Archive for the ‘Pets & Animals’ Category

Antioch Friends of Animal Services mourn passing of founder Barbara Sobalvarro

Saturday, November 9th, 2024
Barbara Sobalvarro with one of her beloved cats. Photo courtesy of Antioch Friends of Animal Services

Local former city officials offer their memories of the advocate for pets

“Her greatest wish was that all people would responsibly raise their pets, and any strays would be adopted. Barbara wanted everyone to love and care for an animal.” – former Antioch Mayor and councilman-elect Don Freitas

By Allen D. Payton

The Antioch Friends of Animal Services is mourning the passing of its founder, Barbara Sobalvarro, today. In a post on the group’s Facebook page on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, they wrote, “It is with great sorrow we share with you the passing of our Founder, Honorary President and Cherished Friend, Barbara Sobalvarro.

Barbara’s remarkable legacy leaves an enduring impact on our hearts and we extend our most heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, the community and the cherished animals she devoted her life to saving.

‘Seldom does a heart feel better, than when you save the life of one of our animal friends’
Barbara Sobalvarro

Aug 18, 1941- Nov 6, 2024

We’ll share more about Barbara in the coming days. As you can imagine, we need some time to process this profound and unexpected loss.

Please consider saving a life at Antioch Animal Services in her memory………”

Founded in 1979 following the passage of the City’s advisory measure in 1978, in which “the citizens of Antioch voted overwhelmingly in favor of maintaining a local animal services program and became unique in Contra Costa County in this regard. Soon after this election, the Friends of Animal Services was formed for the express purpose of guaranteeing the people of Antioch a humane and comprehensive Animal Services program with an emphasis on a quality Animal Shelter and maximum responsible adoptions of animals,” according to the group’s website.

As a result, Antioch is the only city of the 19 in the county to operate its own animal shelter.

“From its political beginnings, the Friends has enriched the Animal Services program for nearly twenty years through fund-raising, education, volunteer efforts, community events, and even beautification of the shelter and its surrounding grounds and—of course, through its continuing monitoring of local government!” said Sobalvarro about her organization.

It became a powerful organization that successfully blocked efforts to cut the budget for and close the Antioch Animal Services and shelter and give the responsibility back to the County.

Former Antioch Mayor, and recently elected District 3 council candidate, Don Freitas, a long-time friend of Sobalvarro and supporter said, “Barbara was an extraordinary advocate for the humane treatment of animals. She was able to politically weaponize the support of many in the community. She was a power to reckon with.”

“One of her biggest focuses was the successful creation of the Antioch Animal Services and shelter,” he added. “I’m actually kind of shocked. She was such a part of Antioch for the past three decades, it’s hard to believe she has passed. Her greatest wish was that all people would responsibly raise their pets, and any strays would be adopted. Barbara wanted everyone to love and care for an animal.”

About Sobalvarro former Mayor Joel Keller said, “She was a dedicated community member who loved animals and worked hard to ensure their safety and well-being,”

About the animal shelter he said, “We did put a funding stream toward it,” referring to three percent of the City’s 10 percent Transient Occupancy Tax on hotel and motel stays in Antioch.

Learn more about Antioch Friends of Animal Services on their website.

Sobalvarro was also a piano teacher and could be seen performing her music at the Lone Tree Golf and Event Center during brunch on Sundays, and at other events in the community.

Free pet vaccinations, microchips at Antioch Animal Services Saturday, Nov.  9

Friday, November 8th, 2024

Another Joybound event begins at 9:00 a.m.

By Antioch Animal Services

Free vaccinations and microchips courtesy ot Joybound People & Pets. Get in line early. These events are first come, first served.

There will be a limited supply of food, dog beds and resource materials available from the Community Solutions table.

Please plan to wait – bring a chair, bring a friend and bring water.

All pets should be adequately contained / restrained. They do not have to be present for check in (they can wait in car). Please advise at check in if you need a carrier or leash.

Thank you Joybound for all you do in our community!

Antioch Animal Services is located at 300 L Street at the corner of W. 2nd Street next to the Antioch Police Facility in historic, downtown Rivertown.

#LoveIsAtTheCornerOf2ndAndL

Howl-O-Ween Pawty at Antioch Animal Services Oct. 31

Wednesday, October 16th, 2024

Including a fancy dress Pet Pawrade!

Join us for our Howl-O-Ween Pawty at Antioch Animal Services, Thursday, Oct 31st 3:00-6:00 p.m.

Extended adoption hours! Fancy dress Pawrade at 4:00 p.m. – bring your leashed dogs! 

The event will include music and treats (for furry and human kids), vendors, fun and games – animal related, a chance to talk to our staff, volunteers and rescue partners and shelter tours… is that a ghost or a husky?

Antioch Animal Services is located at 300 L Street next to the Police Facility. For more information visit Animal Services.

Suspect arrested for multiple Antioch sexual assault cases over past 10 years

Monday, October 14th, 2024
Robert Chukwuemeka Chuksorji. Photo by APD

Robert Chukwuemeka Chuksorji held on $2 million bail; police ask any other victims to come forward

By Sgt. Whitaker #6155, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On June 24, 2024 at 6:36 AM, the Antioch Police arrested a suspect wanted for a violent sexual assault. During the investigation, several other victims were identified and provided crucial information to the case. The Antioch Police Department Investigations Bureau began investigating multiple cases over the past ten years.

The suspect, 37-year-old Robert Chukwuemeka Chuksorji (born 10/17/87), would meet women either in person or online, obtain their phone number and begin a texting relationship. Chuksorji would then plan to meet the victim, which would later turn into a sexual assault. Chuksorji was ultimately caught, and charges have been filed against him

During the investigation, detectives determined that there could be other unreported sexual assaults and victims related to Chuksorji. Chuksorji may have used several other names throughout the years. If you have been victimized by this individual, please contact the Antioch Police Department immediately.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, as of Monday, October 14, 2024, he was still in custody. The six-foot, two-inch tall, 175-pound Chuksorji is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility with bail set at $2 million. His next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 22 at 8:30 AM in Delta Superior Court, Dept. 04 in Pittsburg.

According to localcrimenews.com, Chuksorji was also arrested in 2017 by Antioch PD on July 27, 2016 on an outstanding warrant.

This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released at this time. Any tips or other information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Allen at (925) 779-6923 or by email aallen@antiochca.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

10th Annual Rivertown Trunk or Treating Hot Rods 4 Paws Benefit Car & Bike Show Oct. 26

Saturday, October 12th, 2024

For Furry Friends Pet Relief, Saturday from 10-4pm, Pet and Kids Costume Contests

The event presented by Hot Rods 4 Paws and Celebrate Antioch Foundation will be held on W. 2nd and G Streets in Antioch’s historic downtown Rivertown Business District. The benefit for Furry Friends Pet Relief will offer fun for the whole family, with:

  • Trunk or Treating
  • Store to Store Trick or Treating
  • Music
  • Food
  • Artisan Vendors
  • Beautiful Automobiles!
  • Pet Costume Contest 11:30am
  • Kids Costume Contest 12pm

Free Entry and Parking! Come in costume and join the fun! To be an Artisan Vendor visit Rivertown Trunk or Treating Car Show – Celebrate Antioch Foundation.

Antioch residents warned of multiple mountain lion sightings

Thursday, October 3rd, 2024
Mountain lion sighting in Antioch on Oct. 2, 2024. APD drone video screenshot

One, a juvenile, seen on north side of Hwy 4

By Antioch Animal Services

Antioch Animal Services posted the following announcement on their Facebook page Thursday morning:

10/2/24 @ 2040hrs Antioch Police Department responded to the 200 block of William Reed Drive for reports of a prowler heard in the back yard of a residence.

APD officers put their aerial drone up and were able to determine that a juvenile mountain lion (approximately the same size as the neighbor’s adult Rottweiler) was the cause of the noise coming from behind the home.

We have been getting an increased number of reports over the last month and it appears there may be at least two mountain lions being seen more frequently in the following residential areas;

9/8/24 ~ midnight & early am. Two reports on Bluecurl Ct / Bluebell Circle, in open space. (Hillcrest Park area).

9/18/24 ~ early am. One report on Tabora Dr / James Donlon Blvd in resident’s backyard drinking from pond. (James Donlon / Contra Loma area).

9/28/24 ~ early am. Bluecurl Ct / Bluebell Circle, in open space (Hillcrest Park area)

10/2/24 ~ early am. Eagleridge Dr / Eagleridge Park lurking near turkeys. (Near Mokelumne Trail)

10/2/24 ~ evening. William Reed Dr / G St in resident’s backyard.

Mountain lion attacks are uncommon and close encounters are usually rare in our area, but it is not unheard of to have mountain lion sightings in the vicinity of trails, easements or the open spaces throughout our City.

Chickens, cats and other pets will attract a big cat to your yard. Water sources that attract wildlife also attract the big kitties.

Please be vigilant.

Bring your pets in at night. Remove food that attracts community cats and wildlife, ensure trash and fallen fruits, etc. are picked up and not attracting critters.

If you experience an attack by a mountain lion, please call 911.

Sightings can be reported to us at antiochanimalservices@gmail.com and/or CA Fish & Wildlife askbdr@wildlife.ca.gov.

Low-cost mobile pet spay and neuter service in Tuesdays, Aug. 20 & 27, Sept. 10 & 17

Monday, August 19th, 2024

Joybound People & Pets will be setting up their rig outside of Antioch Animal Services on Tuesday, August 20th at 8am. This is first-come, first-served, spay/neuter services at affordable cost.

Please read all details as there are limitations on size / numbers of animals per household.

We advise getting here early!

Thank you to Joybound for this valuable service.

Antioch Animal Services is located next to the Antioch Police Facility at the corner of W. 2nd and L Streets in Rivertown.

Antioch Animal Services offers tribute to volunteer on day of her Celebration of Life

Sunday, July 28th, 2024
Source: Antioch Animal Services Facebook page

In a post on the Antioch Animal Services Facebook page on July 20, 2024, Acting Animal Services Manager / Animal Services Supervisor Cat Cottle offered a tribute to volunteer Stephanie Pitman who passed away in February. A celebration of life was held for her on Saturday, July 20th.

She wrote, “We will not be having our PetCo Mobile adoptions today as some of our staff and volunteers will be celebrating the life of one of our volunteers, one of our team, one of our friends, who passed away in February of this year.

Stephanie was one of the greatest souls and more than a pleasure & blessing to have in our midst.

Words cannot ever describe the enormity of Stephanie’s heart, for her family, for her volunteering, for her spiritual beliefs, for her work, for all people, for all creatures & for life.

I would often be stuck wondering at the beginning or end of her volunteer shift if her tears today were those of joy or sadness……sometimes it was both, always it was from a place of love.

Stephanie dedicated so much of her life to others and then she jumped on the volunteer train at Antioch Animal Services – we were so fortunate to have her, equally fortunate to have her late Mom, Rhea and to still have her amazing son Gregory here – a triple blessing for us & a testament to wonderful family values.

Stephanie would commit herself to many of our long term dogs and refer to them as her ‘shelter hubbies’, but the one who stole her heart in the end, and that she attributed to discovering her illness, was Lucy.

I could write many stories about Stephanie, but nothing sticks more with me than how she made me feel. I know everyone felt it. She lifted the room. She radiated positivity. Her attitude was contagious. Even when Lucy was giving her some ‘trouble’ with reactivity, she powered through and worked so hard to ensure Lucy got the tools she needed to stay by her side….often telling me ‘but she’s such a good girl, Cat’.

Everything in the world was bettered by Stephanie’s presence and to know her was to love her. We are honored to celebrate her memory today and we know she will want us to return to doing our best for the animals she loved so much…..and we will.

~ Cat”