By Acting Animal Services Manager Cat Cottle, City of Antioch
To everyone who showed up for animals in 2025 – thank you. Truly.
Thank you to every adopter who chose a shelter pet and saw worth, potential and love where others may have overlooked it. You didn’t just adopt an animal – you changed a life, and in many cases, saved one.
Thank you to every family who reclaimed their pet. Reunifications matter. They are joyful, emotional, and often overlooked wins and they remind us why identification, community and second chances are so important.
Thank you to the fosters and rescues – the ones who said “yes” when the shelter was full, when an animal needed quiet, healing, decompression, medical care, or just a couch and a human. The late nights, the medications, the training, the heartbreaks and happy endings – thousands upon thousands of hours given freely, out of pure compassion.
And thank you to our volunteers – the steady, dependable presence behind the scenes and on the front lines. The walkers, cleaners, enrichment creators, transporters, photographers, event helpers, admin angels, and everything in between. Your time is your most valuable resource and you gave it generously.
Every adoption, every reunion, every foster placement, rescue transfer, every hour volunteered helped carry our shelter and our community through another demanding year. None of this work happens in isolation. It takes people – good, committed, patient people – choosing animals again and again.
We see you.
We appreciate you.
We could not do this without you.
From the bottom of our hearts – thank you for being part of the village in 2025. ~ AAS
Tinkerbell was stolen and returned to her owner thanks to the efforts of Antioch Police Officer Constantine Kawalya. Photo (left) & video screenshots source: Antioch PD.
Dog-nappers Isaiah Kingstringer, Zoie Ledesma arrested inside Antioch Police Station, have history of arrests, out of custody
By Acting Lt. Gary Lowther #4032, Antioch Police Field Services Division
On Friday, December 26, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., a family was shopping at Target on Lone Tree Way in Antioch with their 10-week-old Yorkshire Terrier, “Tinkerbell.” While inside the store, the family was approached by two individuals who complimented them on the puppy. The individuals then took the puppy from the family and fled the area in a vehicle.
Officer Constantine Kawalya initiated a thorough investigation into the incident. During the investigation, officers learned that Tinkerbell was a Christmas gift for the family’s three-year-old daughter. The investigation led to the identification of a vehicle involved in the incident, as well as the suspected individuals, 20-year-old Isiah Mellow Kingstringer and 21-year-old Zoie Sofia Ledesma.
The suspects’ car was followed, stopped and towed by Antioch Police. Officer body-cam video screenshots
On December 27, 2025, an Antioch Police Department officer who was aware of the investigation located the suspect vehicle traveling within the City of Antioch and conducted a traffic stop. The vehicle was subsequently towed as part of the investigation.
Later that day, Kingstringer and Ledesma arrived at the Antioch Police Department lobby to retrieve the towed vehicle. Both individuals were arrested on outstanding warrants related to the theft of Tinkerbell.
Dog-nappers Zoie Ledesma and Isaiah Kingstringer were arrested and questioned in the Antioch Police Station. Officer body-cam video screenshots.
During a follow-up interview, Officer Kawalya determined the location of the puppy. Tinkerbell was safely recovered and reunited with her family.
Kingstringer and Ledesma were booked into the Contra Costa County Jail on the following charges
• PC 487A(a) – Grand theft of an animal
• PC 532(a) – Theft by false pretenses
• PC 182(a)(1) – Conspiracy
The investigation into this incident is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Antioch Police Department at tips@antiochca.gov.
According to localcrimenews.com, this is the third arrest this year for Kingstringer, a Richmond resident, including by Alameda County Sheriff’s Deputies on June 30th for possession of marijuana for sale and on August 4th by Richmond Police for addict in possession of a firearm, carrying a loaded firearm when not the registered owner and revocation of probation. He was also previously arrested in 2023 by BART Police for battery on transportation personnel with injury.
According to localcrimenews.com, Ledesma, a Hercules resident, was previously arrested twice in 2023 by Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Deputies for receiving stolen property – motor vehicle, taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, driving without a license, failure to obey a peace officer and warrants or holds only.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, she is Asian-Pacific Islander and as of Monday, Dec. 29 at 5:00 AM, she had also bonded out of custody.
Acting Animal Services Manager Cat Cottle (in green shirt holding check), Antioch Police Chief Joe Vigil (with photo of the late Nancy Kelly) and Captain Desmond Bittner are joined by Mr. & Mrs. Keith Farr,Trustees of the Nancy K. Kelly Trust to receive the legacy gift on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. Also pictured is Violet, the kitten adopted by Ms. Kelly in 2012. Photo: Antioch Animal Services. Inset photo of Ms. Kelly source: Mountain Democrat
From Nancy K. Kelly Trust
By Antioch Animal Services
Antioch Animal Services is deeply honored to have received a $106,000 legacy gift from the Nancy K. Kelly Trust, presented by Trustee Keith Farr and his wife on July 22, 2025. According to Acting Animal Services Manager Cat Cottle, the gift check was presented by Trustees Mr. and Mrs. Keith Farr. “They aren’t relatives, just very good friends of the decedent,” Cottle shared.
Nancy Kelly (March 31, 1944 – September 13, 2024) was a longtime Antioch resident whose life was rooted in service, civic engagement, and genuine care for others. She served her community in countless ways – as a Credit Union manager, Neighborhood Watch Captain, Antioch Garden Club member, and volunteer for numerous city and social causes. Wherever Nancy lived, she showed up, got involved, and made her community stronger.
Nancy was also a devoted cat lover. Thirteen years ago, she adopted a three-month-old tortoiseshell kitten named Velvet from Antioch Animal Services. That small act of love created a lifelong bond with the shelter – one that she carried with her long after moving to Placerville, where she continued her commitment to volunteering, civic involvement and friendship.
This extraordinary bequest reflects Nancy’s enduring thoughtfulness and her belief in giving back to the community she once called home. Her generosity will have a lasting impact on the animals in our care and the people who serve them.
We are profoundly grateful to the Trustees of the Nancy K. Kelly Trust for honoring Nancy’s life and values in such a meaningful way. Her compassion lives on through every life touched by this gift.
According to her 2024 obituary, Nancy Kathryn Kelly was born at Camp Stoneman, (in Pittsburg) California to parents Lydia M. and Edward F. Kelly. She became close friends with many people whom she remained friends with until her passing. Nancy moved to Placerville approximately 10 years ago where she bought her beloved home. Here as well she had many good friends and acquaintances. She was a committed and dedicated Marshall Hospital volunteer and was very active in the local Democrat Party and the Placerville Library. Nancy loved entertaining and often invited groups of friends for an afternoon party to enjoy her beautiful garden and home. Nancy loved gardening, cats, good wine, laughing and creating beautiful, crafted items. She is survived by a sister, two brothers, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Nancy will be remembered as a generous, creative, independent, strong woman and friend. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.”
To bring holiday hope and find loving “furever” homes forshelter pets
300+ shelters nationwide reduce adoption fees
By Cat Cottle, Acting Animal Services Manager / Animal Services Supervisor, Antioch Police Department
Starting tomorrow, Tuesday, December 2, 2025, BISSELL Pet Foundation, a national animal welfare organization dedicated to ending pet homelessness, is bringing holiday hope to homeless pets across the country with its Empty the Shelters® – Holiday Hope reduced-fee adoption event, taking place until December 15th, 2025.
Antioch Animal Services will participate in the nationwide event to help deserving shelter pets find loving homes. During this time, BISSELL Pet Foundation sponsors reduced adoption fees to make adoption more affordable this holiday season. Finding love at the corner of W. 2nd & L Streets:
Antioch Animal Services will participate December 2–15 at 300 L Street, Antioch, CA, offering $0 adoption fees for all adoptable pets.
Visit 24petconnect.com/AntiochAdoptablePets for adoptable pets.
All pets are spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped before going to their new homes
No appointments are necessary
We are open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm
Antioch Animal Services’ longest canine resident, 6-year-old, Lorraine, who has been in their care for 90 days. Photo: Antioch Animal Services
“This year has placed enormous pressure on shelters across the country, as more families face financial hardship and housing changes that force them to surrender beloved pets,” said Cathy Bissell, Founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. “If you’re considering adding a pet to your family, adoption has so many benefits. Shelters have desirable pets of every size and age—many who have lived in homes, are house-trained, already spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and ready to become part of your family—all for a fraction of the cost of buying from a breeder or pet store. Our Empty the Shelters Holiday Hope event is a chance for all of us to end the year by giving shelter pets what they deserve most—a loving home.”
We have had great success during these events in the past and we hope that this event will find “furever” homes for many of our adoptable pets.
Empty the Shelters is the nation’s largest funded adoption event and has helped more than 374,000 pets find homes across the U.S. and Canada since its inception in 2016. Sponsored by BISSELL Pet Foundation, the program works with hundreds of animal welfare organizations to reduce adoption fees and make pet adoption accessible to more families.All pets available through participating shelters are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. Each shelter determines its own adoption process—prospective adopters are encouraged to contact shelters directly for details.
I wanted to reach out about a devastating dog attack that happened to my family on Sunday, November 2, 2025, in Antioch. My 73-year-old father was severely injured by three loose dogs, and our small family dog was killed during the attack near Greystone Drive and Rockford Drive, close to John Muir Elementary.
Antioch Animal Services (Case #25-9756) is actively investigating, but the police have not received cooperation from the homeowners believed to own the dogs involved. Furthermore, the flyers (pic attached) we have posted in the neighborhood have been torn down, which feels very intentional. We are desperately trying to locate the owners and are hoping that some news coverage might encourage witnesses or neighbors to come forward with information.
My father had surgery on 11/13 because of his injuries and had to stay in the hospital for the night for monitoring.
Our family is heartbroken and doing everything we can to help Animal Services find the truth.
This story is about accountability and public safety, as the dogs are still unaccounted for and we do not want another family to suffer like ours has.
Here are the factual details of the incident.
The attack occurred on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at approximately 8:15 AM near the intersection of Greystone Drive and Rockford Drive in the Eagleridge neighborhood of Antioch.
My father, Jim Thomson, was walking his small dog, Benji, on leash.
Three large dogs came up from behind with no owner present and attacked Benji.
My father fell into the street during the attack and later required surgery for a fractured elbow.
Nearby residents intervened and assisted my father by calling 911. He was transported via ambulance to Kaiser Sand Creek.
Witnesses described the dogs as one husky, one Belgian Malinois, and a third dog that may have been a shepherd mix. They ran off after the attack and were seen by multiple people in the neighborhood including the paramedics transporting Jim to the hospital.
Candy Thomson, Jim’s wife, transported Benji, with the help of a neighbor to VCA, the emergency vet, on Sunset Drive where Benji died from his injuries.
Several neighbors have already provided helpful information, and we are hoping that anyone with additional details or security camera footage from approximately 8 to 9 AM on 11/2 will come forward.
Animal Control is currently investigating. Jessica Knittel is our contact.
If you have any information about the attack or name of the owner please contact Antioch Animal Services at (925) 779-6989 or his daughter at (213) 361-5407.
Join us for the 11th Annual Hot Rods 4 Paws Benefit Car & Bike Show and Trunk or Treat Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown.
Enjoy and participate in the Pet Costume Contest at 11:30am, Kids Costume Contest at 12:00pm on the corner of W. 2nd and G Streets and store-to-store Trick or Treating from 12:00-4:00pm.
Plus, there will be Monster Truck rides, a Kids Zone, Music and Vendors and it is FREE to the public.
The event will benefit Furry Friends Pet Relief, a 501c3 non-profit organization that assists struggling families and the homeless in the East Bay and surrounding counties with dog and cat food.
Miss Contra Costa County Fair to be chosen Thursday, May 17
Discounted Presale Tickets & Carnival Unlimited Ride Wristband pass on sale now
Fair Hours: 12:00 Noon-9:30pm Daily. (Gates Close at 9pm)
Midway of Fun Carnival Hours: Noon-10pm Daily except Saturday, Noon-11pm (Carnival will remain open after Fair Gates Close)
SPECIAL DAYS
Dollar Day – Thursday, May 15 at Noon – $1 Admission until 5pm Buy 1 Carnival Ride Wristband get 1 FREE until 6pm (Riders must be present at time of wristband purchase)
Senior Day – Friday, May 16 – $1 Admission for Senior’s 62+
Military & Law Enforcement Day – Saturday, May 17 – Military/Law Enforcement and their families with active ID will receive FREE Admission.
Fiesta Day – Sunday, May 18 – Hispanic Themed Stage and Grounds Entertainment.
Miss Contra Costa County Fair Queen Pageant at 5PM – Estrella Pavilion Stage – Come watch and support these local girls competing for the title of Miss Contra Costa County Fair.
DAILY ATTRACTIONS
Barnyard Bash – Get ready to go Hog-Wild with this interactive music and dance, audience participation Hoe-Down stage show. Daily Performance 1:30pm, 3:30pm, & 5:30pm.
BC Characters – Keep your eye pealed for these fun and furry characters.
Camel Rides – Feeling a little adventurous, here is your chance to take a ride on a camel.
Chicken Rider – Be on the lookout for the Chicken Rider and his chicken, Salt & Pepper.
Cowgirl Tricks – Cowgirl Tricks is a tongue-in-cheek vaudeville-style comedic bonanza of trick roping, whip cracking, music, magic, audience participation and lots of kooky cowgirl shenanigans. Performing daily on the Estrella Pavilion State, 12:30pm, 2pm and 3:30pm, May 15 – 17.
Daily Parade – 5PM on the Midway
Fables of the West – Look out for these two just horsing around.
Little Rascals Kids Club – FREE interactive, hands-on kid’s activity zone, where parents can relax and let their kids be kids in this fun activity area.
Paradise Roller Skating Academy – Demonstrations Watch as some of these skaters show you their amazing Roller-Skating talents. Demonstrations Thursday, May 15th at 6pm, and Saturday, May 17th at 2pm in Paradise Skate Roller Rink.
Petting Zoo – Here is your opportunity to get up close and personable with all kinds of fun furry creatures.
Pony Rides – Be a Cowboy or Cowgirl and ride the ponies.
Roaming Railroad – Take a ride on this Fun Little Train.
Sarah Nep Cheese Carver – Watch as Sarah turns a block of cheese into a fabulous work of art. Daily demonstrations from 1pm to 6pm in the Arts Pavilion.
Wiener Dog Stampede – Come out and support local contestants and their Wiener Dogs compete for Grand Champion in the Wiener Dog Stampede. Saturday May 17th at 3pm.
Wooden Creations – Chainsaw Carving Demonstrations – Watch these chainsaw artists work their magic and turn a log into a work of art. Fairgoers will have the opportunity to purchase Chainsaw Carvings. Daily Demonstrations 2pm, 4pm, & 6pm.
Xtreme Sports Zone – A thrill for everyone young and old. Bungee, Rock Wall, Water Balls and more.
EXHIBITS
Agriculture Pavilion
Arts Pavilion
Fur & Feathers Pavilion
Livestock Pavilion (Closed Sunday, May 18th)
Home Arts, Fine Arts, Photography, Agriculture Exhibits, Floriculture, Horticulture, Ag Mechanics, Industrial Technology & Science. – Take a look at what the talented local community artists have created, from youth home arts to adult fine art and photography, as well as agriculture and horticulture exhibits and displays.
LIVESTOCK COMPETITIONS & AUCTIONS – Livestock Show Ring
Daily Goat Show followed by All Other Breeding Goat Show – 5:00PM
Boer Goat Show followed by Sheep Show – Friday, May 16, 4PM
Swine Show – Saturday, May 17, 8AM
Small Stock Master Showmanship – Saturday, May 17, 4PM
Large Livestock Showmanship – Saturday, May 17, 7PM
Junior Livestock Auction – Sunday, May 18, 9AM
LIVE MUSIC – Headliners
Gotcha Country is the band that can keep you “Boot Scootin” all night long! Daily shows are at 4pm, 6pm and 8pm – PG&E Midway Stage.
You Should Be Dancing – A Tribute to the Bee Gees – The San Francisco Bay Area’s premiere Bee Gees Tribute band. Experience non-stop dancing, soaring falsettos, and the most beautiful ballads of all time. Friday 7:30pm – Estrella Pavilion Stage.
Patton Leatha – Making Music that moves your mind body and Soul. Saturday 5:30pm & 7pm – Estrella Pavilion Stage.
Night Owls – Top 40 Cover Band, based out of San Francisco Saturday 8:30pm & 10pm – Estrella Pavilion Stage.
Sunday Hispanic Themed Entertainment to include: DJ Winners, Banda Katana, El Rifle, Komando De La Siera
MIDWAY OF FUN CARNIVAL
Brass Ring Amusements Midway of Fun is a family owned and operated carnival business which has served the California fair circuit since 1991. From the Ferris Wheel to the Zipper and the Merry Go Round to the Viper there is something for all ages to enjoy at the Midway of Fun Carnival. Don’t forget to try your luck at one of the fun carnival games.
ANTIOCH SPEEDWAY – Saturday Night Races
Get your adrenalin pumping as you prepare for racing action, Saturday, May 17th. Watch IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, Pacific Coast Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks & Figure 8. Gates open at 4pm. Racing starts at 5:30pm. Separate Ticket required for Races, visit www.antiochspeedway.com for details.
Tickets & More Info
Ticket Prices: Kids 5 and under FREE Youth 6 – 12, $9 at the Fair, $7 presale
Seniors 62 & Over, $9 at the Fair, $7 presale
Adults, $14 at the Fair, $10 presale
Youth Season Pass – $25
Adult Season Pass – $35
Unlimited Carnival Ride Wristbands at the Fair $40, presale $35 Daily
Parking – $10
Season Parking Pass Livestock Lot – $35
Livestock Exhibitor Carnival Wristband – $99
To buy tickets and for more information visit contracostafair.com or call (925) 757-4400.
Chaperone Policy
The safety of our guests is of the utmost importance to the Fair. To improve this safety the Contra Costa County Fair Board of Directors adopted and implemented a Chaperone Policy for the 2024 Fair and will continue the policy for the 2025 Fair.
All youth under the age of eighteen (18) are required to be accompanied by a parent/guardian (adult – age 25+) to be admitted into the Contra Costa County Fair. Any person entering may be asked to show a valid California Driver License or Identification Card or other government-issued ID. Each adult can only chaperone 4 youths at a time. Groups larger than 4 youths require an additional chaperone for every 4 youths. The chaperone (parent/adult) are required to remain on the facility with the youth during their time at the Fair. The youth must provide a telephone number of the attending parent/adult to a Fair Security representative upon request. Any and all misbehaving youth will be held and released to their chaperone (parent/adult). Any youth under the age of eighteen (18) not accompanied by an adult will not be admitted.
Location
The 2025 Contra Costa County Fair at the Contra Costa Event Park, 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch. Parking off L Street and O Street entrances.
1 pet per household. No brachycephalic (flat faced) breeds.
By Antioch Friends of Animal Services
Joybound People & Pets will be setting up their rig outside of Antioch Animal Services, tomorrow, Tuesday, February 25th at 8am. This is first come, first served, spay/neuter services at an affordable cost.
Please read all details as there are limitations of animals per household and on breeds.
Our mobile spay/neuter clinic addresses the pet overpopulation crisis, while preventing health and behavior problems in your pet. Plus, animals can be administered with free pet microchips, age-appropriate vaccinations, and post-surgery pain medication and e-collar.
Credit or debit cards and cash are accepted. Payment is due at the time of services. No checks, please. • All patients will be seen first-come, first-served. • All animals must be in good health. • One pet will be served per household. • No pregnant or nursing animals. • Pets must be between 4 months and 6 years of age. • Pets must weigh between 2 and 50 pounds. • Pet guardians must be residents of Contra Costa County. • Please withhold food after midnight the night prior to surgery. • Please bring any medical paperwork you have related to your animal’s vaccine or health history. • Dogs must be on a leash and cats must be in carriers. • No brachycephalic breeds (French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Pugs, etc.) • Animals are not given full health or wellness exams at these clinic, only spay/neuter surgeries and vaccinations. • Joybound People & Pets reserves the right to refuse service to anyone.
