News Briefs

Open-space plan in the works
WRA Inc., a San Rafael consulting firm, will develop a long-term management plan for the Glenwood Open Space Preserve.
The Scotts Valley City Council awarded a $106,065 contract to WRA on June 17. City staffers and the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County chose WRA because the company wrote the original management plan for the open space and has extensive experience with the 160-acre parcel.
The plan is scheduled to be completed in February 2010 and will include endangered species protection, vegetation management and development of public use such as trails. Currently, the preserve is closed to the public.
County animal services hikes fees, institutes new ones
Santa Cruz County Animal Services Authority increased most of its fees and established new ones effective Wednesday, July 1.
One-year dog licenses are $26 for altered dogs and $65 for unaltered dogs. Two-year licenses for an altered dog are $46 and three-year licenses $66.
A new $30 fee will be charged for never-licensed dogs that arrive at the shelter, but there will be a 60-day grace period to encourage licensing.
Microchipping of any domestic animal is $25.
Other new fees include a minimum $75 for an officer called to a protective custody case and a $15 penalty for any dog license renewal more than 30 days late.
Adoption fees including spaying or neutering and vaccinations have increased to $60 to $180 for dogs and puppies with a possible additional training deposit of $100 to $200, $55 to $120 for cats and kittens and $50 for rabbits.
Other adoption fees now are $25 for rodents, $25 to $75 for birds, $75 for small livestock, $10 for chickens, sealed bid with $100 minimum for large livestock and sealed bid with $250 minimum for horses.
Impound fees are $75 for small livestock and $200 for large livestock.
Music camp scholarship donations sought
Donations of $125 to pay for room and board for teenagers to attend Teen Celtic Music Camp at Big Basin Redwoods State Park on Aug. 10 to 15 are sought by Community Music School of Santa Cruz.
The school has experienced a drop in contributions and grant support, so is turning to the community for help, director Shelley Phillips said. The school can waive tuition for needy students and help them find jobs, but can’t afford room and board, she said.
For information: www.communitymusicschool.org/teen_camp.