Herb Katz Dog Park - Images by Fabian Lewkowicz
Santa Monica Mayor Richard Bloom presents a city commendation to Brenda Katz during the Herb Katz Dog Park dedication ceremony at Joslyn Park on Thursday, May 5, 2011.
The City officially dedicated the off-leash dog area at Joslyn Park in honor of former Mayor Herb Katz. Mr. Katz was a well-known community member and public official who served on City Council from 1984 - 1996 and 2000 - 2008. He also served as a member of the Planning Commission, the Architectural Review Board, the Pier Restoration Corporation and the Bayside District. Herb Katz passed away in January 2009.
"Herb loved his community and his dogs," said Santa Monica Mayor Richard Bloom. "Herb loved that dog parks allowed people to socialize while their dogs romped around. The parks provided Herb with an avenue to chat with folks in a way that transcends politics. He would be very pleased to know that he is being remembered in this way."
Mr. Katz was well-known at the off-leash dog area at Joslyn Park, where he would bring his two dogs every morning. He was a strong advocate for creating a small dog area within the dog park, as well as championing a high level of maintenance and improved amenities. Following his passing, the community expressed overwhelming support for dedication of the dog park in his honor.
"Herb loved his dogs and got great pleasure taking them to the dog park, But most of all, it was getting to know the people that were exercising their dogs there," said Santa Monica Councilmember Bob Holbrook. "I would have never guessed that years ago when I was a paperboy at what was then the Joslyn Estate that one day a dog park on the site would be dedicated to my dear friend Herb Katz."