Volunteer of the Year Serves Lifelong Mission to Rescue Kittens by Carl Baker - City News Group, Inc.

Community Calendar

◄ FEBRUARY ►
S M T W T F S
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
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: 46

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

Renting vs. Buying: What Makes Sense Right Now?
Photo Courtesy of: Tumisu

By Margie Miller, Your Realtor, Columnist

February 11, 2026 at 01:43pm. Views: 232

With shifting Real Estate prices, Interest Rates, the rising costs for Insurance and maintenance; today’s housing decision requires a closer look at lifestyle, finances, and long-term goals. Home ownership is a great investment but is it right for you?

Black History Month
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ulises Cabrera, Community Writer

February 10, 2026 at 03:02pm. Views: 340

This month, our iconic “M” on Box Springs Mountain shines in red, black, and green as a visible sign of recognition and respect
Two women writing on a board while in a classroom.

The Old Spanish Trail
Photo Courtesy of: Gene Valdez

By Vivian Johnson, Community Writer

February 10, 2026 at 03:03pm. Views: 509

South Colton Diversity Committee Chairperson Gene Valdez with Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. at the Agua Mansa Frontier Cemetary in Colton

Local Food Bank Reflects on 45th Anniversary Amid Rising Need
Photo Courtesy of: Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino

By Rachel Bonilla, Community Writer

February 10, 2026 at 03:03pm. Views: 507

45 years in operation is a wonderful accomplishment for Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino

Apex Precision Barbershop Brings Precision Grooming to the IE
Photo Courtesy of: Ernesto Castillo

By Barbershop , Contributing Writer

February 10, 2026 at 03:03pm. Views: 545

Apex Precision Barbershop, is slated to open in Moreno Valley this March.
Apex Precision Barbershop located at 24594 Sunnymead Blvd. suite J Moreno Valley, CA 92553

A Magical Night For Daddys and Daughters
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

February 10, 2026 at 03:03pm. Views: 313

Daddy Daughter Dance, ties and tiaras was a magical night for these fathers and daughters.

Look to the BERC When You Need to Find Work
Photo Courtesy of: City of Morneo Valley

By William Cortez, Community Writer

February 10, 2026 at 03:03pm. Views: 283

Looking for a job? Moreno Valley has you covered! So, plan ahead and save the date!

Sombrero Market Recognized for Years of Success!
Photo Courtesy of: Dr.G (Dr. Luis S González),

By Dr.G (Dr. Luis S González),, Community Writer

February 10, 2026 at 03:03pm. Views: 559

Nestor Garcia, Karina Chavez, Isabel Aguilar, Maria Estrada, Devin Gil, owner; Council Member DrG, Karina Cabrera, Destinay Martin del Campo, Marilu Chavez, and Javier Hernandez all particiated in a week-long celebration of the 28th Anniversary of Sombrero Market

CSHS Athlete of the Week: Hector Miguel Martinez
Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

February 10, 2026 at 03:03pm. Views: 361

CSHS Athlete of the Week: Hector Miguel Martinez

Redlands Conservancy Seeks Donations for Upcoming Asistencia White Elephant Sale
Photo Courtesy of: Redlands Conservancy

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

February 10, 2026 at 03:03pm. Views: 272

The image is a flyer for the Asistencia White Elephant Sale, featuring bold red headings with black text listing donation drop-off dates, preview shopping details, and sale dates, alongside information about accepted items and volunteering.

HSSBV Hosts Waggin’ Wednesday Fundraiser with Inland Empire 66ers
Photo Courtesy of: ChatGPT (AI-generated)

By Jill Henderson, Community Writer

February 10, 2026 at 03:03pm. Views: 531

An illustration generated by AI using ChatGPT shows a dog and its owner at a baseball game, representing the pet-friendly atmosphere of Waggin’ Wednesday.

San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra Launches 97th Season Celebrating American Voices and Philanthropic Leadership
Photo Courtesy of: San Bernardino Symphony Library

By Anne L. Viricel, Community Writer

February 10, 2026 at 03:03pm. Views: 451

The San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro Anthony Parnther, will open their 97th performance season on Saturday, February 21 at 3 p.m. at the historic California Theatre of the Performing Arts.

--> -->