The East Bay Regional Park District has issued a warning about the possibility of red tide algae along shoreline areas of the San Francisco bay. The warning advises people to stay away from “algae and scum in the water, and do not let pets get into or drink the water or eat scum on the shore” where the red tide is present.

The Alameda County of Environmental Health advises dog owners to call their veterinarian if your dog gets sick after going into the water. You may see these warning signs posted by the parks department at Point Isabel and Albany Beach.

There is also a separate warning about cyanobacteria, a toxic blue-green algae found mostly in fresh or brackish (part fresh, part salt) water at Del Valle Regional Park's West Swim Beach, Quarry Lakes, and Big Break Regional Shoreline.

Being a PIDO member has its benefits. The Columbia Sportswear Company Employee Store in Richmond is opening its doors for a limited time to Point Isabel Dog Owners members. From August 19 through September 11, PIDO members will get steep discounts on Columbia Sportswear, Prana, Sorel and Mountain Hardwear brands apparel and gear at the Richmond store.

If you’re already a PIDO member, you will receive instructions in The PIDO Pointer Summer newsletter on how to take advantage of this exclusive discount.

If you've been thinking about joining PIDO, now is a good time to do so here. The store is located at 1414 Harbour Way near the Rosie the Riveter Museum and Craneway Pavilion in Richmond.

Congratulations Shadow, Rosie, Hakeem, Mac, and Dunbar (and to their owners) who completed and passed the Canine Good Citizen test at Point Isabel on July 23.

Dogs are evaluated on a non-competitive 10-skill test, such as recall and sitting and staying, that teaches good manners to dogs and responsible dog ownership to their guardians. Guardians are asked to sign a pledge to take good care and be responsible for their dog’s health, safety and behavior. Dogs who didn’t pass all skills should hold their heads up high (of course they will). Keep practicing, attend a class or learn more about the CGC requirements (see Berkeley Humane).

Great thanks to our expert evaluator Pam Wu and to all of the PIDO volunteers who made the testing event rewarding for canines and humans alike. PIDO will offer this test again next year!