Looks like the Los Angeles DWP has agreed to take a second look at a 22-year-old agreement that has allowed San Pedro police dog trainer Pete Burmeister to use less than an acre of DWP transmission line property in Carson.
Our story in Monday's paper ( "In the Doghouse" ) quoted a DWP spokesman as saying Burmeister would have to go. But at Monday night's Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council meeting, a DWP community liaison told the crowd that the agency is going to look further into the issue, to see if something might be worked out.
It is refreshing to hear that a governmental agency is responding to the desires of the public. Although an initial cursory examination of the dog training situation might deem it unimportant, some concerned responsible people at the DWP have taken the time to react to the wishes of their constituency with intelligent reconsideration of an issue. Firstly, Mr. Burmeister, at his own expense, does an excellent job of watering, trimming and maintaining the property thereby contributing to the safety of the area. Secondly, his continued use of the space prevents the inevitable habitation of the adjacent underpass by gangs or other criminal elements who could create a problem for local enforcement. Coupled with the fact that citizens can continue to enjoy its use with absolutely no negative impact to any surrounding neighborhoods, the continued use of less than an acre of DWP transmission line property in Carson by Mr Burmeister is a win win situation for everyone involved.
It is refreshing to hear that a governmental agency is responding to the desires of the public. Although an initial cursory examination of the dog training situation might deem it unimportant, some concerned responsible people at the DWP have taken the time to react to the wishes of their constituency with intelligent reconsideration of an issue. Firstly, Mr. Burmeister, at his own expense, does an excellent job of watering, trimming and maintaining the property thereby contributing to the safety of the area. Secondly, his continued use of the space prevents the inevitable habitation of the adjacent underpass by gangs or other criminal elements who could create a problem for local enforcement. Coupled with the fact that citizens can continue to enjoy its use with absolutely no negative impact to any surrounding neighborhoods, the continued use of less than an acre of DWP transmission line property in Carson by Mr Burmeister is a win win situation for everyone involved.
Peter Burmeister has been doing a service to the community for over 22 years by maintaining the property in question in attractive condition and by providing a positive presence in the area. He loves dogs and especially is devoted to the German Shepherd Dog. He works with and trains his own dogs and has contributed his time, energy and knowledge to the training of many dogs over the 22 years. He is a recognized individual in the dog world and he works with the police K-9 handlers to improve the performance of the Police dogs. Mr. Burmeister is an asset to the community in many ways and he gives without asking for anything in return. There is absolutely no reason for denying this gentleman the use of this property. He has been an outstanding presence on this property for 22 years with no negative reports on his use of the area. Mr. Burmeister deserves recognition for the service he has provided to the community not eviction. For the good of this area in Carson please let Peter Burmeister continue to use this DWP area for at least another 22 years.