Under the law, dogs are property - like a bicycle, a purse or a car. But have you ever had a pet stolen … and actually gotten them back? Do you think the laws about “pet-napping” need to be different from those for auto theft? Or do the laws just need to be enforced? I got the impression that law enforcement really doesn’t know HOW to enforce the law as it pertains to pet stealing. 

Here’s my story: You may recall “a rescue story” from a few months ago, in which I talked about my dog, Tina, who was stolen from my office in front of three employees in broad daylight. I had immediately called the police and the animal services officer, who came out and spoke to me with compassion about the situation. They seemed very concerned and offered that this was indeed grand theft, larceny, and … who knows what else. I pretty much stopped listening to the list of offenses after I heard the trump cards played first.

However, even though I have all of the papers showing that I am the owner, Tina is micro-chipped with my information, all of the vet bills were paid by me for the first year of her life, and I have many witnesses to the fact that the thief left me a message three months earlier stating that she was entirely my dog, they wouldn’t do anything to retrieve her for me.

Let’s step back a second. I need to give you some history, if you didn’t read the original story. I am highlighting the history section in blue, so you can skip it if you already know this part.

This person - the thief - used to be a dear friend of mine. His friend had picked up a “stray” on the street one day and brought the dog who would be called Tina home as a “gift.” My friend was absolutely broke, and had been out of work for more than six months. He was sharing his studio apartment in order to get some help with the rent. And his apartment didn’t allow pets. So, he asked me if I would like this dog, but since I was in the process of moving, I told him I would love to take her in a month or so, when I was settled.

He called me one day, in a panic. He had just received a 3 day or quit notice on his door and needed me to take her right away - which I happily did. I took in this sweet little puppy, whose hair was completely matted and covered with fleas, and had her groomed and healthy in no time. He wanted to “share custody,” but couldn’t keep her at his place and couldn’t afford anything like food or shots or registration … or grooming … so I took care of all of that.

Six months later, it became apparent that he just could not swing the responsibilities of dog ownership. So I told him it was time to make a decision. I would gladly keep her happy and healthy for the next 15 years of her life, or he would have to take her back. Six months is too long to be in limbo! For Tina and for me!

So, my friend called and left a voicemail message stating that he had given it a lot of thought and since Tina was happy living with me, and since I could afford to take care of her and my lifestyle didn’t interfere with dog ownership - like his did - he was officially stating that she was now entirely my dog. No more limbo.

So, at this point I had her micro-chipped and spayed. I bought her a carrier that I could take onto the airplane, so that she could accompany me to Colorado for the holidays. All of my friends, my whole family and all of their dogs were looking forward to meeting my wonderful Tina!

Now we’re back to where this blog began … this person I used to call my friend came into the office one morning, left the door open, grabbed Tina and ran out the door, down the street and jumped into an early model Honda Prelude and drove away.

As I said earlier, the law sees dogs as property - like a bicycle, a purse or a car. However, if someone stole my car in front of witnesses, and I had the registration and Lo-Jack on it, don’t you think I would have my car back by now?

The Culver City Police said they couldn’t do anything since he took her to Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Police said they couldn’t do anything since I filed the report in Culver City, where the actual theft took place. I spoke to many attorneys, police officers and detectives, animal activists, friends … family … and EVERYONE said that she was obviously my dog and I should be able to get her back.

If my car had been stolen in Culver City and taken to Los Angeles, would Culver City Police help me? Would Los Angeles Police help me? Would anyone help me, even if I knew who stole it and where it is now???

Yet, everyone I spoke to said that there was nothing they could do. The paperwork and witnesses would help me in a court of law, and I would definitely win, but they couldn’t get her back for me without my filing a civil suit … which requires the hiring of an attorney. And what attorney will be interested in taking a case like this? Well … none that I could find.

Tina relaxes on the grass with her good friend Bella in the summer of 2009.

I could sue in small claims court for the $1,800+ I had spent on her since she came to live with me in early April of 2009, and although I would win that case, I would not get my dog back because small claims court is ONLY about money - not property.

Many folks told me to go and just “get her back” on my own. I attempted this last January with a few friends and a videographer to record the whole thing in case there was any dispute as to what really happened. This attempt failed, and during my rescue attempt he repeatedly threatened to “kill the dog before he gave her back to me.”  My ex-friend then harassed me and my co-workers while at the office on numerous occasions. I also got a few disturbing text messages from him. But all of that ceased after about four more calls to law enforcement.

Still, I don’t know what has become of my precious dog, Tina. I LOVE this dog. I miss her every day. I worry about her livelihood with this flake whose erratic behavior had become actually scary over the course of the eight months I had Tina with me. Is Tina still alive? Is she healthy? Will I ever get her back?

Tina's last visit to the beach before she was stolen in December of 2009.

Has anyone else encountered the theft of their pet … and actually gotten them back? How did you do it? Did you have an attorney who took your case out of the goodness of his/her heart? Do you think the law needs to be changed or just enforced? We want YOUR opinion!

A stretch of Sepulveda Boulevard will soon receive a makeover via the city’s Street Tree Master Plan. The project area, located between Culver Boulevard and Franklin Avenue, needs a name worthy of its new identity.

So weigh in with your suggestions and thoughts right here! And feel free to add your feelings regarding the debate over the Redevelopment Agency’s choice of the white orchids and London plane trees.

Are you a photographer or photography enthusiast? Enter the Culver City News‘ Best of Culver City Photo Contest and have your winning photos published in the Best of Culver City Magazine 2010. The magazine will be distributed all over the Westside on Nov. 4 and around Culver City throughout the year.

Here are the categories:

• Culver City landmarks
• Historical Culver City
• Local pets
• Local families
• Culver City events
• Local food/dining
• Culver City entertainment
• Local sports
• Local art
• Culver City homes
• Local nature shots

Don’t know which category best fits your photo? You may submit each photo in up to three categories.

Send us your entries along with the category (or categories) in which you are entering; your name, address, phone number, email address, the title and the story behind the photo (if you have one). Submission implies that the photos entered are your own property and carry no outside copyrights, and may be used for publication with the Culver City News and/or its affiliates.

We prefer electronic files but old fashioned photographs are acceptable too. Email to publisher@culvercitynews.org before midnight Friday, Oct. 1. Or if you prefer, bring or send hard copies to “Photo Contest,” Culver City News, 4351 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Culver City, CA 90230.

This is our first photo contest and we are excited to see the results … Culver City is loaded with great photo opportunities … and talent! Questions? Please ask. I will answer all inquiries.

-Leslie Belfor

Publisher, Culver City News

Parking is very much on the minds of those who live and work in Culver City these days.

I know that parking issues are very important to Culver City residents … and I understand the residents’ desire to keep entertainment parkers out of their “off-street parking” spaces and driveways (or blocking their driveways).  But where are out-of-towners (out-of-neighborhooders?) and visitors supposed to park? Have you ever tried to find a spot by Brunello Trattoria? I love Bruno and their food is GREAT, but 

Publisher, Leslie Belfor.

 parking can be a little tricky.

I wonder what the future holds. Will Culver City soon become all-valet-all-the-time, like Marina del Rey? Or will they start charging residents (and ticketing those who don’t have placards) for parking on the street, like Beverly Hills?

Personally, I don’t mind parking a little further away and walking - as long as that night’s choice of boot was actually made for walking. But what about the less able-bodied folks who want to enjoy Culver City’s offerings? How will someone using a cane, walker or wheelchair comfortably get from their car to their favorite restaurant, shop or gallery? The local structures only hold so many cars and there are no local structures at the east end of Washington near Brunello.

How is Culver City taking care of their businesses?  After all, in order for the city to thrive, local businesses must be able to thrive as well. I watched with interest as the representative from Walker Parking explained the results of his parking study at City Hall recently. He spoke at length about the possibilities of raising parking meter charges, extending hours of meter operation and getting rid of the two free hours of parking at downtown structures. The idea is to charge a little more and have fewer times available for free parking in order to encourage turnover.

There was some discussion about blocking off City Hall’s parking lot, which may be used by patrons of the Kirk Douglas Theatre currently. This sounds counterproductive to me … as we try to solve the parking problems around town, we should create a new one?

Of course, we are looking into the future with mass transit options and more focus on conservation … bike riding … walking … ride sharing … etc. But what about NOW? How do we take care of residents and take care of businesses at the same time? Suggestions? Solutions?

Leslie Belfor, publisher of the Culver City News.

I was recently blessed with the knowledge that a chunk of my hard-earned money would be going to support Culver City. Now, I don’t mind supporting Culver City per se … I love Culver City … but I would have much preferred to buy some good stuff at local shops or some fabulous food at local restaurants and spread that expenditure out over a few months rather than get a $500+ camera ticket at the intersection of Beethoven Street and Washington Boulevard!

That isn’t even a busy intersection. I think the only reason a camera is there is to make money … not to control traffic. Who wants a ticket of any amount, right? Well … right … but … $500+ for running the tail end of a yellow light at a tiny intersection which rarely has cross traffic anyway?

I’m not saying I’m innocent or that I didn’t deserve to get a ticket. I obviously did. I saw the photo … and the video. I was guilty! But, come on … was I more than $500 guilty? If I had been caught by an actual officer, my ticket would have been a fraction of that amount. I don’t make a lot of money and that month I incurred a $700-auto repair bill. Throw in the $500 ticket and another $135 for traffic school … I was in a bad position when it came to paying my rent.

Robert Zirgulis pretty much based his City Council campaign on getting rid of the unreasonable, expensive and unfair Culver City camera tickets. Although he didn’t win, I’m with him on this point.

Am I more aware of that intersection at Beethoven and Washington? Heck yes! It scares me to death every time I drive through it. Is the idea to have people scared to death while driving? Or is it to deter them from making the same mistake again? I could be deterred for $50 … big deterrence would be $150. But $500 = scared to death.

I say, charge me more for parking in Culver City and give me a break with the camera tickets. Does anyone agree with me? … I bet you’ll agree when you get your Culver City camera ticket!

Gary Walker, investigative reporter for the Culver City News.

Glenn Esterly was an “old school” guy who lived for hard news and gave me one of the biggest and best gifts that an editor can give to a reporter - his trust and unwavering support. We lost Glenn much too soon to an untimely illness.

Scott Tittirington, who recently embarked on another journalistic adventure closer to his home in Simi Valley, was a good writer, had a great grasp of what real news is, an appreciation of good journalism (and good journalists) and like me, enjoyed working with professionals. And like Glenn, they both loved sports, especially baseball. As a Dodgers fan and a big-time baseball aficionado, that won them both 20 extra points!

Our publisher, Leslie Belfor, sets the tone in our office by entrusting the news staff to be independent, professional and dedicated. She knows that in order for a newspaper to function well, the news department must operate with independence and a laser-like focus on telling the news like it should be told: hard-hitting, without snarky opinions, manufactured crisises or cheerleading for local schools, service organizations or particular elected officials.

She also insists on having a very high standard regarding our news coverage. Our paper is not a blog, or an Internet website where anyone can pretend to be a reporter and anything, including hysterical “news coverage and scoops” of yard sales, face painting contests and who-has-the-prettiest-dress-on-the-block “stories” abound. I’ve seen experiments with nonprofessionals, and ladies and gentlemen, trust me, it doesn’t work!

Just think: would you trust a welder to operate on your heart because he’s “good with his hands?”

Our new editor, Scott Bridges, takes over the helm of the news department this week. I’m looking forward to working with Scott, another highly-qualified, professional editor. It should be a lot of fun.

Anyone can (and often do) write on blogs. That doesn’t require any professional training or even talent. But to write for or to edit a newspaper, a REAL newspaper, one that adheres to professional standards … well, that’s a different story.

Gary Walker
Culver City News
Investigative Reporter