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.
To further enhance state’s preparedness and accelerate ongoing cross-agency response efforts following spread of Avian influenza A (H5N1) in 16 states, including California and outside the Central Valley,
“To date, no person-to-person spread of Bird Flu has been detected in California and nearly all infected individuals had exposure to infected cattle.”
Sacramento, California – December 18, 2024 – Governor Gavin Newsom today proclaimed a State of Emergency to streamline and expedite the state’s response to Avian influenza A (H5N1), commonly known as “Bird Flu.” This action comes as cases were detected in dairy cows on farms in Southern California, signaling the need to further expand monitoring and build on the coordinated statewide approach to contain and mitigate the spread of the virus. The virus has spread in 16 states among dairy cattle, following its first confirmed detection in Texas and Kansas in March 2024.
To date, no person-to-person spread of Bird Flu has been detected in California and nearly all infected individuals had exposure to infected cattle. California has already established the largest testing and monitoring system in the nation to respond to the outbreak.
This emergency proclamation will provide state and local agencies with additional flexibility around staffing, contracting, and other rules to support California’s evolving response.
“This proclamation is a targeted action to ensure government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to respond quickly to this outbreak. Building on California’s testing and monitoring system — the largest in the nation — we are committed to further protecting public health, supporting our agriculture industry, and ensuring that Californians have access to accurate, up-to-date information. While the risk to the public remains low, we will continue to take all necessary steps to prevent the spread of this virus,” said Newsom.
Ongoing efforts to prevent spread and serious infection
California has mobilized a comprehensive cross-agency response to Bird Flu in dairy cattle and poultry farms to minimize farm worker exposures, reduce raw dairy product contamination, and mitigate the spread of the virus. The state has enlisted local, state, and federal government technical and operational expertise to support all facets of the response; worked to educate the public, health professionals, employers, and workers on prevention and control measures to reduce the risk of exposure to Bird Flu; provided comprehensive information for employers and workers on personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements; and distributed millions of pieces of PPE to high-risk workers at dairy farms.
Through coordinated public awareness efforts between the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES), and other agencies, the state is leading a cross-agency response that includes timely public updates, multilingual outreach to dairy and poultry workers, targeted social media efforts to promote preventive practices, online and printed resources for the public, and media interviews to keep Californians informed. Additionally, the state is ensuring that agriculture workers have access to additional doses of seasonal flu vaccine from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to reduce concurrent flu risks.
Officials have also been working in close collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local health and agricultural officials, as part of a whole-of-government effort to coordinate, implement, and ensure timely surveillance and investigation of potential cases of Bird Flu.
Bird flu in the United States
Bird Flu was first detected in the United States in the wild bird population in South Carolina in January 2022, and in the wild bird population in California in July 2022. On March 25, 2024, an outbreak of Bird Flu in dairy cows was first reported in Texas and Kansas, and CDFA took immediate action to monitor for Bird Flu infections in California herds. Since then, there have been 61 total reported confirmed cases of Bird Flu infection in humans across seven states, including 34 reported human cases in California.
On August 30, 2024, following its detection in 13 other states, Bird Flu was confirmed in a dairy cow in Central California, and the California Department of Public Health immediately activated its Medical Health Coordination Center.
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.
Former Mayor Pro Tem and Councilman Manny Soliz also offered his thoughts on Sobalvarro’s passing. “This is a great loss for Animal Services and me personally,” he shared. “I had a long, personal relationship with her and her late husband Estuardo. I’m very sad, but grateful for having been friends with her.”
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 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.
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.
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.
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:
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;
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.
