By Mickey Zeichick

Our next regular San Carlos Area Council (SCAC) meeting will be Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018 at 6 p.m. in our branch library, 7265 Jackson Drive. Speaker to be announced.

The holidays are here! Join the artists of Opera NEO to celebrate the season with beloved opera and operetta excerpts seasoned with some of our favorite holiday classics like “Let it Snow,” Dec. 16 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Palisades Presbyterian Church, 6301 Birchwood St. in Allied Gardens.

Past young artists of the company are joining soprano Kelley Hart and music director Korey Barrett to celebrate the holidays and to give you a taste of the 2018 summer season. Bring your dinner, blanket and dress appropriately for this December night outside setting.

Last month I wrote about dog poo. This month I am writing about dogs not being on a leash — even in areas clearly marked that dogs must be on a leash. What are the consequences of violating the leash law? What are a dog owner’s rights when an unleashed dog bites a leashed dog or a leashed dog bites an unleashed dog? Or a human? Why open yourself up to be fined for violating the law?

I understand the penalty can range from $250 for first time offenders to $430 and even $810 for second and third time offenders. I don’t even want to think about if an unleashed dog attacks a leashed dog. What are the chances of facing a civil liability for the amount of harm done to the dog, and possibly even misdemeanor criminal liability for violating the leash law and public protection from dogs law (SDCC 62.669).

There are a handful of dog parks maintained by the city, where your pooch can romp, jump, run and play. For a list of the dog parks, you can go to the city’s website at bit.ly/2nRbB8K. Please be sure and pick up after your pooch and dispose of the poo in the proper manner. If we do not have a dog park in the San Carlos area, let’s work to get one here.

When shopping, be sure to park your car in a well-lit and populated area especially if shopping at night. Try not to walk alone to or from your car. Be safe.

This year has been a particularly trying time for my family and I am looking forward with my face to the sky at the promise for a better 2018. I wish you all a safe, and meaningful holiday season.

SCAC dues are due ($7 per household). Please send your check for membership to: SCAC P.O. Box 19246, San Diego, CA 92159-0246. If you wish to be added to the Interested Persons List, please contact me [email protected].

—Mickey Zeichick is president of the San Carlos Area Council.