Local News

SACRAMENTO -  Local and national animal welfare organizations today commend CA Governor Jerry Brown for signing into law legislation that will prevent the sale of commercially raised dogs, cats and rabbits in pet stores across the state of California. The law also encourages partnerships that promote the adoption of homeless pets.

Authored by Assembly member Patrick O'Donnell (D-Long Beach), Assembly Bill 485 protects animals and consumers, and sets an important precedent for the rest of nation. The bill passed the CA legislature Sept. 14. To date, 36 jurisdictions in California – including the cities of Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego and San Francisco – have enacted similar ordinances, and the signing of AB 485 makes California the first state in the nation to enact a statewide prohibition on pet store sales of dogs from puppy mills.

MADERA - Central Valley residents are invited to participate in the American Heart Association’s 2017 Central Valley Heart & Stroke Walk and Lawyers Have Heart Run. Marking its 25th anniversary, the annual “Heart Walk” includes a 5k run and 2-mile walk, plus Kids’ Fun Run. The event is set for Saturday, October 21 at Tesoro Viejo, an upcoming master planned community located at Highway 41 and Road 204, just 10 minutes north of River Park Shopping Center.

Presented by Tesoro Viejo, the annual Heart & Stroke Walk is the largest local event for the association and has a goal of exceeding the $235,851 raised at last year’s event, the highest tally to date. All proceeds will go toward the American Heart Association’s overall goal of funding research to find better ways to treat and prevent cardiovascular diseases and stroke while providing educational health resources to the local region.

IRVING, Texas - Today, the Boy Scouts of America Board of Directors unanimously approved to welcome girls into its iconic Cub Scout program and to deliver a Scouting program for older girls that will enable them to advance and earn the highest rank of Eagle Scout. The historic decision comes after years of receiving requests from families and girls, the organization evaluated the results of numerous research efforts, gaining input from current members and leaders, as well as parents and girls who've never been involved in Scouting – to understand how to offer families an important additional choice in meeting the character development needs of all their children.

"This decision is true to the BSA's mission and core values outlined in the Scout Oath and Law. The values of Scouting – trustworthy, loyal, helpful, kind, brave and reverent, for example – are important for both young men and women," said Michael Surbaugh, the BSA's Chief Scout Executive. "We believe it is critical to evolve how our programs meet the needs of families interested in positive and lifelong experiences for their children. We strive to bring what our organization does best – developing character and leadership for young people – to as many families and youth as possible as we help shape the next generation of leaders."

PLEASANTON - The Albertsons Companies Foundation announced today an in-store fundraiser to help people and communities affected by the California Wildfires. Safeway, Vons, Pavilions and Albertsons stores in California and Northern Nevada are raising money to help disaster relief organizations including the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from these devastating fires.

Customers can make donations at checkstands of the company's California and Northern Nevada store locations. The Albertsons Companies Foundation will match customer donations up to $500,000.