Contra Costa County Fair exhibit competition online entries close April 8
Fair workers also needed
ANTIOCH – Online entries for the 2022 Contra Costa County Fair exhibit competitions close Friday, April 8th. Imagine the thrill of winning a blue ribbon at the Fair for a special talent. Think you own the best pig, bake the most delicious apple pie, made a beautiful quilt, or have an uncanny knack for making crafts? Want to see who’s the best in all of Contra Costa County? Then be sure to enter the Contra Costa County Fair’s competitive exhibits!
Entry information available on the fair’s website www.contracostafair.com
Cows, Corndogs & Carnival Rides. Oh My!! May 12-15 is sure to be a fun event for children of all ages, with new exhibits & entertainment, the carnival, livestock and the always popular Fair food. Money saving pre-sale tickets will be available starting April 22 and ending May 9.
Are you interested in working at The Fair? We are looking for Parking Attendants, Ticket Takers, Ticket Sellers and Information Booth Attendants. Visit contracostafair.com for details on each job position and to print out an application. Interviews and hiring will be on April 30th from 9am to 2pm at The Fair Administration Office Board Room.
For additional information visit our website at www.contracostafair.com, or like us on Facebook.
The County Fair is held at the Contra Costa Event Park at 1201 West 10th Street in Antioch.
Grieving Burgis hands over Contra Costa Board of Supervisors’ gavel to Mitchoff
Supervisors approve Grand Jury report on animal shelter consolidation with Antioch, countywide sidewalk obstruction ordinance, two years’ worth of ammunition for Sheriff’s Office
By Daniel Borsuk
A grieving, yet stoic Contra Costa County District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis conducted on Tuesday her final meeting as Board Chair a month to the day that her husband, Richard Clayton, took his own life. Showing remarkable resilience, Burgis thanked her family, fellow board members, her staff, county employees and constituents for their support.
“We accomplished so much in 2021,” said Burgis, who wore a black dress. “The annexation of the Contra Costa County Fire District with the East Contra Costa County Fire District will make Contra Costa County so much safer.”
Burgis, whose served on the Board’s Airports’ Committee, praised how the County has developed both the Byron and Buchanan airports, especially Byron with the startup of innovative aeronautical enterprises near the airport.
“I am so proud of our health workers,” Burgis said. “The county public health services have become a model of the state.”
For her work, fellow board members presented Burgis with a picture of Marsh Creek, one of Burgis’ favorite environmental cleanup sites.
“That was really hard for you to do,” District 1 Supervisor John Gioia of Richmond said of Burgis after handing over the gavel to newly sworn in Chair Karen Mitchoff of Ditrict 4 in Pleasant Hill. “We’re all behind you.”
Mitchoff, who will not seek re-election to the supervisorial post that she has held since January 2011, said, “In my final year as an elected official for Contra Costa County, I am excited about what lies ahead and ready to work together to keep improving the quality of life in our county.”
An avid reader, Mitchoff noted that last year she read 60 books, mostly audiobooks. As a gift for her fellow board members, Mitchoff gave each supervisor a copy of the historical book, “The 1619 Project,” written by Nikole Hannah-Jones.
District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover, who has served on the Board since 2000, will serve as Board Vice Chair. Glover, who was in line to become chair this year passed on accepting the post to allow Mitchoff to take on the leadership duties in recognition of her more than 40 years of public service.
Third Grand Jury Report on Consolidating County, Antioch Animal Shelters Approved
Without hearing any public comment, Supervisors approved a third Grand Jury report, this one recommending that the County hire a consultant to study the potential consolidation of the County run animal facility in Martinez and the City of Antioch animal shelter run by the Antioch Police Department.
“Public and private animal shelters are experiencing pressure from the explosive growth in the homeless animal and abandoned pet populations,” the new Grand Jury Report states. “Community outreach and education are high priorities for both Contra Costa and Antioch Animal Services, the two public animal shelters within the county.”
The grand jury report went on to state, “The Grand Jury recommends that Contra Costa Animal Services (CCAS) engage a consulting firm for guidance on the possible redistribution of animal services that could be achieved by a gradual process of cost-sharing and shelter coordination. A comparable consolidation currently underway between Monterey County and the City of Salinas Animal Shelters provides a possible model for the integration of Contra Costa and Antioch Animal Shelter services.”
The grand jury also recommends that the two public animal shelters improve their emphasis on community outreach to comfort homeless animal overpopulation.
In addition, the report calls on both the County and City of Antioch to resolve the ongoing problem of abandoned animals left at the Antioch shelter by residents outside the City of Antioch. “Although there is an informal working relationship between CCAS and AAS personnel on this issue, a more formal agreement between AAS and CCAS would facilitate abandoned pet retrieval at both shelters.”
Animal Services Home to Home Contract Approved
In a related animal shelter issue, Supervisors passed a Home-to-Home contract that will not cost the County any funds. Maddie’s Fund will pick up the tab to re-home pets. The Home-to-Home Network will lessen boarding of homeless dogs and cats in County Shelter. Home-To-Home adoptions are free.
Sidewalk Obstruction Ordinance Revised
Without hearing any public comment, Supervisors amended the County Sidewalk ordinance. The revision permits the County Director of Public Works to “abate any sidewalk obstruction.”
“An adjacent owner shall keep the sidewalk abutting the adjacent owner’s property free and clear of all weeds, rubbish, dirt, rocks, debris, or any other obstruction that interferes with the free passage of pedestrians,” the new ordinance states
Approve Two-Year Ammo Contract for Sheriff’s Office
Supervisors approved a $450,000 contract with Dooley Enterprises, Inc. to deliver Winchester ammunition for the Sheriff-Coroner from Jan. 1, 2022 to Dec. 31 2023. The Sheriff-Coroner’s Office has used Winchester ammunitions for training and duty ammunition purposes for more than 20 years.
Contra Costa Supervisors defer action on Assessor Kramer’s $325K legal cost claim; sets stage for new court battle
Approve $233 million Regional Action Plan for unsheltered homeless; $12.99 million Buchanan Field Terminal project; ban retractable dog leashes
By Daniel Borsuk
The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors decided in closed session on Tuesday to take “no action” on Contra Costa County Assessor Gus Kramer’s claim to pay him $325,000 in legal fees stemming from a misconduct trial that was declared a mistrial in November in Superior Court.
“This is going to cost the county much more money,” commented Kramer, who was unaware of the supervisors’ executive session decision when contacted by the Contra Costa Herald.
The supervisors’ inaction on his claim means Kramer will appeal the executive session “no decision” to Superior Court.
In his claim, Kramer says former Contra Costa County Administrator David Twa had told him on several occasions that the attorney costs for the misconduct trial would be paid by the county.
“I took him (i.e., Twa) at his word,” the 70-year-old Kramer said. “He said this to me up to 10 different times. Just how does a person who was responsible for managing the county’s money can make promises like that and then the county does not come through with the money?”
Twa, who retired as Contra Costa County Administrator earlier this year and returned to his native Minnesota, continues to work as a consultant on the county’s redistricting that needs to be completed by the end of this year.
Supervisors honored Twa by dedicating the new 3 ½ story, 72,000 square foot administration building in Martinez in his name.
Supervisors did not comment on their executive session decision on Tuesday, especially District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover of Pittsburg, who when contacted by the Contra Costa Herald, refrained from issuing any remarks other than informing this reporter on the board’s executive board decision on the Kramer claim.
Supervisor Glover defeated Kramer in last November’s election for the supervisorial District 5 seat. Glover is currently serving his sixth four-year term as a county supervisor, the longest tenure of any supervisor now on the board.
Supervisors Approved Regional Action Plan for Unsheltered Homeless
During their regular meeting on Tuesday, on a 5-0 vote, supervisors accepted an ambitious regional action plan, by All Home, that aims to shelter the homeless at a cost of about $223 million, partly covered by Measure X sales tax revenues over the next three years. If funded and properly implemented as planned it will reduce by 75 percent the unsheltered homeless population by 2024.
According to the presentation to the board, “All Home is a Bay Area organization advancing regional solutions that disrupt the cycle of poverty and homelessness, redress the disparities in outcomes as a result of race, and create more economic mobility opportunities for extremely low-income (ELI) individuals and families.”
The action plan is based on a statement by the Regional Impact Council that the Bay Area is a “Region in Crisis.”
Board Chair Burgis, who represents the county on the nonprofit’s board of directors, called the plan a “bold plan” several times in addressing the complex issue of homelessness in the county.
Supervisors Gioia of Richmond and Burgis admitted that any effort to adequately house the homeless will require spending Measure X dollars, a new source of sales tax revenue county officials is expecting to come into county coffers later this year.
“This is a great time of opportunity to get people off the streets by leveraging our tax dollars,” said Gioia. “Contra Costa County is a great leader.”
“I am really excited Contra Costa County is shining the light on this crisis (i.e., homelessness). This will be presented to the Mayors’ Council and the Measure X Committee,” added District II Supervisor Candace Andersen of Danville.
Buchanan Field Terminal Project Approved
Supervisors approved as a consent item the $12.99 million construction of a new Buchanan Field Terminal to replace the existing terminal at 181 John Glenn Dr. in Concord. Supervisors approved a construction contract submitted by W.E. Lyons Construction Co.
The Federal Aviation Administration will cover $6.1 million or 47 percent of the project’s cost. CalTrans will provide $150,000 or 1 percent of the construction cost and the Airport Enterprise Fund will fund $6.74 million or 52 percent.
The new building will replace the existing terminal structure at the north end of John Glenn Drive. The new terminal will include space for the Airports Divisions Administrative staff, Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting staff and equipment, public space to support scheduled and unscheduled air service providers, office space for aviation businesses, and general public meeting space.
The W.E. Lyons Construction Co. bid topped six other bids for the Buchanan airport project to be found to be responsive and in good faith. The other six bids submitted for the project were:
Marcon Builders, $14,489,355; Zovich & Sons Inc., $14,559,000; Thompson Builders, $14,680,000; Patriot Contracting, $14,990,000; Rodam Builders, $15,315,000; and CWS Construction, $15,975,000.
Ordinance Bans Retractable Dog Leashes
With no public comment, supervisors approved a new Ordinance No. 2021-13, allowing community members to care for found dogs and cats and establishing new leash restrictions. Dog and cat leashes cannot be longer than six feet under the newly adopted ordinance.
Ordinance 2021-13 provides that a dog will be deemed to be “at large” if it is on a leash that is longer than six feet or that is extendable or retractable. A long, retractable, or extendable leash allows a dog to get too far away from its handler, which does not allow for effective control of the dog.
Ensuring that a dog is walked on a leash that is six feet or less could reduce dog bites to children due to helping to ensure more effective control. According to a Consumer Reports and Consumer Union’s analysis of statistics collected in 2007, there were 16,564 hospital treated injuries associated with pet leashes, 10.5 percent of those injuries were to children less than 10 years old.
Antioch Library Closure
Supervisors approved the temporary closure of the Antioch Library to the public from April 21 through May 31 so that Public Works workers can paint the interior of the library and install new carpet and new shelving. The library is slated to reopen on Tuesday, June 1.
“Although initially planned to take place the prior fiscal year, the improvements were postponed for several months due to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said County Librarian Alison McKee. “Despite the initial delay, shelving has been purchased and scheduled for installation, and work requests have been submitted for Public Works for the paint and carpet work.”
During the closure, Antioch library staff will be temporarily reassigned to other libraries to fill vacant positions. The book drop will not be open at the Antioch library, and holds will not be available for pickup. Those needing library services during the closure should visit the nearby Prewett or Oakley libraries or any other county library.
EHSD Language Line Contract
Supervisors approved a $1.1 million contract with Language Line Services, Inc. to provide interpretation and translation services for the Employment and Human Services Department from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022. Language Line Services provides telephone interpretation, on-site interpretation, and document translation services to the Employment and Human Services Department and to the clients serviced by the department.
Over One Million COVID-19 Vaccines Given in County
On the COVID-19 news front, Contra Costa Health Services Director Anna Roth announced the county has administered over one million vaccines, the second highest in the state. That translates into 90,000 vaccines a week were administered, said Roth.
Persons 16 years old and older can now get the vaccine, said Roth. “No appointment is necessary.”
“A million doses are amazing!” said board chair Diane Burgis of Brentwood. “I want to acknowledge the hard work.”
“I also want to acknowledge everyone in Public Health on one million vaccinations,” said District 1 Supervisor John Gioia of Richmond, a frequent critic of the department’s inability to adequately vaccinate minorities in underserved communities like Richmond, El Sobrante, Bay Point, Pittsburg, Antioch, and Oakley.
“County Equity Officer Gilbert Salinas has done a great job in closing the equity gap,” Gioia said.
Contra Costa County Health Officer Dr. Chris Farnitano said people will have a choice of vaccines when they report for their shots. Dr. Farnitano said last Friday the CDC and FDA had accepted the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations to lift pausing on the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine for all adults. The region’s health officers agreed that the risk of developing the rare clotting disorder in females is extremely low.
“According to the CDC, to date there have been only 15 confirmed cases of the rare clotting event among nearly 8 million total doses administered in the United States, all in females, which translates to a risk less than 2 cases per million doses overall and 7 cases per million doses among women between 18 and 49 years of age,” a joint press release of Bay Area Health Officers states.
Pleasant Hill woman to judge at 145th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in June
New York – Pleasant Hill, California resident Kimberly Anne Meredith is among the judges at the 145th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Presented by Purina Pro Plan® in Tarrytown, New York on June 13, 2021. Due to the pandemic the dog show was moved from its traditional winter date in New York City to an outdoor venue this spring at the Lyndhurst Estate, a property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. She will officiate over several breeds during her eighth judging assignment at Westminster.
Meredith will be judging the Portuguese Water Dogs, Rottweilers, and Siberian Huskies. All Best of Breed winners she selects will go on to compete in the Working Group held on Sunday evening.
Meredith has been involved in the sport of purebred dogs since 1972. A breeder-exhibitor of Alaskan Malamutes, she has bred more than 60 champions, including multiple all breed Best in Show and multiple national specialty winners. In addition, she has owned and exhibited Akitas, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Doberman Pinschers, Lhasa Apsos, Clumber Spaniel, Bassett Hound, and Whippets. Meredith has judged numerous national specialties and judged abroad in France, Italy, Spain, Holland, Belgium, Finland, New Zealand, Germany, Australia, Japan, Denmark, China, and Korea. She judges the Working, Sporting, Herding, Hound, Non-Sporting, and Toy groups, Junior Showmanship, and Best in Show.
She currently serves as president of the Contra Costa County Kennel Club, Inc. of the American Kennel Club.
“I am honored to judge at Westminster Kennel Club,” Meredith said. “This will be my ninth time to judge.”
“All of the purebred dogs you see have extensive health testing done for many generations and have preservation breeders standing behind, helping owners and answering questions about their puppies for the life of the animal,” she explained. “The purebred dog fancy were the first groups to rescue their various breeds.”
“Do not purchase dogs from the internet that support puppy mills. I hope you enjoy watching the show!” Meredith added.
All daytime preliminary breed and junior showmanship judging as well as evening Group competitions will be held on Saturday, June 12 and Sunday, June 13, 2021. The Best in Show and Junior Showmanship Finals judging will be held on Sunday evening. The dog show is preceded on Friday, June 11, 2021 by the 8th Annual Masters Agility Championship at Westminster Presented by Purina Pro Plan® and the 6th Annual Masters Obedience Championship at Westminster Presented by Purina Pro Plan® will be held on Sunday, June 13, 2021.
For the schedule of events click here. For television coverage click here. Live streaming of daytime events and dog show results can be found at www.westminsterkennelclub.org. Westminster Weekend events are presented by Purina Pro Plan®.
About the Westminster Kennel Club
The Westminster Kennel Club, established in 1877, is America’s oldest organization dedicated to the sport of dogs. It hosts the iconic, all-breed Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the second-longest, continuously held sporting event in the U.S., and since 1948, the longest nationally televised live dog show. The annual dog show—a conformation competition for purebred dogs—and the Masters Agility Championship and Masters Obedience Championship—where dogs from all backgrounds are eligible to compete—make Westminster Week with its nearly 3,000 dogs from the U.S. and around the world a pinnacle experience for any dog lover. America’s Dog Show has captivated canine enthusiasts for more than a century with its educational benched format, where the public can engage with more than 200 breeds of dogs in New York City. The Club’s mission, which enhances the lives of all dogs, celebrates the companionship of dogs, promotes responsible dog ownership, and breed preservation. WESTMINSTER. There’s only one.® Visit: westminsterkennelclub.org and follow us @WKCDogShow.
About Purina Pro Plan
Purina Pro Plan is a leader in the advanced nutrition category, with more than 70 formulas in dry and wet pet food to help meet a variety of needs. Its science is backed by 500 Purina scientists globally, including nutritionists, veterinarians and behaviorists, who continuously rethink what nutrition can do. It is also the food of choice for 13 of the past 14 Westminster Best in Show winners*. For more information, visit www.proplan.com or follow @ProPlan on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook. The brand is manufactured by Nestlé Purina PetCare, which promotes responsible pet care, community involvement, and the positive bond between people and their pets. A premiere global manufacturer of pet products, Nestlé Purina PetCare is part of Swiss-based Nestlé S.A., a global leader in nutrition, health, and wellness.
*The handler or owners of these champions may have received Purina Pro Plan dog food as Purina ambassadors.
Concord Police K9 helps find illegal drugs, gun and cash Friday night
By Concord Police Department
The Nose Knows!
Last night, Friday, April 16, 2021, our Special Enforcement Team contacted a subject who was found to be in possession of a quantity of illegal street drugs. He was subsequently arrested for possession of narcotics for sale. SET requested a K9 to sniff the subject’s vehicle.
K9 Hancock alerted to the vehicle and while the officers searched the interior, they located a Ruger Mini 14 rifle which had the stock shortened. This is a great example of the teamwork and resources we use to keep our community safe. #concord # community #k9
Single but can’t mingle? Celebrate Valentine’s Day with your pet
Best Friends Animal Society offers 14 ways
Valentine’s Day is hard enough for singles, but with COVID-19 and quarantining, finding a date for the big day isn’t just difficult, it’s downright dangerous.
However, if you have a pet at home, all is not lost. Your dog or cat aren’t just content to spend this holiday with you...they just happen to be some of the best companions around for a celebration of any kind, including Valentine’s Day. They’re also happy to do free or low-cost activities (unlike a high-maintenance human date).
“Valentine’s Day is all about love, and the best way to show our cats love is by helping them feel like the wild cat they were born to be. Get out a wand toy and help them hunt and catch the dangling prey on the end. Your cat will love you forever for that,” said Samantha Bell, cat expert for Best Friends Animal Society. “After feeling satisfied with themselves from the hunt they’ll be ready for cuddle-time.”
Dogs bring something a little different to the table, according to Marissa Sunny, CPDT-KA and senior dog lifesaving specialist at Best Friends Animal Society.
“Dogs are the best dates ever. There is no need to get all dressed up, because they love you unconditionally and are the best cuddlers,” she said. “Just keep in mind your dog’s energy and tolerance level for certain activities. Ask yourself, ‘What would my dog’s perfect date be?’”
With that in mind, Best Friends offers the 14 best ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your pet:
- Karaoke: Too shy to sing for your human friends? Here’s a chance to be a pop star with a built-in devoted audience! Bonus, no Simon Cowell-like critique!
- Remote roulette: If you can’t figure out what to watch from the thousands of options, put the remote under your pet’s paws and watch whatever comes up.
- Spa day: A relaxing bath, blow dry, and mani/pedi sounds heavenly, doesn’t it? Recreate that experience for yourself and then do the same for your dog with some leisurely grooming time. Since most cats don’t like water, try a gentle brushing session instead.
- Picnic: Take your leashed and harnessed travel-friendly dog or cat down to the local park, lake, or beach for a little fresh air and an alfresco meal with healthy treats for both of you.
- Scenic ride: If those four walls are closing in on you, leash up your dog or crate your travel-friendly cat for a drive to somewhere beautiful. A change of scenery will do everyone good. Don’t forget to post a selfie to share with your nature-deprived friends!
- Wine with art: Pull out your art supplies and pour a glass of vino to unleash your inner Picasso. Pets can have unexpected talents, too – just check out this video to get them started on a masterpiece.
- Pet Project Runway: If you’re good with a needle and thread, how about creating something spectacular for your fashion-forward pooch? Dogs who love clothes will really enjoy wearing something made just for them by their favorite person. Capture the fun on social to make your friends smile, too – and for added fun, tag Tim Gunn.
- Dance party: Nothing gets the heart pumping and endorphins flowing like a good boogie. Select your favorite tunes and invite your dog or cat to join in the festivities.
- Concert for two: Whether you’re a beginner or advanced musician, there won’t be any traditional opportunities to play with other people for a while. So why not take out that instrument and play a ditty for your pet? (You can also Google your favorite band to see if there’s any new concerts online to watch together).
- Baking treats: Don’t fret over missed chocolates. Make yourself something to satisfy that sweet tooth and a healthy something extra for your pooch, too, with special recipes just for them.
- Pet-themed movie marathon: Instead of watching sappy human love stories, reimagine Valentine’s Day pet-flix for a night of binge-watching that both of you can relate to.
- Yoga class: Who doesn’t need a little Zen right about now? Check out YouTube for yoga classes, lay out your mat, and do some downward dog with your dog or cat.
- Make a playlist: From “What’s New Pussycat?” to “Who Let the Dogs Out?,” there are dozens of songs to create a fun soundtrack to share with your pet. Bring it along on your next drive together to really set the tone!
- Read a good book: The perfect (or purrfect) introvert experience that can be easily shared on a couch or a bed with lots of pillows, blankets, and your four-legged buddy by your side. Top picks: “Total Cat Mojo” and “The Art of the Racing in the Rain.”
Of course, if you don’t already have a pet, now is a great time to adopt. There are dogs and cats of all ages, sizes, and personalities just waiting for Cupid to connect them with the perfect adopter. To get started, visit www.bestfriends.org and find a shelter or rescue near you.
2021 Contra Costa County Fair canceled
ANTIOCH – As a major event facility, The Contra Costa Event Park has been weighing all of its options, as we monitor the evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. There is no higher priority than the safety of our Fairgrounds family, patrons, vendors, promoters and sponsors at the Contra Costa Event Park. It is with heavy heart and great regret due to this ongoing situation the Contra Costa Event Park Board of Directors met last night and unanimously voted to cancel the 2021 Contra Costa County Fair scheduled for May 13 – 16.
We understand that this decision has both financial and emotional impact on all of our Fair partners. After thoughtful consideration, we do not feel it would be a responsible decision to continue with the planning of the 2021 Contra Costa County Fair, when it could potential be canceled at the last minute.
The Contra Costa County Fair has been an annual event for over 80 years, and has operated uninterrupted, with the exception of a few years during World War II. The Fair is a large part of our communities’ history and tradition, and the decision to cancel the 2021 Fair did not come lightly.
We thank the community and all of our partners for your continued support during these challenging times.
We look forward to seeing you all safe and healthy for the 2022 Contra Costa County Fair May 12 – 15.
NorCal K9 owner sentenced to two years in state prison for animal cruelty
By Scott Alonso, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa District Attorney
On July 10, the Honorable Patricia Scanlon sentenced the owner of NorCal K 9 Garry Reynolds (39-years-old) to two years in state prison. Earlier this year, a jury found Reynolds guilty of four felonies – all counts of animal cruelty for each dog under the care and supervision of NorCal K9, a dog training business. The jury found Reynolds was criminally negligent in the care of four animals under his company’s care in Antioch. (See related article)
Reynolds was remanded into custody immediately after he was sentenced. Judge Scanlon also denied a motion by Reynolds’ attorney to reduce the charges to misdemeanors and the motion for a new trial. Deputy District Attorney Arsh Singh prosecuted the case on behalf of the People. DDA Singh is assigned to the Felony Trial Team.
“I am satisfied the defendant will serve time in state prison due to his extreme negligence and disregard for the animals under his company’s care,” DDA Singh stated. “This case should serve as a wakeup call for any dog training company in our community. Animals deserve to be protected and treated well. Our Office will not tolerate the abuse of any animal.”
The City of Antioch started an investigation into the house where the dogs were located at 5200 Lone Tree Way. The investigation started as a code enforcement matter but progressed to a criminal investigation led by the Antioch Police Department due to a dog’s death. Two dogs were eventually euthanized due to the injuries the dogs suffered.
The investigation also led police to Devon Ashby, an employee of NorCal K9. Ashby was charged by the DA’s Office for his involvement in this case and he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of animal cruelty.
The following dogs were associated with the jury’s earlier guilty verdict:
- Gunner, Doberman
- Favor, Cane Corso
- Zeus, German Shepherd
- Rambo (Bo), Labro-Poodle
Case information: People v. Garry Reynolds, Docket Number 05-191200-5
2020 Contra Costa County Fair canceled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19)
By Joe Brengle, CEO Contra Costa County Event Park
ANTIOCH – As a major event facility, The Contra Costa Event Park has been monitoring the evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. There is no higher priority than the safety of our Fairgrounds family, patrons, vendors, promoters and sponsors at the Contra Costa Event Park. Due to this ongoing situation the Contra Costa Event Park Board of Directors met last night and unanimously voted to cancel the 2020 Contra Costa County Fair scheduled for May 14 – 17.
The Fair Board realizes that the individual’s most affected by this cancellation is the youth livestock exhibitors of our county. The Fair Board did approve to let a committee of Contra Costa County 4H and FFA parents work on a Youth Fair where these youth livestock exhibitors could show and auction their animals. The Fair Board agreed to provide support to this committee as needed. If the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Contra Costa County Health Department, or the Governor of California lengthen the current restrictions and orders, it is possible that a Youth Fair will not take place. At this time dates for Youth Fair are yet to be determined.
We thank the community for your continued support during these challenging times.
Mark your calendars for the 2021 Contra Costa County Fair May 13 – 16.