Doggone good news
Almost two years after a fire left over half its Milpitas facility unusable, Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) has reopened its dog adoptions area.
“This moment marks the completion of Phase I of our Rebuild Initiative,” reads a HSSV press release. “We are also charging ahead with Phase II of our Rebuild Initiative,”
The Dec. 16, 2024 fire impacted HSSV’s entire medical center; 70% of cat housing and 80% of dog housing; all of the west wing medical isolation rooms and animal holding space; and equipment, offices and storage spaces “essential for daily operations.”
Phase II is focused on restoring the spaces that remain out of service, including the medical center, community services areas, animal holding spaces and the laundry area. The rebuild will include updates to these areas “to support the care our teams provide and the way they work today,” reads the release.
HSSV continues to seek donations to fund its rebuilding, and thanks Colleen Hurley and Michael Bangs, as well as an anonymous donor on behalf of their dog Alfie, these donations will triple, dollar for dollar, up to $75,000. To donate, visit https://bit.ly/4yDYVRU.
Interpretive training
The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority is holding a training Nov. 14 for volunteers to learn how to use interpretive techniques for engaging preserve visitors.
This training is a qualification for representing the authority as a community outreach volunteer, supporting large-scale public events as a preserve steward or for participating in trail patrol. This training is also required for volunteers who want to train to become docents and join the Habitat Protection Team at the Máyyan ‘Ooyákma preserve.
The training runs 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Tilton Ranch Complex in Morgan Hill. If the weather is inclement, the training will move to the authority’s offices at 33 Las Colinas Lane in San Jose. Sign up at https://bit.ly/4dSOAtO before Nov. 11 to ensure staff has time to prepare a name tags and volunteer shirts and send out directions to Tilton Ranch.