Monday, Aug. 14, 2006 | As a Bay Park resident, I have often wondered if they were ever going to develop that vacation paradise. One is only limited by their imagination as to the possibilities for one of the most prime pieces of real estate in the world.
Basically, Fiesta Island is a refuse dump, utilized by the general public for a broad range of recreational activities. It really does need some cleaning up and modernization, though. Lots of weeds, blowing sand, uncurbed roadways, squirrels and rabbits running all over, no lighting at night, and urban cowboys getting their 4-wheel drive SUVs stuck in the mud.
What is unique is that it is the last bastion in San Diego for dogs to get out and run. Dogs have mixed terrain, a variety of plants to brand and beaches to run up and down, while cooling off in the water, unbridled. There is also an inherent danger to animals though because roadway and dogs are not separated in many areas and the potential for dog meets car is there.
My two Chihuahuas and I have been pushed out of three parks (UTC, Kate Sessions, Tecolote) in the last four years and we moved here so they could have a place to experience some freedom and stave off osteoporosis. Oh the city comes into these previously enjoyed areas and builds a little off-leash area with a fence and calls it a dog park, but soon nobody uses it, because it’s too small, the large dogs take it over, and there’s always some irresponsible owner who just brings their dog over and forgets them while the dog attacks other dogs. I almost lost my female when a huge dog stepped on her.
The bottom line is that Fiesta Island is long overdue for redevelopment. I applaud growth and expansion which benefits the community and Fiesta Island is kind of ugly to a tourist. San Diego is not a pet-friendly city, though and even though most pets are cleaner than most humans, a dogma (no pun intended) exists that reflects ignorance and a society too fast-paced to appreciate the real value of living. I love my dogs with a passion; they deserve the best I can give them. That includes some safe adventure and exercise.
Fiesta Island has a definitive set of activities at present, which are clearly delineated. I believe a redevelopment can be harmonious, incorporation the current activities with a tourist development in the currently unused center of the island. In other words, my plan would not preclude the present usages, but define and enhance them, at the same time, provide and excellent area for development of a unique tourist attraction, both in harmony with each other, where each user would share with the other.