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FIDO
Fiesta Island Dog Owners
a non-profit organization

FIDO is a community based organization with over 1500 members and growing rapidly.  We are a diverse group of citizens who share a common passion and vision for Fiesta Island.  In response to a massive development plan that will change Fiesta Island forever, our mission is to preserve the fenced Leash-Free Area for families to exercise with their dogs. 

FIDO started out as a handful of people who gathered after the first public meeting regarding the Fiesta Island Development Plan in September of 2006.  We were appalled after reviewing the new plan, as it did not mention let alone account for the largest user group on the island: Families and their dogs.  We are now a strongly lead community group who is dedicated to preserve this unique recreational resource that we have been using for 30 years.

We are the largest user group of Fiesta Island and unlike other user groups, we use the island 365 days a year, rain or shine.  We are working hard to grow our membership, please us to help save this unique recreational resource.

FIDO currently has 11 board members who are working with the city to find a reasonable solution that meets the needs of 'all' Fiesta Island Users.

Meet the Board

Jean Spengel, DVM - Dr. Spengel is a local veterinarian and the former owner of La Jolla Veterinary Hospital.  A graduate of the University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine, She also serves on the Veterinary Advisory Board to the Humane Society of San Diego and is the liaison to the San Diego County Veterinary Medical Association for the Fiesta Island Development Plan.

Paula Lynn - Paula is the Corporate Recruiter for Sempra Energy.  She has her MA in Organizational Psychology and has 8 years of experience as a Human Resources professional.  Paula goes to Fiesta Island daily to walk/run with her two Rhodesian Ridgebacks.   She uses the island as a place to exercise (bike and run), tire her dogs out and retreat from her urban life style in downtown San Diego.

Alise Shatoff (Bio coming soon)

Debbie Madden - Debbie holds an electrical engineering degree from San Diego State University and is an operations manager for Solar Turbines. Debbie is a founding member of FIDO and an active member of numerous professional associations, as well as canine sporting clubs. Debbie is a frequent visitor to Fiesta Island with her Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

Mary Truman - Mary has been involved in the San Diego community since 1965. Mary is giving time and energy to FIDO in order to ensure the integrity of Fiesta Island as a “refuge from urban living.”  

Myrna Marston - Myrna is a partner in the public relations firm of Marston+Marston. The agency specializes in public affairs issues facing San Diegans.

Kate Zimmer (Bio coming soon)

Katy Daniels-Bendel - Katy is Director of Business Development at Qualcomm.  She holds an MBA with an emphasis in Computer Information Systems.  She has joined the FIDO board to help preserve the remaining undeveloped areas in San Diego, which give residents open spaces for exercising and recreation that are free from urban stresses.

Caroline Connor -  Caroline Connor is a Certified Nurse Practitioner. She earned her undergraduate degree in Anthropology from the University of California at San Diego. She received her Master of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing in 2001. For the past seven years she has been in private practice in San Diego. She has received advanced training in women’s health care and reproductive endocrinology. Her interests include skiing, kayaking and walking her dog.

Sara Hayes  – Sara teaches classes and works in the fibers arts in her studio. She has a B.A. in Fine Art from California State University Northridge. She has been active volunteering with youth sports, arts and music education programs. She currently assists in the classroom in the Art Department at San Diego State University. Her interests include getting out daily for walks with her Aussie and big mutt. Sara is willing to work hard to keep Fiesta Island’s leash free dog area spacious and rustic so that people are able to spread out and exercise comfortably with their dogs.