News Briefs

Monning endorses Stone for state assembly
In his campaign to represent the newly drawn 29th Assembly District, Santa Cruz County Supervisor Mark Stone recently received the endorsement of 27th District Assemblyman Bill Monning.
“I am pleased to announce my endorsement of Mark Stone for state Assembly,” said Monning, who is running for a state Senate seat. “I have known Mark Stone for many years throughout his time as a Santa Cruz County supervisor, where he has championed social and environmental causes.”
The 29th District encompasses most of Santa Cruz County, coastal Monterey County and parts of Santa Clara County.
Monning lauded Stone for his service to “protecting the diverse communities, the natural environment, and the creative local businesses that make our region so special.”
Stone said that he looked forward to the prospect of working with Monning on the state level.
“I believe that our past history of working together will enhance the prospects of advancing strong representation for our region,” he said.
Monning is running for the California State Senate in the new 17th Senate District, encompassing Santa Cruz County, parts of Santa Clara and Monterey counties, and San Luis Obispo County.
Think Local First launches second Shop Local Week
Think Local First, a collective of local businesses and organizations, is declaring Dec. 1 through 8 as Shop Local Week to encourage county residents to reconsider their shopping habits and support the local economy.
Last year — the first year of the program — county residents were asked to sign a pledge to shop at locally owned businesses for one week during the holiday season.
Those who join the program and pledge will be able to participate in a tote bag giveaway and will have a chance to win $500 in gift certificates from Think Local First member businesses.
The contest is open to all county residents who send an email, pledging to shop locally, to sh*******@*****************uz.org.
For information: www.thinklocalsantacruz.org
‘Black Fur-iday’ event to raise awareness for black-haired animals
On Friday, Nov. 25, Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter will host its first “Black Fur-iday” pet adoption event at the shelter’s Santa Cruz location, 2200 Seventh Ave., from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is a partnership between the shelter and local animal welfare groups Animal Friends Rescue Project and Animal Shelter Relief.
The shelter will offer a discounted $25 adoption fee for all animals with a trace of black fur, due to the fact that animals with black fur are often the last to be adopted. All other cats, dogs and rabbits without black fur can be adopted for half price during the event.
All adoptions include spay and neuter operations, identification microchips and registration, age-appropriate vaccinations, Felv/FIV testing for cats, routine treatment for fleas and worms, license for dogs and a free pet wellness exam with local participating veterinarians.
For information: www.scanimalshelter.org.