Contra Costa Civic Updates

Pleasant Hill Sets Nov. 21 Tree Lighting as Antioch Names Animal Chief

Downtown Pleasant Hill will host its free Light Up the Night celebration on Saturday, Nov. 21 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., while Antioch promotes veteran officer Catriona 'Cat' Cottle to permanent Animal Services Manager.

By Walnut Creek Times · Syndicated from Concord Chronicle
Syndicated reporting from Concord Chronicle · Concord Chronicle
Published November 5, 2026 at 4:36 PM PST · 2 min read

Candid 35mm documentary photograph of a downtown California plaza at twilight with an illuminated holiday tree and fountain — A tall evergreen tree illuminated with warm golden lights beside a civic plaza fountain in Contra Costa County. · Concord Chronicle / Editorial Visual Desk

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Municipal officials in Pleasant Hill and Antioch announced a major downtown holiday celebration and a permanent leadership appointment for animal shelter operations on Thursday.

Downtown Pleasant Hill to Host "Light Up the Night" on Saturday, Nov. 21

The City of Pleasant Hill announced that its annual Light Up the Night celebration will return to Downtown Pleasant Hill on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026, running from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Admission is free to the public.

Festivities along Crescent Drive include a Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair, live musical performances, community dancers, strolling carolers, rides on a trackless holiday train, visits with Santa Claus, and complimentary hot chocolate and coffee for attendees. The centerpiece tree-lighting ceremony is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. near Jack's Restaurant & Bar.

Antioch Promotes Catriona "Cat" Cottle to Permanent Animal Services Manager

In neighboring Antioch, Acting Police Chief Joe Vigil announced that Catriona "Cat" Cottle has been promoted to permanent Animal Services Manager for Antioch Animal Services.

Originally from Ireland, Cottle began her animal welfare work in 2011 by fostering rescue animals and started volunteering at Antioch Animal Services in 2013. She joined the Antioch Police Department in October 2016, becoming the first Animal Control Officer in city history to earn state certification as a Certified Animal Control Officer. Cottle advanced to Animal Shelter Supervisor in January 2023 and had led the division as Acting Animal Services Manager since December 2023, strengthening regional rescue partnerships including collaborations with Joybound People & Pets (formerly ARF) founder Tony La Russa.

Contra Costa Civic Updates

Pleasant Hill Holiday Schedule and Antioch Animal Services Leadership

The City of Pleasant Hill announced that its free annual Light Up the Night holiday festival will take place in Downtown Pleasant Hill on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., highlighted by the 5:30 p.m. tree lighting near Jack's Restaurant & Bar, a Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair, a holiday train, and complimentary hot chocolate and coffee. In eastern Contra Costa County, Acting Antioch Police Chief Joe Vigil announced the promotion of Catriona 'Cat' Cottle—who began fostering anima

Light Up the Night: Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Downtown Pleasant Hill (tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. near Jack's)
Festival Attractions: Free admission, Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair, free hot chocolate and coffee, music, dancers, caroling, holiday train, and Santa visits
Antioch Animal Services: Catriona 'Cat' Cottle promoted to permanent Animal Services Manager after serving as Acting Manager since December 2023
Cottle Career Timeline: Began fostering in 2011; volunteered in 2013; hired Oct. 2016 as Antioch's 1st Certified Animal Control Officer; Shelter Supervisor in Jan. 2023

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Pleasant Hill Sets Nov. 21 Tree Lighting as Antioch Names Animal Chief

Downtown Pleasant Hill to Host "Light Up the Night" on Saturday, Nov. 21

Antioch Promotes Catriona "Cat" Cottle to Permanent Animal Services Manager

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