History
The Friends of Lake Forest Animals, established in 2008, was born from the South County Animal Shelter Coalition (SCASC) to address the animal welfare concerns of the citizens of the City of Lake Forest. The Coalition was formed approximately 4 years ago by a group of concerned citizens from the cities of Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, Aliso Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita, to establish a regional Pro-Humane Animal Shelter. The coalition has been successful in bringing the issue before each four City Councils. Through their efforts, the City of Aliso Viejo was successful in contracting pro-humane animal control and shelter services with the City of Mission Viejo in April of 2008.
The City of Lake Forest voted to upgrade their animal care services with the County of Orange and establish a low-cost spay and neuter program. The current Lake Forest City Council also made it clear that they are not interested in participating in a city or regional shelter. In an effort to specifically address the Lake Forest City Council's reluctance to establish their own shelter and in a show of good faith that its residents are ready, willing and able to support a locally controlled pro-humane animal shelter, the Friends of Lake Forest Animals was born.
On behalf of the residents of Lake Forest and their pets we applaud the South County Animal Shelter Coalition's successes and support their continuing efforts. While we have made steps in the right direction, three of the four coalition cities continue to have animals euthanized at the County of Orange facility due to lack of funding and lack of proper facilities. The Friends of Lake Forest Animals and South County Animal Shelter Coalition will continue to work in solidarity to achieve a pro-humane South Orange County.
Melora Kloeckner
Melora Kloeckner is a supervisor with the Southern California Edison Street and Outdoor Lighting Organization. An employee with both SCE and its labor union, The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers local 47 since 1980, she helped to establish the IBEW Local 47 Injured Workers Fund, a non-profit organization providing assistance to injured workers.
Melora was a volunteer at the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center and a founding member of its original volunteer organization. During her 10 plus years as a volunteer she served as the organization’s president and volunteer coordinator for the city’s shelter operations. She has been involved in numerous event planning endeavors including SCE’s United Way and Employee Contributions programs, class reunions and work related social events. A resident of Lake Forest since 2004, Mrs. Kloeckner lives with her husband (Cal) and their 3 dogs, Abby and Lucy and Jonesy.
Feel free to email Melora at melora@folfa.org.
Allison Mills
Allison Mills has worked for the City of Garden Grove since 1984. She currently is a Senior Project Manager in the Community Development Department where she works on affordable housing projects and manages programs and funding for lower income families and neighborhoods. Allison´s volunteer work includes serving on the Hearing Board for the Lake Forest II Master Home Owner´s Association, and working as an Election Day Official for every election since 1999. In the past, Allison has served on the Board of Directors for Mission Viejo Animal Shelter´s volunteer group as Fundraising Chair and Publicity-Adoption Chair.
Allison, her husband (Bob), and their two dogs have lived in the City of Lake Forest since 1993.
You can contact Allison at allison@folfa.org.
Lucy Charles
Lucy Charles became a pet parent on her third birthday, when she awoke to find a cocker spaniel puppy in her bed. Sixteen years later her family welcomed another dog, this time a cockapoo, which also enjoyed a long healthy life. Lucy was a flight attendant living in a Brooklyn N.Y. apartment when her fiancé presented her with her first kitten. This, too, was love at first sight.
The years since have been filled with a succession of wonderful cats…in New York, Los Angeles, Sydney Australia, Long Beach and, of course, Lake Forest. Today’s cats are named Jack & Daniels (there is a story behind those names). Lucy worked for a premium pet food company for two years, becoming a Pet Nutrition Specialist, and enjoys taking care of friends’ and neighbors’ pets.
Lucy is new to the FOLFA Board, and will use this opportunity to contribute to the health and safety of all companion pets in Lake Forest.
Jane Cohen
Jane Cohen has owned and operated Van-Go Mobile Pet Grooming for over ten years. She has several years experience in event planning and fundraising for various animal welfare non-profit groups including popular local dog walks. Working with animal rescue groups she frequently helps to re-home dogs and cats in need. Jane has extensive experience working with animals including her former employment at Serrano Animal Hospital in Lake Forest as a front office manager. A Lake Forest resident since 1992, Jane lives with Hershey and Mickey her Petit Basset Giffon Vendeens (PBGVs).