The December 10, 2024, Riverbank City Council and LRA Regular Meeting featured a presentation by the Astro Foundation, a nonprofit pet rescue organization based in Oakdale, California. Founded in 2012, the foundation has been actively rescuing animals since 2014, serving the communities of Oakdale, Riverbank, and Escalon.

Jaydeen Vicente, the founder and president of the Astro Foundation, along with treasurer Lynette Fletcher, provided an overview of the organization's mission and ongoing projects. The foundation has rescued approximately 10,000 animals over the past decade, with about 40% of those coming from Riverbank. They operate a small adoption center in Downtown Oakdale, which houses around 40 cats and a few dogs, and conduct weekly adoption events at the Petco store in Riverbank.

Vicente highlighted the challenges faced by the Oakdale Bridal Shelter, which was built to accommodate a much smaller population than it currently serves. This has led to a significant number of adoptable animals being euthanized due to lack of space. The Astro Foundation aims to alleviate this issue by providing care for animals in need, including veterinary services such as spaying, neutering, and vaccinations.

The organization is also involved in community outreach projects, including a trap-neuter-release initiative for feral cats and a food pantry to assist pet owners in need. Vicente mentioned plans to relocate their adoption center to a larger facility, which would allow for more dogs and the establishment of an on-site surgery suite.

The foundation operates without government funding, relying on private donations, corporate sponsorships, and revenue from their thrift shop. In 2023, their operational costs exceeded $500,000, primarily due to labor and veterinary expenses. They encourage community involvement through volunteering, fostering, and adopting pets.

The meeting concluded with a call for support from the community to help sustain the foundation's efforts in rescuing and caring for animals in need.