Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

2020 Contra Costa County Fair canceled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19)

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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.

Contra Costa Animal Services new fee structure to as of January 1st

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As of January 1st, 2020, Contra Costa Animal Services (CCAS) will be implementing a new fee structure, updating exiting fees to reflect the actual costs of services provided by the Department and to comply with new state laws. Approved by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors on November 19, the new fee structure amends the Department’s current fees – adjusting certain fees and creating new fees – and changes the licensing options available to County residents to better reflect the licensing needs of pet owners in Contra Costa County.

Highlights of changes incorporated in the Department’s new fee structure include:

  • Shifting from a line item adoption fee structure to a flat-rate adoption fee structure, based on breed, age and sex of the animal.
  • Allowing seniors (65 years or older), veterans and current service members to license their first pet for free, and each additional pet for a 50% reduced license fee.
  • Increasing the cost, and decreasing the penalty, for pet licensing.
  • Amending the options for pet licensing from three options (1-year, 2-year & 3-year licenses) to two (3-12 months & 12-36 months licenses).

“At its core, this updated fee structure represents a commitment to our community,” said Beth Ward, Director of Contra Costa Animal Services. “While the update will certainly bring our fees into balance with the true costs we incur, we are most excited about the benefits our patrons will enjoy, including lower overall adoption costs and allowing veterans and elders in our community to license their pets for free or at a reduced rate.”

To view the entire updated 2020 fee structure, click here. To view the existing 2019 fee structure, click here.

For more information, contact Contra Costa County Animal Services’ Media and Community Relations Manager Steve Burdo at 925-393-6836, or by email at steve.burdo@asd.cccounty.us.

Contra Costa Animal Services (CCAS) is the largest animal welfare organization in Contra Costa County. CCAS operates two shelters, in Martinez and Pinole, where we provide high-quality animal care services, shelter homeless, abandoned and lost animals, place animals in safe, caring homes, and provide education and services to enhance the lives of people and their animal companions. Additionally, our Field Services Division plays a crucial role in protecting the health and safety of all people and animals in our community through enforcement of state and laws, protecting the public from animal injury and working to prevent animal cruelty, abuse and neglect.

Contra Costa Animal Services offering discounted adoptions in Back to School Special until Sept 30

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Contra Costa Animal Services (CCAS) is offering reduced cost adoptions for dogs and cats between now and September 30th to help find forever homes for the hundreds of animals at the County’s shelters. During this period, the adoption fee for dogs over 25lbs and black cats/kittens, or partially black cats/kittens, will be reduced to $20. Interested adopters can take advantage of this adoption promotion by visiting CCAS’ Martinez and Pinole adoption centers to meet animals and adopt their new family member.

“Typical adoption costs range from $86-$264 at CCAS, depending on the animal, which makes this promotion a huge incentive for potential adopters,” says CCAS spokesperson, Steve Burdo. “Our hope is that the community will take advantage of this great opportunity and help us find forever homes for the animals in our care.”

The reduced cost adoption fee includes the cost of adoption, spay/neuter surgery, microchip and vaccinations. The discounted adoption fee does not include licensing or any refundable deposits that may be required for spay/neuter surgery.

To view animals available for adoption, visit www.ccasd.org.

CCAS Adoption Locations

Martinez Adoption Center – 4800 Imhoff Pl., Martinez, CA 94553

Pinole Adoption Center – 910 San Pablo Ave., Pinole, CA 94564

For more information, contact Contra Costa County Animal Services’ Media and Community Relations Manager Steve Burdo at 925-393-6836, or by email at steve.burdo@asd.cccounty.us.

Free adoptions at Contra Costa Animal Services centers Saturday as part of NBC Bay Area’s Clear the Shelter Day

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Free adoptions of all animals at CCAS’ Martinez and Pinole adoption centers  

Contra Costa Animal Services (CCAS) is teaming up with NBC Bay Area, Telemundo and shelters across the United States to find loving homes for shelter pets as part of the 2019 Clear the Shelter Day event on Saturday, August 17.

People interested in taking advantage of this free adoption event can visit CCAS’ Martinez and Pinole adoption centers to meet and adopt their new family member. The free adoption special includes most fees associated with adopting an animal, including: adoption fees, spay/neuter, micro-chipping and vaccination. However, new adopters will be required to license their animal, per County law.

If you’re thinking about taking home a new furry friend, consider heading to Contra Costa Animal Services to adopt during Clear the Shelters this Saturday, when we will waive all adoption fees as part of the one-day adoption drive.

CCAS Adoption Centers

Martinez Adoption Center – 4800 Imhoff Pl., Martinez, CA 94553

Pinole Adoption Center – 910 San Pablo Ave., Pinole, CA 94564

To view animals available for adoption, please visit www.ccasd.org.

For more information, contact Contra Costa County Animal Services’ Media and Community Relations Manager Steve Burdo at 925-393-6836, or by email at steve.burdo@asd.cccounty.us.

California State Fair in Sacramento now open through July 28

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The 2019 California State Fair & Food Festival officially opened its gates Friday morning, July 12 with big crowds, eagerly awaiting to get into Cal Expo in Sacramento.

“We’re so thrilled Opening Day was such a great success; it’s fun seeing so many people and families out having a good time, and of course, eating at our 100 food booths.” said Rick Pickering, Cal Expo General Manager and CEO. “We’ve worked hard to make this year’s State Fair the best yet – a fair for all Californians up and down the state. The food festival is just part of what we have in store for the next two and a half weeks.”

The California State Fair & Food Festival runs through July 28th.

For the schedule of daily events and concerts, as well as the list of food vendors, fairgoers are encouraged to visit the website at CaStateFair.org or download the Ca State Fair app where they can map out all of their adventures.

About the California State Fair 

The California State Fair is an international award-winning fair, receiving top honors at the International Association of Fairs and Expositions out of more than 1,100 fairs world-wide. The California State Fair is dedicated as a place to celebrate the best the state has to offer in agriculture, technology and the diversity of its people, traditions and trends that shape the Golden State’s future. We invite you to join us for the 166th California State Fair, July 12-28, 2019.

Concord man found with 10 dogs in wire crates, one dead arrested for felony animal cruelty

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One of the dogs in a wire crate, Jeremiah Weberling and the trailer that housed the 10 dogs. Photos: Concord PD

By Concord Police Department

On Thursday, a concerned community member called the Concord Police Department reporting that there were three or four dogs “going crazy” inside of a travel trailer that was parked on the street. When Officers arrived on scene, they saw a small dog standing inside by the open trailer door. The dog was barking, panting heavily, and its fur appeared matted and wet. From outside, the officer was able to see that the trailer was filthy and stacked with various items that were almost touching the ceiling in some places.

Shortly after arriving on scene, Officers were able to find the registered owner of the trailer, Jeremiah Weberling, who admitted the dogs belonged to him and that he used the trailer as a mobile “dog house.” Concerned for the well-being of the other dogs inside, an officer stepped in the trailer and saw five more dogs in wire crates. None of the pups appeared to have any water or food and looked to be in poor health. The condition of the trailer was so bad that the officer was only able to take a couple steps before having to go back outside. After seeing the poor condition of the trailer and the dogs, the investigating Officer placed Weberling under arrest for animal cruelty and requested Contra Costa County Animal Services respond to the scene.

Animal Services arrived at the location and a total of ten dogs were found; one of whom was dead. Since all of the other nine dogs were in such poor health, Animal Control brought them to a local emergency vet for treatment. Unfortunately, two of the dogs were so sick and injured they had to be euthanized; the remaining seven are expected to survive.

We know that these cases are extremely sad and difficult to even read. This is a reminder that animal abuse is a very serious crime. Today, the District Attorney’s Office filed ten charges of felony animal cruelty against Weberling and he will remain in jail on a $100,000 bail. There is no word yet on if or when the other seven dogs can be adopted, but we will let you know as soon as we hear.

Adopt a pet at the county animal shelter for $25 during National Empty The Shelters event Saturday, May 4

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On Saturday, May 4, pet lovers will have the opportunity to adopt a pet for $25 and BISSELL Pet Foundation will sponsor the remaining cost at 110 participating organizations in 20 states. All potential adopters are screened by qualified adoption counselors at every participating shelter to ensure each pet is matched with the right family.

You are required to pay a $25 adoption fee during Empty the Shelters. You are also responsible for paying any dog licensing fees.

Contra Costa Animal Services’ 9th Annual St. Pitty’s Day adoption event Saturday March 16

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Event features free adoptions of all bully breed dogs, $25 adoptions of all other animals.

Martinez, CA – On Saturday, March 16th, Contra Costa Animal Services (CCAS) will be hosting its 9th Annual St. Pitty’s Day event. The St. Pitty’s Day event features free adoptions of all bully breed dogs, and $25 adoptions of all other animals. Interested adopters can take advantage of this free adoption promotion by visiting CCAS’ Martinez and Pinole adoption centers to meet our animals and adopt their new family member.

This annual event is an opportunity to showcase bully breed shelter dogs, enlighten and educate the public about this amazing breed and highlight the work of our rescue/transfer groups who specialize in this breed of dog.

CCAS Adoption Locations: 

Martinez Adoption Center – 4800 Imhoff Pl., Martinez, CA 94553

Pinole Adoption Center – 910 San Pablo Ave., Pinole, CA 94564

For more information, contact Contra Costa County Animal Services’ Media and Community Relations Manager Steve Burdo at 925-393-6836, or by email at steve.burdo@asd.cccounty.us.

Contra Costa Animal Services is the largest animal welfare organization in Contra Costa County. The department operates two shelters, in Martinez and Pinole, where they provide high-quality animal care services, shelter homeless, abandoned and lost animals, place animals in safe, caring homes, and provide education and services to enhance the lives of people and their animal companions. Additionally, the department’s Field Services Division plays a crucial role in protecting the health and safety of all people and animals in our community through enforcement of state and laws, protecting the public from animal injury and working to prevent animal cruelty, abuse and neglect.

Contra Costa Animal Services offering reduced cost adoptions during Big Love Valentine’s Day Special

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Promotion offered at CCAS’ Martinez & Pinole adoption centers to ensure everyone has a chance to find love this Valentine’s Day

Contra Costa Animal Services (CCAS) is offering reduced cost adoptions of all animals between February 14th and February 28th in an effort to help Bay Area residents and families find love this Valentine’s Day. During CCAS’ Big Love adoption promotion, the  adoption fee for all dogs over 25 lbs, and all cats over 5lbs, will be reduced to $25. Interested adopters can take advantage of this adoption promotion by visiting CCAS’ Martinez and Pinole adoption centers to meet animals and adopt their new family member.

“Typical adoption costs range from $86-$264 at CCAS, depending on the animal, which makes this promotion a huge incentive for potential adopters,” says CCAS spokesman, Steve Burdo. “In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, we wanted to make it as easy as possible for people to find love this year.”

To view animals available for adoption, visit www.ccasd.org.

CCAS Adoption Locations

CCAS Adoption Centers

Martinez Adoption Center – 4800 Imhoff Pl., Martinez, CA 94553

Pinole Adoption Center – 910 San Pablo Ave., Pinole, CA 94564

For more information, contact Contra Costa County Animal Services’ Media and Community

Relations Manager Steve Burdo at 925-393-6836, or by email at steve.burdo@asd.cccounty.us.