For more information about the event visit 12th Annual Hot Rods 4 Paws Benefit Car & Bike Show in Antioch’s Rivertown Oct. 24. For more information about Downtown Antioch Association visit Antioch DAA.

Driver on parole for homicide, has history of 22 other arrests; both adult brothers already out of custody

By Allen D. Payton

According to Antioch Police, “while on patrol in the area, Officer Drace conducted a traffic stop on Lemontree Way at L Street after observing a Honda with multiple Vehicle Code violations.

During the stop, officers learned the driver was on active parole for homicide. A parole search of the vehicle was conducted, but initially, nothing was found.

“K9 Officer Loki, a firearm-detection K9, responded to the scene with his handler, Officer Yega.

“Loki was deployed for an open-air sniff of the vehicle and alerted to the driver-side front floorboard, indicating the possible presence of a firearm.

“Officers conducted a secondary search of the area. After removing the floor carpet, officers located a stolen, concealed, loaded firearm equipped with an extended magazine.

“The driver was arrested and booked into county jail.

“Great work by our officers and K9 Loki!”

In addition, the male adult driver and his two male passengers, one his adult brother, and the other a juvenile, were also arrested.

According to the Antioch Police Department’s CitizenRIMS Crime Map, the stop and arrests occurred on Sept. 27, 2026, at 3:02 PM.

According to Lt. Bill Whitaker, “Three people were arrested, all Oakland residents. The third was a juvenile with a different last name.”

The two adult males are Joshua Jermaine Richard, age 20, described as five-feet, seven inches tall, 120-pounds, and his brother, 27-year-old Jeremiah Prince Roland Richard, described as five-feet, six inches tall and 165-pounds. Both are listed as Black or African American.

Joshua’s crime is listed as felony 25850(A) PC carrying a loaded firearm in public under specific circumstances and he’s also charged with 25400(a)(1) Pc: Carry Concealed Weapon In Vehicle (F), 496(a) Pc: Receive/etc Known Stolen Property (F), 32310(c) Pc: Large Capacity Magazine Posession, 11357(a)(2) Hs: Possession Less Than 28.5 Grams Mj Or 4 Grams Cannabis By 18-20 Yr Old, 30305(A)(1) PC: felon in possession of ammunition, and 29610(A) PC: minor in possession of a firearm.

Jeremiah is charged with 25850(a) Pc: Carry Loaded Firearm In Public Under Specific Circumstances (F), 25400(a)(1) Pc: Carry Concealed Weapon In Vehicle (F), 496(a) Pc: Receive/etc Known Stolen Property (F), 29800(a)(1) Pc: Felon/addict/possess/etc Firearm (F), 30305(a)(1) Pc: Prohibited Person Own/possess/etc Ammunition/etc (F)

Case Number: 26-9270  Incident Number:2609270098.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, as of Sep 30th at 7:51 PM, Joshua is out of custody with no charges filed. According to localcrimenews.com, Joshua is a resident of Emeryville and this is his first arrest.

According to localcrimenews.com, Jeremiah was also charged with  3056, Violation Parole: Felony and 466, Possession Of Burglar’s Tools. Jeremiah also has a history of 22 other arrests dating back to 2017

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, as of Oct. 1st at 7:01 PM he is out of custody on General Release and according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation as of Oct. 3rd at 8:08 AM, he is out of custody on parole.

By Antioch Animal Services

We are getting several coyote sightings (potentially the same coyote);

9/30/26 in the am ~ Heidorn Park

9/30/26 at 6:00 pm ~ Diablo West Park

10/1/26 at 0920 am ~ Diablo West Park

It’s the time of year when the Spring pups are being told to move out….so they look a bit “lost” while they navigate the world solo.

Our Animal Control Officer will respond to sick, injured (immobile) or aggressive coyotes, but we do not trap them for simply being present.

We have an abundance of “urban coyotes”. With the beautiful backdrop of Black Diamond Mines Regional Park and Contra Loma Regional Park and all of our trails meandering through the City it shouldn’t be a great shock to see a coyote here and there in residential areas as access is so easy. Yes, they come out during the day, in the evening and at night – foraging for food is not time specific.

Residential areas provide habitat (food, water, shelter and space) for coyotes. Plentiful food sources exist such as mice, rabbits, squirrels and gophers. Urban coyotes have also learned to take advantage of the ample human-associated foods, such as garbage, pet food, birdseed and compost piles. Some coyotes have also learned that unattended pets are an easy food source. Shelter and water can be found in parks, yards and natural areas.

Availability of their natural food sources and ample access to garbage, pet food, and bird feeders attracts coyotes to our neighborhoods. In addition, some residents illegally place food out for other wildlife such as turkeys or community cats, which compounds the problem. Some coyotes have also discovered pets are easy prey.

• Keep food sources at bay.
• Weight down your trash cans, don’t let garbage overflow.
• Don’t leave food out for your pets, community cats or other wildlife.
• Keep your pets in at night.
• Secure coops & cages.
• Pools, ponds and fruit trees are the number 1 attractants for small wildlife that coyotes prey on, create barriers or fencing to keep predators out.

Do not run or turn your back on a coyote. Be as big and loud as possible. Wave your arms, clap your hands and throw objects at the coyote. Shout in a loud authoritative voice. If the coyote does not leave the area, face the coyote and slowly back away.

Keep your pets up to date on their rabies vaccinations and on leash when in the parks and trails or any other public area.

#KeepWildlifeWild #AntiochJungle #LearnToLiveWithWildlife

If there is an aggressive coyote, it is acting sick/irrational or is seriously injured please call us at (925) 779-6989 and inform Fish & Wildlife at (916) 414-6464.

By Allen D. Payton

After more than 20 years, the rodeo returns to the Contra Costa County Fair, this year, with Bulls and Broncs beginning 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026.

The Silver Bridge Rodeo Company brings the spirit of the West to life with world-class bull riding and broncs events that showcase the grit, skill, and courage of rodeo’s toughest athletes. From thunderous eight-second rides to airborne broncs and charging bulls!

General Admission is $19.00. Does not include Fair admission.

Rodeo Event Tickets sold separately online through Saffire Ticket by clicking, HERE.

For more information about the 2026 Contra Costa County Fair visit www.contracostafair.com.

BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters® 10th Anniversary Event

Adoption fees waived in Antioch May 1-17

By Becca Bryant

Today marks the start of National Pet Month, and the timing couldn’t be better.

BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters® – the nation’s largest funded adoption event – returns May 1-17, 2026, marking the 10th anniversary of the Foundation’s signature program. This milestone event celebrates a decade of lifesaving second chances for shelter pets. Hosted in partnership with 335 animal shelters across 39 states, the initiative helps make adoption more affordable by sponsoring reduced adoption fees of $70 or less. All pets are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped—ready to go from kennel to couch.

As shelters face increased intake during the spring months and adoptions struggle to keep pace, this event provides critical relief by helping thousands of pets find loving homes. Since launching in 2016, Empty the Shelters has helped nearly 400,000 pets find homes through partnerships with 909 organizations across 49 states and Canada. 

BISSELL Pet Foundation, a leading national nonprofit founded in 2011 by Cathy Bissell, partners with animal welfare organizations by reimbursing adoption fees so that adopters pay $70 or less. Every pet is spay/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped – ready to go from kennel to couch.

 “Ten years ago, Empty the Shelters® began with a simple goal—to bring awareness to the incredible pets in shelters,” said Bissell. “Today, it has grown into a national effort that has helped nearly 400,000 pets find families. Those adoptions have opened space for other pets to enter shelters, provided relief for shelter teams, and created the heartwarming joy that only adoption can bring. This impact has been made possible thanks to the commitment of shelters, adopters, donors and supporters across the country. As we celebrate 10 years, we encourage everyone to consider adoption and help more pets find the homes they deserve. It’s never too late to make a difference.”

Antioch Animal Services Participates Again

Antioch Animal Services is participating in the Empty the Shelters® 10th Anniversary Event. Stop by Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm at 300 L Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown.

Antioch’s staff says, “Come check out our amazing pets and perhaps find your new best friend!”

For more information check adoptable pets at https://24petconnect.com/AntiochAdoptablePets or call (925) 779-6989, Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.

Additional details & FAQs:

• Events take place quarterly, with emergency activations during shelter crises.
• Each shelter has its own process – contact them directly for applications, adoptable pets, and event hours.
• BISSELL Pet Foundation does not operate a shelter or offer individual pet grants.
• Follow @bissellpets on social media for updates and announcements.
• Adoption saves two lives – the pet going home and the one who takes their place

About BISSELL Pet Foundation:

BISSELL Pet Foundation is a charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to help reduce the number of animals in shelters through pet adoption, spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchipping and emergency support. Founded in 2011 by Cathy Bissell, BPF is an extension of her long-standing love for animals and commitment to their welfare. BPF has since partnered with more than 6,025 shelters and rescues across the U.S. and Canada to help pets find loving homes. The foundation is supported by generous donors and BISSELL Inc. where every purchase saves pets. To learn more, visit www.bissellpetfoundation.org.

For more information about BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters® visit www.bissellpetfoundation.org/programs/empty-the-shelters/#.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Antioch Police Department & Antioch Animal Services

This week marks National Animal Care & Control Appreciation Week also known as Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week and it’s the perfect time to pause and recognize the incredible people behind the work.

Antioch Animal Services is so much more than what you see at the front counter or on social media. It’s early mornings, late nights, tough calls, compassionate decisions, and showing up every single day for both the people and animals in our community.

Our Animal Control Officers are out in the field responding to calls, ensuring public safety, helping animals in need, and stepping into situations that require not only skill but patience, empathy, and heart.

Behind the scenes, our shelter staff are doing equally important work: caring for animals, supporting adopters, reuniting lost pets with their families, and keeping operations moving forward no matter the challenges.

If you see one of our team members this week whether in the field, at the shelter, or out in the community, take a moment to say thank you. It truly means more than you know.

According to the National Animal Care & Control Association’s website, the week is “our annual effort to celebrate and promote professionalism within the Animal Care and Control field on the national stage. As with other events designed to promote specific groups, professions, and other important causes, NACA is pleased to provide all the necessary encouragement for all localities who would like to show their appreciation to all their Animal Care and Control personnel. We encourage all Animal Care and Control agencies to have a special week of their own to show off their pride and receive recognition for the important services they provide to their communities.

“This week of appreciation is designed to give recognition to the hard-working men and women of Animal Care and Control who risk their lives and devote huge amounts of personal time and resources, while they serve the public like other public safety and law enforcement agencies empowered with the same duties.

“This is the week that these hard working and dedicated Animal Care and Control employees should be honored by having the whole community say, “Thank You”, for helping when no one else could, or would even know how to.

“The final day of the week culminates with a ‘cake and punch’ appreciation party held at a large reception area for all of the Animal Care and Control agency personnel, with special emphasis placed on all the officers and their individual special talents performed throughout the previous year.”

Antioch Animal Services is located at 300 L Street next to the Antioch Police Station on the corner of W. 2nd and L Streets in historic, downtown Rivertown. For more information or to volunteer visit Animal Services | Antioch, CA.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

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

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.

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.

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.

See video on the APD Facebook page.

History of Arrests, Out of Custody

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 the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, he is Black and as of Dec. 29 at 5:09 AM, he had bonded out of custody.

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.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.