Volunteer of the Year Serves Lifelong Mission to Rescue Kittens by Carl Baker - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ OCTOBER ►
S M T W T F S
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Volunteer of the Year Serves Lifelong Mission to Rescue Kittens

By Carl Baker, Community Writer
February 16, 2017 at 12:52pm. Views: 98

REDLANDS>> William Donovan, who volunteered 1,229 hours last year with the Redlands Animal Shelter, was recently named the shelter’s 2016 Volunteer of the Year. He has had a nearly lifelong mission to rescue kittens. A lifelong Yucaipa resident, Donovan has been an advocate for animals since the 8th grade when he attempted to rescue three kittens from drowning. “I witnessed this man I greatly admired drown three kittens in a bucket of water and toss them in the trash,” he said. “I was horrified. I found the three kittens still alive in the trash and took them with me. I tried to save them but they all died within the hour. I told myself, ‘I will retire someday and make it up to those kittens.’” A ham radio enthusiast, Donovan got his electrical and general contractor licenses at the age of 18 and later became an electrical engineer at California Polytechnic State University, where he also earned his master’s degree and taught electrical engineering. He later went to work for Honeywell and eventually worked on missile guidance systems for Rockwell until his retirement. He now volunteers most days at the Redlands Animal Shelter and is preparing to start the Redlands Citizen Volunteer Patrol Academy to become a CVP with the Redlands Police Department. “Mr. Donovan’s passion lies with taking care of our cat population,” said Redlands Police Department Operations Manager Shayna Walker, who oversees the shelter. “He transports the cats daily to PetSmart in San Bernardino, providing our feline population more exposure and a greater opportunity for adoption. Mr. Donovan has devoted his time to this program and, because of him, our cat adoption rate has increased.”

Related Articles

October Brings Fall Festivals, Family Fun and Community Events Across the Inland Empire
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Ruby Steohenson, Community Writer

September 30, 2026 at 11:54am. Views: 309

Families across the Inland Empire celebrate the arrival of fall with pumpkins, costumes and community festivals, as October brings a full calendar of seasonal activities throughout San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

Grand Terrace Turns to Nature to Help Control Gophers
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Amanda Spencer, Community Writer

September 30, 2026 at 09:09am. Views: 656

The City of Grand Terrace tackles rodent control maintenance by supporting its natural nighttime rodent hunters with tiny homes. Learn how the city is giving nature a chance to help.

Rendezvous Back to Route 66 Returns to Downtown San Bernardino
Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Amanda Spencer, Community Writer

September 29, 2026 at 10:08am. Views: 776

One of the largest car shows in the Inland Empire, Rendezvous Back to Route 66, returns on October 10. Located in the heart of San Bernardino, the event brings the community together to enjoy local vendors, live entertainment, activities for all ages, and more than 1,000 classic cars.

Golf Tournament to Bring Business Community Together

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

September 29, 2026 at 10:08am. Views: 514

Golfers gathering for a day on the course. The Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce’s 36th Annual Golf Tournament is scheduled for October 21.

Doug Wilson Highlights Experience, Planning Knowledge and Longstanding Commitment to Grand Terrace
Photo Courtesy of: grandterrace-ca.gov/government/elected_officials/city_council

By Margie Miller, Publisher, Community Writer

September 30, 2026 at 09:09am. Views: 520

Councilman Doug Wilson, serving Grand Terrace and seeking another term in the November 2026 election, read more about him and his values.

Experience and Service Shape Fred Shorett’s Vision for San Bernardino
Photo Courtesy of: https://www.electshorett.com

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

September 30, 2026 at 09:09am. Views: 622

Councilman Fred Shorett, serving San Bernardino's Fourth Ward since 2009 and is seeking another term in the November 2026 election, read more about him and his values.

Symphony Gala to Celebrate Nearly a Century of Music
Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT.

By Amanda Spencer, Community Writer

September 29, 2026 at 10:13am. Views: 685

The San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra celebrates its founding in style with a Roaring Twenties-themed gala fundraiser on October 17 at 5p.m. The orchestra invites supporters to celebrate the community, music, and legacy it has built over nearly a century.

Loma Linda Chamber to Host Cybersecurity Awareness Luncheon
Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT.

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

September 29, 2026 at 10:08am. Views: 519

a business luncheon focused on cybersecurity. The Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce has scheduled its cybersecurity awareness luncheon for October 7.

Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center Reopens

Photo Courtesy of: County of San Bernardino

By Amanda Spencer, Community Writer

September 28, 2026 at 12:31pm. Views: 786

After two years behind closed doors, the Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center is reopening with a new focus. See how the county hopes expanded rehabilitation and reentry services will help individuals successfully return to their families and communities.

California Declares El Niño Emergency as Coastal Damage Offers Early Warning
Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT.

By William Cortez, Community Writer

September 28, 2026 at 12:31pm. Views: 1118

As powerful surf eats away at the shoreline, crews race to place sandbags ahead of a potentially severe El Niño storm season. AI-generated illustration; does not depict a specific location or event.

GTHS Athlete of the Week: Jacob Matthew Willis
Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

September 28, 2026 at 12:32pm. Views: 760

Jacob Matthew Willis proudly represents Grand Terrace High School as this week’s Athlete of the Week, showcasing his dedication both on the football field and in the classroom.

Remembering Wendell Baker
Photo Courtesy of: Baker Family

By Baker Family, Community Writer

September 23, 2026 at 08:17am. Views: 1153

Wendell C Baker of Grand Terrace, California was born in Wichita Falls, Texas and raised in Texas and California. After graduating

--> -->