Contra Costa Herald

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

Brentwood Planning Commissioner, former Chamber president Gerald Johnson runs for mayor

By Leave a Comment

Source: Johnson Mayor campaign

On campaign of THRIVE: Togetherness, Housing, Recreation, Inclusion, Volunteerism and the Economy

Will use business background to attract employers and high-paying jobs to city; will work to add 5th police beat, eliminate homelessness

By Allen D. Payton

Gerald Johnson, current City of Brentwood Planning Commissioner, former two-time president of the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce, local business owner and 22-year resident of Brentwood is running for Mayor of Brentwood. With a vision for a thriving community rooted in unity, sustainable growth and economic vitality, Johnson says he is prepared to bring fresh leadership to the city he calls home.

“As a Planning Commissioner, I’ve been privileged to help shape Brentwood’s future by ensuring our city grows responsibly while preserving its unique character,” said Johnson. “My experience as President of the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce has deepened my commitment to strengthening our local economy and supporting the businesses that are the backbone of our community.”

Johnson serves on the Brentwood Planning Commission. Photo: Johnson for Mayor campaign

Johnson’s campaign is centered on the principles of THRIVE: Togetherness, Housing, Recreation, Inclusion, Volunteerism and the Economy. His platform focuses on developing attainable housing for young families and professionals, enhancing cultural and recreational opportunities, promoting inclusivity, encouraging volunteerism, driving economic growth through strategic public-private partnerships, and expanding Brentwood’s agritourism sector so he can balance the budget.

He will also work to increase public safety by adding and staffing the long-planned fifth beat to the police department and push for policies to eliminate homelessness in the city. Johnson also aims to leverage the talents and knowledge of Brentwood’s senior community to enrich local initiatives and programs that benefit them.

Johnson recognizes housing growth is inevitable since it’s required by state law under the Regional Housing Needs Analysis mandates, but said he and the council need to work with developers to get the most and best amenities for the city as possible and offset any impacts to the community.

Endorsements

Johnson’s campaign is already gaining momentum with endorsements from several prominent individuals and organizations, including Brentwood Councilman Tony Oerlemans, former Brentwood Mayor Brian Swisher; former Brentwood Vice Mayor Johnny Rodriguez, Contra Costa, County Board of Education Area 3 Trustee Anamarie Avila Farias, the Contra Costa United Professional Firefighters, Contra Costa Labor Council, AFL-CIO and the Contra Costa Building & Construction Trades.

“I am running for Mayor because I believe Brentwood’s best days are ahead of us. I aim to create a community where everyone can thrive – where we unite to solve our challenges, support our local businesses, and ensure that Brentwood remains a wonderful place to live and work,” Johnson added.

Business Background

The Principal of Sabacon Consulting, a management consulting firm, since 2006, Johnson has an extensive business background working for and with Fortune 500 companies. According to his LinkedIn profile, they include Northern California Regional Manager for ConocoPhillips and Area Manager for Mobil Oil over 15 years. He also has served as President of the Northern ​California Chapter of the Institute of Management Consultants USA and since January Johnson is serving as Chair of the Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee which is the leadership group of the Certified Minority Business Enterprises Western Regional Minority Supplier Development Council, an affiliate of the National Minority Supplier Development Council.

He says he will use his business experience and contacts to attract employers to Brentwood with high-paying jobs for the residents, so they can get out of the commute and spend more time with their families.

Education

The first-time candidate for public office has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science ​from Brooklyn College and ​pursued a Minority Executive Program Certificate from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, as well as ​becoming a Certified Management Consultant.

Gerald & Audrey Johnson and family. Source: Johnson for Mayor campaign.

Personal

He is married to Audrey and they have two sons who attended Brentwood schools. It was that experience driving them to school that helped shape Johnson’s thinking about the need for better traffic flow in the community, especially around Heritage High and Adams Middle School.

Johnson’s candidacy combines a fresh perspective with seasoned experience. He is committed to listening to the community’s needs and working collaboratively to build a stronger, more vibrant Brentwood.

He faces one opponent, current Vice Mayor and District 3 Councilwoman Susannah Meyer in the November election.

For more information about Johnson’s campaign, call (925) 515-7900, email info@GeraldCJohnson.com or visit www.GeraldCJohnson.com.

UPDATE: Police arrest 18-year-old female suspect in Thursday night shooting of man in Brentwood

By Leave a Comment

Felony charges to include assault with a deadly weapon, attempted murder; held on $820,000 bail

By Lt. Christopher Peart, Brentwood Police Department

Brentwood, CA – On September 19, 2024 at approximately 8:44 p.m., Brentwood officers responded to the area of Sand Creek Road near Stony Creek Drive for a reported shooting. When officers arrived, they located an adult male victim who had been shot one time in the abdomen. The victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment and is expected to survive.

After speaking to the victim and witnesses in the area, a suspect was identified, and multiple people were detained as part of the investigation. This was an isolated incident with no apparent threat to public safety and the motive for the shooting is still under investigation.

3:46 PM 9/20/24 UPDATE: Further investigation revealed the shooting occurred on Sand Creek Road east of Stoney Creek Drive. Following the shooting, individuals fled to a home in the 100 block of Brush Creek Drive. There, Officers detained six people related to the incident, recovered a firearm and arrested the shooter, identified as 18-year-old female Ty’Jae Dukes (born 3/15/2006) from Brentwood. Dukes was booked into the Contra Costa County Jail on a number of felony charges to include Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Attempted Murder.

The shooting victim remains hospitalized and is expected to recover.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the five-feet, nine-inch tall, 120-pound Dukes is being held on $820,000 bail.

This remains an ongoing investigation, and no additional information is being released at this time. Anyone with information or witnesses that have yet to be interviewed by Law Enforcement are encouraged to contact Detective Goold at (925) 809-7911. Callers may remain anonymous.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Supervisor Glover to host UpliftED 2024 Youth Empowerment Conference Sept. 21

By Leave a Comment

¡El Supervisor Federal Glover lo invita a la Conferencia de Empoderamiento Juvenil UpliftED 2024!

Contra Costa County District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover is thrilled to invite you to the UpliftED 2024 Youth Empowerment Conference – a transformative, day-long event dedicated to empowering our youth and shaping the leaders of tomorrow. With a deep commitment to our community’s future, Supervisor Glover has put together an incredible experience designed to equip young people with the tools, resources, and inspiration they need to succeed.

This year’s conference is more than just an event – it’s a call to action. Through powerful keynote speeches, dynamic workshops, and interactive sessions, young attendees will explore vital topics such as career development, mental health, digital wellness, and social justice, all within a framework of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA). The event features industry leaders and experts who are eager to share their insights and help guide our youth toward meaningful and impactful futures.

But it’s not just about learning – it’s about connection, community, and fun! With networking opportunities, engaging activities, a live DJ, and an array of food trucks, the UpliftED 2024 Youth Empowerment Conference promises to be an unforgettable experience. Whether your child is passionate about technology, the arts, activism, or simply discovering new possibilities, this event is designed to ignite their potential and empower them to make a difference.

Supervisor Glover, who is deeply dedicated to the well-being and success of our youth, personally invites all parents to bring their children and for all young people to attend this impactful conference. Don’t miss this chance to be part of an event that will inspire, educate, and uplift our community’s future leaders.

This is a free event sponsored by Supervisor Federal Glover, District 5. We can’t wait to see you there!

Download event flyer here for more details. Ticket Registration Site: https://bit.ly/4cIFfBa

En Español

El Supervisor Federal Glover se complace en invitarlo a la Conferencia de Empoderamiento Juvenil UpliftED 2024, un evento transformador de un día de duración dedicado a empoderar a nuestros jóvenes y formar a los líderes del mañana. Con un profundo compromiso con el futuro de nuestra comunidad, el Supervisor Glover ha reunido una experiencia increíble diseñada para equipar a los jóvenes con las herramientas, los recursos y la inspiración que necesitan para tener éxito.

La conferencia de este año es más que un evento, es un llamado a la acción. A través de poderosos discursos de apertura, talleres dinámicos y sesiones interactivas, los jóvenes asistentes explorarán temas vitales como el desarrollo profesional, la salud mental, el bienestar digital y la justicia social, todo dentro de un marco de Diversidad, Equidad, Inclusión y Acceso (DEIA). El evento cuenta con líderes y expertos de la industria que están ansiosos por compartir sus conocimientos y ayudar a guiar a nuestros jóvenes hacia futuros significativos e impactantes.

Pero no se trata solo de aprender, ¡se trata de conexión, comunidad y diversión! Con oportunidades para establecer contactos, actividades atractivas, un DJ en vivo y una variedad de camiones de comida, la Conferencia de Empoderamiento Juvenil UpliftED 2024 promete ser una experiencia inolvidable. Ya sea que a su hijo le apasione la tecnología, las artes, el activismo o simplemente descubra nuevas posibilidades, este evento está diseñado para encender su potencial y empoderarlo para marcar la diferencia.

La Supervisora Glover, quien está profundamente dedicada al bienestar y éxito de nuestra juventud, invita personalmente a todos los padres a traer a sus hijos y a todos los jóvenes a asistir a esta impactante conferencia. No se pierda esta oportunidad de ser parte de un evento que inspirará, educará y elevará a los futuros líderes de nuestra comunidad.

Este es un evento gratuito patrocinado por el Supervisor Federal Glover, Distrito 5. ¡No podemos esperar a verte allí!

Descargue el folleto del evento aquí para obtener más detalles. Sitio de registro de entradas:  https://bit.ly/4cIFfBa

 

 

In Memoriam: Brentwood resident, former butcher Michael J. “Big Mike” Fischer passes at 77

By Leave a Comment

Michael J. Fischer

January 31, 1947 – August 16, 2024

Celebration of life September 14th at Golden Hills Community Church

We bid farewell for now to Michael J. Fischer, a husband, father, and grandfather, who was a true friend. If you had the opportunity to meet him, you had a friend for life.  Michael “Big Mike” Fischer, 77, of Brentwood, California passed away peacefully on Friday, August 16, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and faith. Born in Oakland, California to Louis and Ruth Fischer on January 31, 1947, as one of 12 children.  Mike was preceded in death by his baby brother Douglas, father Louis, mother Ruth, sister Corinne and brother Jim.

Mike served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1966 – 1968 in Viet Nam.  Upon return from service, he met the love of his life, Janice Carvahal. Together they shared a full life of 55 years married and 56 years of love in total. They had Jason (Stephanie) Fischer and Heather (Bill) Cannan. Mike’s pride and joy was his 8 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and dogs Sampson and Vito.

Mike and Jan did everything together and were an excellent model of how to be loving to your mate. A relationship built in Christ Jesus. They enjoyed projects, no project was too tough and each one was sure to always reinforce their bond of patience, kindness, gentleness and self control.  They took joy in projects that created a beautiful sanctuary and home to enjoy for their family.  They enjoyed long walks on the beach on their many trips to Pajaro Dunes, collecting shells in what seemed to be the equivalent number of stars God told Abraham he’d have as descendants.

Mike was a butcher by trade who would do whatever it took to make sure his family was protected and provided for. During his career, he also served 14 years as Butcher Union Agent and then 13 years in his own Loss Prevention business, finally ending his career back behind the counter as a Butcher and serving on the executive board for 3 years.  Those that really knew Mike would have assumed he may have also been an untrained clown by sheer natural ability.  Mike made everyone feel welcome and seen, he would take special time to encourage and talk with anyone that was struggling for however long it would take. Mike enjoyed singing in the Golden Hills Choir and participating in the many plays during holidays.  He was a bright light wherever he went and for whomever he met.

To commemorate his remarkable life and the memories we cherish, a service will be held at Golden Hills Church 2401 Shady Willow Lane, Brentwood, CA 94513, Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.  We welcome all who knew him to celebrate the life of a man who was loved deeply and will be missed.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to one of Mike’s favorite ministries, Shepherd’s Gate.

Now a published author Fernando Sandoval runs for re-election to the Contra Costa College Board in Ward 5

By Leave a Comment

With support from elected and community leaders, unions and faculty

Representing portions of Pittsburg, Antioch and Brentwood, all of Oakley, Bay Point, Discovery Bay, Bethel Island, Byron and Knightsen

“My goal is to drive student success for the jobs of the future.” – Fernando Sandoval

East County community leader Fernando Sandoval announces his re-election candidacy for the Contra Costa Community College District Board of Trustees in Ward 5 with support from a strong list of elected officials, labor leaders and community members from throughout the district including: Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover, Contra Costa County Supervisor Ken Carlson, Building and Construction Trades, Central Labor AFL-CIO and the United Faculty of the College District. They join a coalition of college faculty, staff, students, small business owners, civic leaders and community activists in support of Sandoval’s race.

Sandoval is completing his first term on the college board, after being elected in 2020 during his second and successful attempt to defeat then-incumbent Trustee Greg Enholm. Ward 5 includes portions of Pittsburg, Antioch and Brentwood and all of Oakley, Bay Point, Discovery Bay, Bethel Island, Byron and Knightsen. (See College District Wards map)

“Fernando Sandoval is a leader who has brought vision, bold leadership and a commitment to educational excellence and equity that will advance the academic opportunities for our students, said Yolanda Peña Mendrek, Liberty Union High School District Board President. She adds, in addition, his 30 years as a finance and banking consultant to top worldwide corporations will make him an experienced voice and strong ally with the Governing Board as it addresses the budget constraints by the State and the continued fiscal aftermath of the global pandemic.”

In 2022-23 Fernando served as President of the Governing Board. During his 4-year tenure as Board Trustee, some of his accomplishments in this capacity included bringing in District leadership stability with the hiring of the permanent Chancellor, Mojdeh Mehdezadeh, and Presidents of Los Medanos College and Contra Costa College, restoring a relationship with John F. Kennedy-National University and leading DEI efforts most recently with an innovative model for enrollment with Diablo Valley College, Mount Diablo Unified School District and United Latino Voices.

Source: Contra Costa Community College District

He has also served as a past member of the Contra Costa Community College District Equal Employment Opportunity Advisory Committee (DEEOAC) to advise on a districtwide commitment to diversity, inclusion and equal employment opportunities in accordance with California Education Code, Title 5. He also Chaired the Bond Oversight Committee for modernization of schools at Pittsburg Unified School District (PUSD).

Sandoval’s community leadership also includes organizing mentoring, tutoring and motivational workshops for K-12 students and Los Medanos College students. He was recognized for his service by receiving the 2020 Cesar Chavez Award for Exemplary Community Service by Los Medanos College.

“I am running for the Contra Costa Community College District Board in my home region because I personally experienced the equity barriers and lack of mentorship for higher education access, particularly for underserved students which still exists today,” said Sandoval. “My goal is to drive student success for the jobs of the future. I want to bring my professional experiences, innovative spirit and commitment to educational excellence and equity to advance real solutions to these issues in collaboration with the Board and through community and philanthropic partnerships.”

The Ward 5 Trustee continued, “I am honored to have the support of educational leaders, local policy-makers and hard-working residents from throughout the East County community college district. We still face unprecedented challenges ahead due to the pandemic’s impact on the district’s budget combined with the long-term racial and social injustice issues facing our region and college district. It has never been more important to have experienced, principled, and responsive leadership now more than ever.”

Background

Sandoval was raised in East County by a hard-working immigrant family who sacrificed and encouraged education as a career pathway. Fernando is a veteran who served in the Vietnam War, where he maintained advanced computer systems on the USS Enterprise. Professionally he was recruited for information technology manager roles by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Sperry Rand, Hughes Aircraft Corporation, and managed change at IBM and General Electric among others. He also provided management strategies and policy decisions for economic recovery as a finance consultant to top banking institutions worldwide.

Sandoval is also a published author of his memoir, “From Tortilla Chips to Computer Chips.”

For more information about Fernando Sandoval’s candidacy, visit fernando4collegeboard.com or for questions contact fernando4education@gmail.com.

Sandoval just began raising funds this week, he shared. He faces one opponent in the race, former Antioch School Board Trustee Debra Vinson.

The election is November 5th.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Four Alamo residential burglary suspects arrested following pursuit from Concord

By Leave a Comment

On of the stolen vehicles used in the Alamo residential burglary was located. Photo: CCCSheriff

Stolen vehicles used found in Bay Point, Orinda

Multi-agency effort

By Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office

This morning at about 1:40, Valley Station deputy sheriffs responded to a residential burglary on the 100 block of La Sonoma Way in Alamo. The suspects fled after stealing two vehicles.

With the assistance of Sheriff’s Office dispatch, deputies located them in Concord. The suspects fled at a high rate of speed. Deputies terminated their pursuit, but Sheriff’s Office dispatch later found one of the stolen vehicles in Bay Point and another in Orinda. The suspects fled on foot.

With the assistance of Muir Station deputies, CHP air support, and Orinda, Lafayette and Pittsburg police, all four suspects were located and arrested.

Both recovered vehicles, along with personal property, were returned to the owner. All four suspects were booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on multiple charges that include burglary, felony evading and vehicle theft.

 

DA files murder charge against homeless Pittsburg man

By Leave a Comment

By Ted Asregadoo, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office

Martinez, California – A Pittsburg man has been charged by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office with murder and assault in a two-count felony complaint.

Billy Ray Darby, Jr., 28, of Pittsburg, is currently in custody without bail at the Martinez Detention Facility. He was arrested by Pittsburg Police in connection with the murder of 65-year-old Chito Avelino Ituriaga. The incident occurred on August 20th around 6:40 a.m. in the 2200 block of Railroad Avenue near West Leland Road. (See related article)

Police responded to reports of a fight between Darby and Ituriaga. Upon arrival, officers found Ituriaga with serious head and neck injuries. Police administered life-saving actions, but Ituriaga was pronounced dead after being transported to a local hospital. Witness accounts led police to locate Darby nearby.

Darby is charged with one count of murder [PC 187(a)] and one count of assault likely to produce great bodily injury [PC 245(a)(4)]. His arraignment is scheduled for August 23rd at 1:30 p.m. in the Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa in Martinez.

Case No. 04-24-01660 | The People of the State of California vs. Darby, Billy Ray, Jr.

Pittsburg transient man arrested for murder of 65-year-old man

By Leave a Comment

Has history of arrests including for another murder earlier this year, battery earlier this month

By Pittsburg Police Department

Tuesday morning, August 20, 2024, at 6:37 a.m. officers were dispatched to the 2200 block of Railroad Avenue for a reported physical altercation occurring between two male adults. Upon arrival officers located an unresponsive 65-year-old male suffering from significant facial trauma. Despite lifesaving efforts, the victim was pronounced deceased.

Multiple witnesses on scene provided a description of the suspect which matched video evidence collected from local businesses. Officers conducted a canvas of the area and quickly located the suspect who was identified as 28-year-old Billy Ray Darby, Jr., (born 8-9-96) a transient from Pittsburg. Detectives are actively investigating what led to the altercation. Darby was arrested and the case was presented to the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office. The victim’s information is being withheld at this time pending next of kin notification.

This is an active investigation and anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Pittsburg Police Department Dispatch at 925-646-2441 or Detective Haller at (925) 252-6918.

According to localcrimenews.com, Darby has a history of arrests dating back to 2019 by BART PD, Antioch PD, U.C. Berkley PD and the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department for crimes including murder and battery with serious bodily injury on Feb. 13, 2024, and battery with serious bodily injury on Aug. 2, 2024; battery, trespassing and intoxicated in public on June 7, 2022; and sexual battery, DUI, driving with a suspended license and resisting arrest on Nov. 4, 2021.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, he is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on no bail.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.