed locations.

Chief Sharpnack urged residents to continue to report sightings on the Coyote Cacher, click here for that tool.

The Coyote Cacher enables authorities to track activity and to help determine when or if coyotes are habituated in an area. The benefit for residents is that authorities may be able to identify trends and respond to their area in a more timely manner.

Depending on the circumstances, the Coyote Cacher information may also help in deciding whether to deploy traps and/or seek out the coyotes with tranquilizer guns. In those cases, the coyotes that are captured are euthanized.

Click here for a Coyote Warning flier.

Although it was a big week for dogs, the city would also like to congratulate cats Spartan and Sage on finding their forever homes.

The cats are the beneficiaries of the city’s new partnership with Priceless Pet Rescue, who adopt out stray animals who end up at the city’s animal shelter at Newport Center Animal Hospital.

The city’s move to the new Newport Center Animal Hospital for shelter services has so far yielded favorable results and improved customer service.

As part of this new operation, the city has also partnered with Priceless Pet Rescue to handle pet adoptions because Newport Center Animal Hospital is currently not set up to do adoptions.

City staff facilitated the first pet adoption out of the shelter through the no-kill Priceless Pet Rescue. Jack the schnauzer mix was adopted by Danielle Rudd, pictured above on the right.

“Already Jack is fitting in perfectly and is loving going to the park for walks and getting tons of cuddles,” Rudd said. “Words cannot express how thankful I am to welcome Jack in my life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for working tirelessly to ensure she was placed in an awesome home with me and my mom.”

Residents interested in adopting pets can visit this page for more information

Strike, a Treeing Walker Coonhound, is looking for a new home.

He is smart, sweet, and outgoing and loves to stay active by going on walks and being outdoors.

Strike is 9-years-old but has the energy of a young pup.

He’s eager to please, knows all of his commands and is ready to move in with a new family.

Come visit with this handsome boy today at the OC Humane Society.

For more information go to the OC Humane Society website here

Spot, a 5- year old black and white Chihuahua Mix is sweet, outgoing and happy. He walks well on a leash and is very friendly. This spunky boy was surrendered to the shelter because his owners were moving and didn’t take him along. Spot is looking for a family that will love him forever and never let him go. Visit with him today and see how quickly he takes up a “Spot” in your heart!

Nappy, a 6- year old Cairn Terrier is looking for his fur-ever home. He walks well on a leash and is always happy to make new friends. Nappy’s laid back personality makes him easy to get along with and a pleasure to be around. He’s not asking for much, just a human to love and a place to call home. Visit with Nappy today!

Meet Cheddar, a 1-year old Pit Bull mix known for his funny personality and eagerness to play and socialize. He is great on a leash and very loving with other dogs and children. Contact the Orange County Humane Society and set up your visit with this Cheese Ball today.

This 4-year old Dachshund mix gets along well with other dogs and is looking for her forever home. If you’re interested in giving Chiquita a good home, then contact the OC Humane Society today.

Chico may be small, but his personality is larger than life. This 7-year old Chihuahua is loyal, quiet and ready to go home with you today.

Meet 1-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier mix, Elli. She is a smart, energetic  and playful girl who understands all of her basic commands. She is very loving and would do best with a family that would be patient with her while she transitions into her new home.

Click here for more information on how to bring Elli home today.

Meet Gordy, a 2-year old Chihuahua mix who loves taking walks and exploring the world around him. He is the perfect size to be carried around and would love to relax in his new owners arms. Gordy is well-mannered, well-tempered and would make a great addition to your family, visit with him today.

Click here for more information on how to bring Gordy home today.