gmhTODAY 18 gmhToday Feb March 2018 | Page 65

County Update With Santa Clara County Supervisor Mike Wasserman Supervisor Mike Wasserman was elected to the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors in November 2010, and re-elected in 2014. He represents District 1, which includes Gilroy, San Martin, Morgan Hill, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno and portions of San Jose. (supervisorwasserman.org) South County's New Animal Service Center A s a lifelong animal lover, I am pleased to announce that the County is planning to build a new state-of-the-art Animal Services Center in San Martin. The existing County Animal Shelter located near the San Martin airport is long overdue for replace- ment. Built in the 1970s, it has little space and insufficient amenities for our current animal population. The new 35,000 square foot facility will be a dramatic improvement in our animal care capabilities. Because the new Center will be re- located at the southern edge of the Sig Sanchez Government Center on Highland Avenue and Monterey Highway, it will have space to include a barn and pasture areas for horses and other livestock, allowing us to better serve a variety of animals. The larger outdoor spaces will allow animals to remain active and relieve stress. The new facility will also be energy-efficient and will offer a community room, making it a more inviting place for visitors and hopeful rescuers. Once the new facility opens, the current Animal Shelter will be closed. Caring for lost and abandoned animals is no small task. In addition to our dedicated Animal Care & Control staff, we are grateful for the help of the many enthusiastic volunteers of Friends of San Martin Animal Shelter (FOSMAS) and the County’s Animal Advisory Commission appointees. The new Center will continue with its no-kill policy, with 100% of healthy animals being adopted. And residents will GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN still be able to participate in Maddie’s Pet Adoption Days that offers free adoptions, sponsored by Maddie’s Fund. As I reflect on the improved care that animals in need will receive at the new Animal Services Center, I recall the two animals that my wife Kim and I adopted many years ago. We rescued a cat that we named Schmoo that was with us for fourteen years: a caring and gentle cat that accepted our family unconditionally. After Schmoo, we rescued a Boxer that we named Bubba, who had been severely abused and abandoned. Bubba was energetic and demonstrated his affection by jumping into my arms when we played. Bubba was also with us for fourteen years. Both pets were members of the family and to this day hold a special place in our hearts. Because of my experience with rescued animals, and my love of animals in general, I wholeheartedly support this endeavor that will help connect animals to loving people. When the project is completed in a couple of years, it will be a tremendous asset for the community, and when a kind and responsible person adopts a rescued animal -- it will be a real win-win. If you or someone you know would like to donate or support the Animal Shelter, please visit: CountyPet.org. The website also contains more detailed information on the project including projected timelines and concept designs. The public is invited to attend future community meetings which are being planned for Spring and Summer 2018. FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018 gmhtoday.com 65