Contra Costa Herald

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

Wild@Night: Under the Stars fundraiser for Lindsay Wildlife Experience Aug. 16

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Get ready for a wild night out! Tickets are on sale now for Wild@Night: Under the Stars, our 21+ event at Lindsay Wildlife on Friday, August 16, 2024, from 6 to 9 p.m. Come sip beer and mingle with cool animal or enjoy a glass of wine to the sound of live music. Your ticket includes two free drink tickets and a commemorative glass, with additional drink tickets available day-of. Whether you’re into encountering wildlife, dancing under the stars, or just a good time, this indoor/outdoor event is the place to be. Don’t miss out on the most fun you can have with wildlife!

Photos: Lindsay Wildlife Experience

The night includes:

This is a 21 and over event. IDs will be checked at the door.

For tickets visit Wild@Night: Under the Stars! 2024 – Lindsay Wildlife Experience.

The Lindsay Wildlife Experience is the country’s first wildlife hospital, a zoological organization, and an educational museum specializing in native California wildlife. Every year our veterinarians, husbandry experts, biologists, and teachers treat more than 5,000 wild animal patients, care for the 70 animal ambassadors that call Lindsay home and educate approximately 100,000 people.

The Lindsay Wildlife Experience is located at 1931 First Avenue in Walnut Creek. For more information call (925) 935-1978.

Coyote warning for East Bay parks

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Source: EBRPD

As visitation to East Bay Regional Parks increases in warmer months, encounters with coyotes become more common. Coyotes are native to California and are found in various wildland habitats, as well as in rural and urban areas. They hold cultural and ecological importance throughout the state.

Coyote parents are active and protective of den sites from spring through fall, when new pups are born. It is a normal reaction for them to run away when spotted, although some have become used to human presence and will continue their activities while being watched. Visitors are encouraged to keep coyote safety precautions in mind when visiting Regional Parks throughout the year.

Coyote Safety Tips

Avoid hiking alone so you have help in case of emergency.

Keep children and pets nearby; keep your dog(s) on a leash.

Be aware of your surroundings as you walk, jog, or ride.

Stay on trails.

Never attempt to feed a coyote.

What To Do If You See a Coyote

Keep an eye on the coyote and observe from afar. Do not approach or engage with the coyote; walk away calmly and leave the area quickly. Do not run. If you have small children, keep them close by. If you have a small dog, keep them on a leash.

What To Do If Approached By A Coyote

Rarely, a coyote may approach you. If a coyote moves within 50 feet and does not go away on its own, encourage the coyote to move away to help it retain a natural fear of humans.

Be as big and loud as possible; shout in a deep, loud, and aggressive voice.

Wave your arms.

Keep dogs and children nearby.

Maintain eye contact, which can make coyotes uncomfortable and timid.

If the coyote continues to approach, do not run or turn your back on the coyote but continue to exaggerate the above gestures while backing away slowly.

Help protect all wildlife and their environment. Never feed, approach, or pet wild animals. For emergencies, contact 911 or the East Bay Regional Park District Public Safety line (510) 881-1833, 24 hours a day.

For more information, visit www.ebparks.org/safety.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Pet Licensing Amnesty at Contra Costa Animal Services in June

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Contra Costa Animal Services (CCAS) is offering a License Amnesty Program this June to help county residents protect their pets in advance of the 4th of July holiday. During the month of June, county residents who have overdue animal licenses, or who have never licensed their pets, will have all late and penalty fees waived. Pet owners who take advantage of the License Amnesty Program will also receive a free designer license tag equipped with 24/7 lost pet protection services, adding an additional layer of protection to ensure their pets find their way home if they ever become lost.

For free designer tag with 24/7 lost pet protection, use promo code CCASFREE during checkout.

For more details about this program, please click here.

 

Wayward sea lion enjoys luck of the Irish during rescue in Oakley on St. Patrick’s Day night

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Oakley Police Officers corral the sea lion on Sunday, March 17, 2024. Photos: Oakley PD

“Sea? We’re not lion when we say OPD is the best police department around! Good night, Oakley!”

The sea lion exits and Oakley Police vehicle at a local marina.

By Oakley Police Department

On Sunday, March 17, 2024 – St. Patrick’s Day — at 9:27 PM Oakley Police Officers C. Taylor and M. Jackson were dispatched to the Valero Station at the corner of E. Cypress Road and Knightsen Avenue for a young and wayward sea lion that was in the road and in danger of being hit by a car. Our officers worked with other citizens in corralling the sea lion and SEALing it into a specific area.

Our officers tried staying two steps ahead of the thoroughbred pinniped, but still found it difficult to coax it into the back of a patrol vehicle. The officers found that if one of them sat in the back of the vehicle and kept repeating, “free bass,” it would gain the attention of the seal lion and eventually it hopped right up and into the vehicle.

Our officers called the Marine Mammal Center, but nobody was available to pick up our passenger. With the exception of being a little lost, the sea lion seemed fine, uninjured and able bodied. The sea lion was given a chauffeured ride to a local marina and set free back into the Delta waters.

Will You Be Mine? Animal Rescue Foundation changes name to Joybound

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Source: Joybound

Beloved animal rescue organization celebrates the human-animal bond this Valentine’s Day and beyond; also hosting community adopt-a-thon Feb. 17

WALNUT CREEK, CA: After 32 years as the Animal Rescue Foundation, one of Contra Costa County’s longest-serving animal rescue and adoption nonprofits got a new name and makeover today. Animal Rescue Foundation will now be known as Joybound People & Pets.

“If you’ve ever seen a dog give a happy wag or a cat lovingly nuzzle up to its person, you’ve seen Joybound in action,” said CEO Susan Lee Vick. “The name Joybound reflects our longstanding commitment to forming and supporting strong human-animal bonds to bring greater health and happiness to dogs, cats, and their human families.”

At a ceremony on the Walnut Creek campus starting at 11am this morning, animal guests will receive the “red carpet” treatment before an audience of devoted volunteers, staff, and supporters. Walnut Creek Mayor Loella Haskew will read a proclamation and State Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan will present a resolution to commemorate the name change. Other officials in attendance to usher in the next era for this beloved community organization include State Assemblymember Tim Grayson, Walnut Creek City Councilmembers Kevin Wilk and Cindy Silva, and representatives from the offices of State Senator Steve Glazer, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, and Contra Costa County Supervisor Ken Carlson.

“Anyone with a pet can tell you they are like family,” said State Senator Steve Glazer. “I congratulate Joybound on this milestone and look forward to hearing more stories about how pet adoptions are enriching so many more lives.”

The celebration will continue on Saturday, February 17, with an “Unleash the Love” Adopt-a-thon and Celebration, featuring adorable animals from more than a dozen Northern California rescue and adoption groups. This family-friendly event will offer free microchipping for the first 100 pets (whether adopted at the event or already a member of a family), therapy animals on hand to spread love, food trucks, music, face painting, free ice cream, and other giveaways.

Joybound People and Pets, previously known as the Animal Rescue Foundation, was founded in 1991. Joybound’s many programs support people and pets through the life of their relationship. Services include training and veterinary care, food and supply assistance, therapy and service-animal programs, and rich learning resources for all pet families.

“The shared emotional experience of the human-animal bond continues long after the act of rescue,” said 14-year volunteer Carol Ross. “Ultimately our work is to help pets and people form and sustain joyful lifelong relationships.”

As Joybound, the organization plans to expand its services forging and supporting human-animal bonds beyond Contra Costa County and the Bay Area. In addition, Joybound will be introducing pet-related vocational training programs for people interested in careers such as pet grooming, dog training, and veterinary nursing.

About Joybound

We are Joybound People & Pets Alliance, formerly ARF, a privately-funded, 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Walnut Creek, California. With dog and cat rescue and adoption at the heart of its mission, Joybound forms, supports, elevates, and celebrates the human-animal bond through services such as training and veterinary care, food and supply assistance, therapy and service-animal programs, and rich learning resources for all pet families. We serve our community through programs for children, seniors, Veterans, and animal guardians who need a helping hand to keep their pets in safe, healthy, forever homes. Joybound’s goal is for every adoption story to become a lasting tale of friendship, love, and mutual happiness.

 

Pet Food Express launches The Big Fix campaign to support spay, neuter initiatives

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SnugArooz Bix Fix Friends dog and cat toys for the Pet Food Express campaign. Source: Pet Food Express

Sale of exclusive toys from SnugArooz benefits nonprofit clinics throughout California including Animal Rescue Foundation in Contra Costa County to impact animal overpopulation

Pet Food Express, a trusted California pet retailer and advocate for animal welfare, is excited to launch The Big Fix at https://www.petfood.express/bigfix. The new campaign is aimed at impacting animal overpopulation and the overcrowding of animal rescue organizations, as well as bringing awareness to the need for essential spay and neuter services for California’s pets. Available for purchase now online and in stores, customers can get exclusive, limited-edition toys from SnugArooz, known as Big Fix Friends (BFFs), where 50% of the retail price will go directly to 10 nonprofit, public-facing, low-cost, or sliding-scale spay and neuter clinic programs.

“Every year, too many animals suffer due to overpopulation, leading to strained resources and, in some cases, homelessness. The Big Fix is our response to this pressing issue,” Denyelle Bruno, CEO of Pet Food Express stated. “We’re committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of pets and their families.”

The Big Fix nonprofit partners include, Animal Rescue Foundation, Berkeley Humane, Napa Humane, Peninsula Humane Society, Pasadena Humane, Sacramento SPCA, San Francisco SPCA, Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority, Spay Neuter Imperative Project and Valley Humane Society.

“Spay and neuter is the most effective way to fight pet overpopulation and decrease the number of unaltered, homeless, and unwanted pets,” said Lisa Van Buskirk, Senior Vice President at Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA, During the last 70 years, we have seen that altering animals has been instrumental in decreasing the number of incoming animals, thereby reducing our euthanasia rate by 99% in San Mateo County.”

The limited-edition Big Fix Friends dog and cat toys retail for $9.99 and $5.99, respectively. For dogs, Fang Cuddlearms features a squeaky body and long, stretchy arms. For cats, Spike Hugface entertains with a catnip and crinkle middle. The Big Fix will continue until all toys are sold out or until the end of the calendar year 2024, whichever comes first.

Spaying and neutering play a crucial role in combating pet overpopulation, reducing the number of homeless and unwanted animals, as well as producing positive effects on pet behavior, health, and longevity.

For more information on Pet Food Express’ Community Programs or to find out how to become an adoption partner, please visit www.petfood.express.

ABOUT PET FOOD EXPRESS

Pet Food Express is California’s trusted pet expert dedicated to helping pets live longer, healthier lives. With a reimagined experience delivered by animal-loving team members, Pet Food Express sells a variety of high quality products that they trust to give their own pets, puts pets above profits, and leads the way as a committed partner to 275+ non-profit animal rescue and shelter organizations annually. Shop and learn more at www.petfood.express. Get social on Facebook and Instagram.

Oakley man and his dog die in car after striking tree in Antioch

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By Lt. Rick Martin, Investigations Bureau, Antioch Police Department

On December 26, 2023, at approximately 2:45 a.m. Antioch Police Officers responded to Wilbur Avenue near the intersection of Apollo Court on a report of a vehicle on fire after having collided into a tree. Officers along with the Contra Costa County Fire Department arrived and were able to extinguish the fire, unfortunately the driver, a 28-year-old male from Oakley and his dog succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene.

We are withholding the name of the decedent until proper family notifications have been made. It appears speed and alcohol were factors in this incident. No further information will be provided at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to call Lieutenant Rick Martin at (925) 779-6972 or the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441.

Pawtoberfest in Brentwood Saturday, Oct. 28

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Benefiting non-profit’s efforts to rescue dogs from local shelters

Ruff Day Rescue is holding its first annual Pawtoberfest, October 28th from 10-5 in Veterans Park, Brentwood. There will be Live music, vendors, adult beverages and and traditional Oktoberfest fare. This is a fun event for the entire family, including our family dogs.

There will be a dog costume contest and parade, an activities corner for the kids, live music, dog microchipping on site and more!

All proceeds support saving more dogs from being euthanized at local shelters and help with all vetting costs associated with getting them into “fur”ever homes.

Events of the day:

  • Beer garden featuring Four Leg’s Breweryand Brentwood Craft Beer and Cider
  • Artisan & pet booths
  • Food trucks Somewith dog-friendly treats
  • Puppy pen & dog park
  • Onsite Adoption Event
  • Canine Demonstration 11am
  • Raiders Gorillarilla – Noon
  • Dog Costume Parade 1pm
  • Live music 2pm – 5pm

If you are interested in being a vendor, sponsor or volunteering, please email ruffdayrescue@gmail.com, call Chris at 408-892-6869 or visit www.ruffdayrescue.org

 

Los Vaqueros Reservoir Expansion Project receives $10 million from Bureau of Reclamation

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Los Vaqueros Reservoir and Dam. Source: LVREP JPA

Funding to benefit regional water supply improvements and protection of critical bird populations

Expansion will increase capacity by 115,000 acre-feet, cost about $1.25 billion

The Los Vaqueros Reservoir Expansion Project Joint Powers Authority today (July 27, 2023) was notified that it will receive $10 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation. The funding will be used to further the project’s goals of improving Bay Area and Central Valley water supply and supporting wildlife refuges along the Pacific Flyway, a vital migratory route for critical bird populations.

According to the National Audubon Society, each year at least one billion birds migrate along the flyway, which is only a fraction of those that used it a century ago. Wildlife refuges along the Pacific Flyway provide protection against habitat loss, water shortages, diminishing food sources and climate change.

Additionally, the expansion will increase the Los Vaqueros Reservoir capacity from 160,000 acre-feet to 275,000 acre-feet and add new and modified conveyance facilities to provide environmental, water supply reliability, operational flexibility, water quality and recreational benefits.

The dam will be increased by 55 feet from its current height of 226 feet to 281 feet from toe to crest.

“We are grateful to Reclamation for acknowledging the importance of the Los Vaqueros Reservoir Expansion Project and the role it will play in providing water supply reliability for 11 million customers and protection of critical bird populations from the Bay Area to the Central Valley,” said Board Chair Angela Ramirez Holmes. “Our partnership with Reclamation is invaluable and will help ensure quality of life now and for future generations.”

Source: LVREP Fact Sheet

The $10 million allocation today is authorized under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, approved by Congress in November 2021, and is in addition to a previously awarded $164 million from all federal sources for the reservoir expansion project. The project was previously authorized for federal funding under the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act of 2016.

According to the project Fact Sheet, the total development and construction cost of the expansion is budgeted at approximately $980 million in 2022 dollars and $1.25 billion in escalated costs through the end of construction. Construction is expected to last from 2023 through 2030.

“We appreciate the ongoing federal support of this project that is vital to millions of Californians and key wildlife refuges,” said Los Vaqueros Reservoir Joint Powers Authority Executive Director Taryn Ravazzini. “The allocation of these funds marks another milestone and allows the LVR JPA and its members to continue our progress toward regional resilience.”

Source: LVREP Fact Sheet

About the LVRJPA

The Los Vaqueros Reservoir Joint Powers Authority (JPA) was formed in 2021 and provides governance and administration for the Phase 2 Los Vaqueros Reservoir Expansion Project (Project).  The Los Vaqueros Reservoir is an off-stream reservoir owned and operated by the Contra Costa Water District.

The Project will increase Bay Area and Central Valley water supply reliability, develop water supplies for wildlife refuges, and improve water quality while protecting Delta fisheries and providing additional Delta ecosystem benefits. When completed, it will increase the Los Vaqueros Reservoir capacity from 160,000 acre-feet to 275,000 acre-feet and add new and modified conveyance facilities to provide environmental, water supply reliability, operational flexibility, water quality, and recreational benefits.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.