DATE:
December 9, 2025
04
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
RATIFY ACCEPTANCE OF DONATIONS FROM THE ELIZABETH S. SMALLFELT REVOCABLE TRUST AND JOAN WALSH-SZOTT (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
County of San Diego Administrative Code Article III, Section 66 Acceptance of Gifts and Board
of Supervisors Policy A-112, Acceptance and Use of Gifts and Donations, enable the acceptance of gifts and donations by the administrative head of each department in the County, subject to
approval by the Board of Supervisors.
Between May and October 2025, the County of San Diego's Department of Animal Services (DAS) received two generous cash donations: $170,000 from the Elizabeth S. Smallfelt Revocable Trust and $35,000 from Joan Walsh-Szott. Of the $170,000 donated by the Smallfelt Revocable Trust, $100,000 will be deposited into the Medical Expense "Spirit" Trust Fund and used to purchase an ultrasound machine with associated software and a surgical laser. This equipment will assist in medical procedures, reducing recovery time and increasing the department's ability to provide care for animals. The remaining $70,000 from the Smallfelt donation and the full $35,000 from Joan Walsh-Szott will be deposited into the department's Public Education Trust Fund to fund mobile outreach events offering spay/neuter services, vaccinations, and microchipping, with the funding estimated to provide more than 800 of each of these services in underserved communities, significantly expanding access to preventative veterinary care. These donations support and promote the department's mission to protect the health, safety, and welfare of people and animals throughout the region.
Today's action requests the Board of Supervisors (Board) to ratify the acceptance of a $170,000 donation from the Elizabeth S. Smallfelt Revocable Trust and a $35,000 donation from Joan Walsh-Szott and authorizes the Chair to sign letters of appreciation on behalf of the Board. Additionally, the item requ...
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