Council members in Santa Cruz, Calif., met well into last night to consider a measure that would add four new dog parks to the city.

That's right, four. They already have three spots where dogs can wander without a leash.

Granted, Santa Cruz isn't exactly middle America, but the city of Baltimore -- with its one official dog park -- might want to pay a little heed.

In a discussion that stretched late into the evening, council members considered whether to set aside space for canines to run free in three parks and a vacant lot. They also pondered whether to fence off the dog areas, the children's play areas or both in the parks where dogs would be allowed, according to an article in today's San Jose Mercury News.

Already, dogs can wander without a leash at designated spots and times in three parks and beaches. City staff recommended council members approve the new dog parks in hopes of corralling owners who already let their dogs run loose in various parks around the city.

Dog park supporters made up two thirds of crowd at the meeting; opponents expressed fears that they or their children might be attacked by out-of-control canines at the parks.

Councilman Mike Rotkin said he supported the idea of dog parks but sharply rebuked those who said they had never seen a dog jump on a child and therefore did not want their four-legged friends fenced in.

"We're dealing with the reality that this is an urban area that is 95 percent built out. This is not the countryside," Rotkin said. "We're put in a position of compromising somewhat competing interests."