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
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