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Since 1985, JP has been working in the field of animal protection. Her first job as the Humane Educator for the Palo Alto Humane Society deepened her commitment as an advocate for animals of all species. In 1987, JP went to work for the Peninsula Humane Society as the Volunteer Coordinator and in 1989 she worked for The Humane Farming Association developing educational and outreach materials. From 1985 thru 1990, JP served as the public member of the Letterman Army Institute of Research (LAIR) providing a voice for the animals who were being subjected to extremely inhumane, painful and redundant experiments. In 1991, JP traveled to Washington DC where she was invited to testify in front of the Congressional Armed Services Committee to report on the extreme animal abuse occurring at LAIR.
In 1991, JP and a small group of dedicated volunteers, founded the Spay Neuter Action Project (SNAP), a non-profit organization based in San Diego, California. SNAP is still going strong today and has provided affordable spay and neuter to thousands of animal in San Diego County. In 1992, JP, along with a group of dedicated veterinarians, medical doctors and experienced animal protection volunteers, founded CAPE. JP serves as the Executive Director of CAPE and is very proud to report that over the past 28 years, CAPE has saved thousands of animals through our rescue, outreach & sanctuary programs. 
After growing up in Nevada County, Julie Wang spent over 20 years in Southern California. To show for it:
She has 2 ex-husbands and 2 perfect children. Julie is now an advocate for mental health and has always supported compassion for animals and children. She currently has her own little sanctuary at home in Penn Valley consisting of ten goats, three cats, one dog and a very old chicken named Penny. All this due to her partner in crime, Nathan. This year, 2023, Julie decided to volunteer for CAPE. Instead, she was offered a job. Julie says that working with others who hold animals in high esteem has been amazing! She is “way down deep in her DNA grateful.” |
Lori moved to Grass Valley with her family in 2000. After living most of her life in the San Francisco Bay Area, living in Sierra Nevada Foothills was a breath of fresh air. She launched her own pet sitting business, Pet Peeves, and eventually started volunteering at different local animal rescue organizations.
From there Lori found her calling - animal rescue. In 2011 she created Nevada County PAWS, a program to assist people in the community with resources for re-homing their companion animals. In 2013, after being involved with CAPE during the elephant ride protests at the Nevada County Fair, Lori started working for CAPE as a part time admin. It was not long before she added animal care to her list of responsibilities. “Being a part of CAPE is a life changing experience. Gratitude and compassion are an everyday occurrence at CAPE - with people and animals alike.” 
The only thing Renee has ever wanted to do was help our fellow humans and animals. They didn’t always know what that would look like or if they could reach those goals, but they slowly put their foot in the door by working at assisted living facilities, pet supply shops, and dog kennels. Life during COVID was a turning point for them in many ways, and some huge life choices had to be made. They took a chance and moved to Grass Valley from Sacramento.
They eventually found CAPE’s job listing and knew this would feel more like a gift than a career. -Another opportunity to be closer to their dream of loving on animals all day! It was seemingly a miracle the way things synchronized and worked out. And now they have been here for over a year. Having built such strong bonds with each animal individually, and becoming family with the staff, they are now the on-site lead animal caregiver for CAPE. Dreams really do come true! 
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Cathy was introduced to CAPE back in 2001 when she adopted a dog named Elsie. It was love at first sight for these two! She started fostering for CAPE over 12 years ago and then took the position of Foster Care/ Adoption Manager in 2009. Cathy is also very involved with the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter where she has been a volunteer/foster mom for the past 14 years.
"I have a special place in my heart for puppies, ones that for whatever reason can't go up for adoption right away. These precious babies need to be loved and cared for, and I have the privilege of being able to do that in my home. It is so rewarding to watch them grow, become more confidant, or overcome an illness. Seeing them placed into loving homes is what keeps me going and coming back for more!" "I am often thanked for what I do, but it's me who is thankful! I have learned so much from every single soul that has come through my door. The compassion and dedication from everyone at CAPE has inspired me and I am so proud and honored to be a part of this wonderful organization." |
Back in the early 90’s, Nancy was instrumental in producing Speaking of Animals, an educational cable TV show created in the studio at Community Television. In eight years, more than 100 episodes of Speaking of Animals were produced and the show went on to win multiple awards for best educational programming. Nancy also co-wrote the music for CAPE’s television show “Speaking of Animals,” the theme song “Woof Woof” for CAPE’s documentary "Viva Los Perros!" and the theme song for CAPE's Youtube television show "Animal Eyes."
She volunteered for the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter, where she wrote the monthly “Dear Tabby” newsletter column for their regular publication. For 12 years, Nancy has been a rescue and foster volunteer with the Bay Area Poodle Rescue and for CAPE. She also worked as the Manager of the Santa Cruz SPCA for seven years. For years. Nancy is currently the Outreach Coordinator for CAPE and continues to foster dogs who have special needs. She fills every spare moment with reading as well as writing music, poetry and short stories. She enjoys serenading her fur-BFFs while playing her guitar, piano or flute. 
Mister's guardian became very ill and was taken to a hospital where he needed ICU care. Mister remained in the apartment while his guardian's sister frantically started looking for a place for Mister to be cared for. She tried friends, family, and local shelters, but no one could take him and the shelters were all full of cats and kittens. She was becoming desperate.
Finally, a hospice worker contacted CAPE to see if we might consider an old, very overweight cat. We decided that Mister would be a perfect Office Manager for CAPE. He has a comfy couch, a huge cat tree, and enclosed outdoor cattery, and another old, friendly cat who has now become his best friend. Mister's previous guardian died the day after Mister arrived at CAPE. It is our hope that he died knowing that his beloved cat is safe and loved at CAPE. |