October Update: Pet Care, Winter Prep, and Public Safety
As we move into October, staying connected and prepared remains our top priority. This month brings several important updates, from winter preparedness tips and emergency alerts via CruzAware to exciting community events like “Coffee with the Sheriff” and an upcoming Town Hall on Youth Justice Programs.
We’re also offering low-cost spay/neuter services for pets, helping to ensure their health and well-being. Don’t forget about my open office hours, where we can discuss any local concerns you may have. Let’s work together to keep our community safe, informed, and engaged.
Winter Preparedness
Stay informed with CruzAware, the emergency and non-emergency alert system for Santa Cruz County, at bit.ly/CruzAware. This resource provides timely updates on winter storms and emergency information.
Coffee with the Sheriff
Join me and Undersheriff, Chris Clark, for “Coffee with the Sheriff” on Friday, November 1 from 10 to 11am at Honeylux Coffee, 45 Aviation Way, #4B in Watsonville. It’s an opportunity to engage in conversation and address any questions you may have with the Sheriff or myself. We hope to see you there!
Join the Conversation: Town Hall on Youth Justice Programs
The Santa Cruz County Probation Department invites community members to a Town Hall meeting to discuss innovative alternatives for justice-involved youth. This is an opportunity to share ideas and help shape Least Restrictive Program (LRP) options that could better serve our local youth. In October, the County Board of Supervisors approved the Secure Youth Treatment Facility. During that process, community members voiced interest in exploring LRPs instead of a Ranch Camp Program. Now is the time to dive deeper into those ideas.
The meeting will take place on Thursday, Oct. 31 from 1 to 3pm. at the Luna & Sol Familia Center, 215 Madison St. in Watsonville.
Registration open for low-cost spay/neuter clinic
Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter (SCCAS) is partnering with Animal Balance to provide another 200 pets (100 cats and 100 dogs) with low-cost spay/neuter surgeries, core vaccines, and microchips Nov. 15-17 at 2260 7th Ave. Registration is now open.
Licensed veterinarians and registered vet techs from the international animal welfare organization Animal Balance will perform sterilization surgeries, with clinic support and assistance provided by local volunteers. Spay and neuter surgeries are $150 for cats and $300 for dogs.
Those on public assistance such as CalFresh or MediCal can provide proof of that assistance to qualify for lower fees: $75 for a cat and $150 for a dog. To be eligible for surgery, pets must be healthy, between 8 weeks and 8 years old, and weigh between 2 and 80 pounds. Dogs and cats with very short noses such as pugs, Persian cats, etc, and those with health problems, will not be eligible.
To sign up for an appointment, visit: bit.ly/SpayNeuterSC
Office Hours
Open office hours will be held every second Friday of the month at my office located at 150 Westridge Dr. in Watsonville from 2 to 4pm. Walk-ins are welcome, appointments are unnecessary, and residents can address any issues they have.
Supervisor’s Update is a recurring column from Santa Cruz County Supervisor Felipe Hernandez’s Office
