News

Editor: The announcement of the retirement of Supervisor Paul

Most of us are still adjusting to Daylight Saving Time, trying to get our biological clocks re-set to early morning darkness and droopy eyelids. All this to save an hour of evening sunlight? We can think of better things worth saving.

In Sonoma County, the second-leading cause of death among girls age 15-19 is suicide. The third-leading cause of death in that age group is homicide. These sobering figures come from the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Teen dating violence plays a role in these deaths. 1.5 million teens in the U.S. are victims of physical, emotional, sexual and verbal abuse at the hands of a dating partner. In the Bay Area, about one out of every three teens experience this abuse. The rate of dating violence far exceeds any other type of violence experienced by youth.

The Healdsburg Animal Shelter is in the business of saving lives, and we do it well. National averages show approximately 50% of dogs and 70% of cats entering shelters are euthanized. The Healdsburg Animal Shelter’s rate is 7%. Additionally, in 2011, our dog adoptions tripled; cat adoptions increased by 29%; medical expenses decreased by 75%; professional fees decreased by 53%; income from fundraising events increased by 358%; charitable giving doubled and volunteers contributed 1,500 more volunteer hours. These are amazing accomplishments. Operationally our shelter ranks among the top in the nation.