Barking up the wrong tree
The Off Beat columnist recently departed the great Mid-Valley and found himself in a bookstore (yes, they do exist) in a faraway place.
He happened upon “The Dog Lover's Companion to California: The Inside Scoop on Where to Take Your Dog.”
He immediately wondered if Yuba, Sutter and Colusa counties rated a mention in this tome.
Surprisingly, they did. But Yuba City would have been better off if it were left out.
The author, Maria Goodavage, wrote that she got the cold shoulder when she called the city to learn about the amenities it offers pooches.
“Our parks are for the people, not for the animals. We'd rather not be put in that book,” a Parks Department staffer told me. But since dogs are permitted at all city parks on an 8-foot leash, we thought it would be nice for dogs for know their rights.
Not exactly a Chamber of Commerce-type welcome. Maybe the city should just post big signs at its borders warning dog owners from elsewhere to stay out.
To her credit, Goodavage mentions Sam Brannan Park might be a good place for you and your dog to visit. And where is a good place for human and pooch to eat in Yuba City? Why it's Pizza Pizzazz!
She gives some good reviews to the Live Oak Recreation Park and Vera Carroll Park, which even this columnist had never heard of.
But overall in Sutter County:
There's not much to do here with a dog, but where there's a full bladder, there's a way.
But what of Yuba County? Is it any better?
If you're just passing through with a dog, you're doing the right thing. With the exception of a small piece of national forest land, Yuba County isn't exactly dog heaven. Besides, if you want to spend the night, you'll have to either camp, knock on a friend's door, or find the one lodging in the entire county where dogs are allowed.
Goodavage gives good marks to Bullards Bar Reservoir and Collins Lake.
As for Marysville:
The historic district in Marysville is a real charmer - quite different from anything else you'll find in this sprawling, suburban-style county.
Ellis Lake and Plaza Park are mentioned for their dog friendliness.
Colusa County's amenities receive high marks from Goodavage.
She writes of Memorial Park in Colusa:
The park is in a really beautiful old section of town. It fits in well here, with graceful palms, stately trees, ultragree grass and plenty of places to sit. It's only a square block in
area, but leashed dogs get plenty of fulfillment. Humans also enjoy the posh and relaxing surroundings.
She offers her kindest words for Granzella's restaurant in Williams:
The food here is mahhvelous. Joe always drooled when he saw anyone eating the special hot turkey and gravy sandwich. Best of all, the restaurant folks love dogs as much as dogs love the restaurant. “We're real animal lovers,” says owner Linda Granzella. “We'll even go around the restaurant and find people who left their dogs in the cars with the windows rolled up.” They're even happy to give your dog water.
Joe is Goodavage's late Airedale.
Harold Kruger's column, Off Beat, appears on Sundays. E-mail him at hkruger@appeal-democrat.com; call him at 530-749-4717; or fax him at 530-741-0140. You can also write him at the Appeal-Democrat, P.O. Box 431, Marysville, CA 95901-0431.
