Antioch Names Animal Services Chief as Hercules Backs Measure P Tax

Municipal leadership appointments, local revenue measures, and regional transit workforce outreach are advancing across Contra Costa County and the East Bay. The Antioch Police Department announced the promotion of Catriona Cottle—widely known as Cat—to serve as Antioch Animal Services Manager.

Originally from Ireland, Cottle began fostering shelter animals in 2011 and started volunteering at Antioch Animal Services in 2013 after 13 years of escalating service to the community shelter. She joined the Antioch Police Department in October 2016 as the city's first Certified Animal Control Officer, earned promotion to Shelter Supervisor in January 2023, and served as Acting Manager beginning in December 2023 before assuming permanent leadership of the division.

In western Contra Costa County, Hercules voters backed Measure P with 54% support in preliminary election counts, establishing an 8-point lead as county election officials continue tallying mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day through November 10. Placed on the ballot by the Hercules City Council on July 28, the measure adds a 1-cent sales tax on every dollar of taxable retail purchases starting in April, generating up to $4 million annually for the city's general fund. Hercules Mayor Chris Kelley noted that the city receives only 5.5% of local property tax dollars collected within its borders, making sales tax revenue critical for municipal services. Residents Surinder Palsingh, 58, and Gerald Tamayo, 45, voiced support for sustaining city infrastructure and staffing, while opponent Alexandra Valle raised concerns over household costs.

Across the regional rail network, BART is hosting National Transit Career Day informational pop-ups on Thursday, November 12, 2026 from 3 to 6 p.m. across 6 stations in partnership with the American Public Transportation Association. Human resources staff, trades specialists, and community workforce partners will meet commuters at Antioch Station (with Rubicon and Los Medanos College), El Cerrito del Norte Station (with Lao Family Career Center and Contra Costa College), 19th St. Oakland Station (with the Oakland Private Industry Council and Laney College), Dublin/Pleasanton Station (with the Tri-Valley Career Center and Las Positas College), Warm Springs/South Fremont Station (with the Tri-Cities Career Center and Ohlone College), and Daly City Station (with Skyline College).