Contra Costa Herald

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

Suspect arrested for multiple Antioch sexual assault cases over past 10 years

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Robert Chukwuemeka Chuksorji. Photo by APD

Robert Chukwuemeka Chuksorji held on $2 million bail; police ask any other victims to come forward

By Sgt. Whitaker #6155, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On June 24, 2024 at 6:36 AM, the Antioch Police arrested a suspect wanted for a violent sexual assault. During the investigation, several other victims were identified and provided crucial information to the case. The Antioch Police Department Investigations Bureau began investigating multiple cases over the past ten years.

The suspect, 37-year-old Robert Chukwuemeka Chuksorji (born 10/17/87), would meet women either in person or online, obtain their phone number and begin a texting relationship. Chuksorji would then plan to meet the victim, which would later turn into a sexual assault. Chuksorji was ultimately caught, and charges have been filed against him

During the investigation, detectives determined that there could be other unreported sexual assaults and victims related to Chuksorji. Chuksorji may have used several other names throughout the years. If you have been victimized by this individual, please contact the Antioch Police Department immediately.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, as of Monday, October 14, 2024, he was still in custody. The six-foot, two-inch tall, 175-pound Chuksorji is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility with bail set at $2 million. His next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 22 at 8:30 AM in Delta Superior Court, Dept. 04 in Pittsburg.

According to localcrimenews.com, Chuksorji was also arrested in 2017 by Antioch PD on July 27, 2016 on an outstanding warrant.

This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released at this time. Any tips or other information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Allen at (925) 779-6923 or by email aallen@antiochca.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Black Diamond Mines Open House Oct. 26 & 27

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Photo: EBRPD

Free Mine Tours on Saturday and Sunday!

During Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve Open House on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 26 and 27, free mine tours will be held for both the Coal Mine Experience and the Hazel Atlas Sand Mine! We will also have Victorian Era games to play and a nature table outside the mines, plus staff at the Rose Hill Cemetery to chat with.

Tour Details:

All tours will be first come, first served.

The earliest you can sign up for tours is 10am.

First tours will begin at 10:30am.

Last tours will begin at 3:00pm.

All tours will last 30 minutes.

Tours are only available to ages 7+.

No animals allowed on tours with the exception of service animals.

How to Sign-Up for Free Tours:

Coal Mine Experience- Register at the table outside of the Greathouse Visitor Center.

Hazel Atlas Sand Mine- Register at the table outside of the Hazel Atlas Mine.

*Sign-ups are done in person, there will be no reservations over the phone.

Other Helpful Info:

It can take a good 10-15 minutes to walk to either mine from the parking lot.

It can also take 10-15 minutes to walk from mine to mine – don’t sign up for one mine tour directly after the other.

The Hazel Atlas Sand Mine has train tracks going throughout the tour making it less accessible than the Coal Mine Experience, which is flat the whole way.

The Greathouse Visitor Center will be open from 10am-4pm.

Check the weather and dress accordingly. Even if it’s hot outside, it’s still cold in the mines!

The Mines are located at the south end of Somersville Road in Antioch.

For more info about the park and mine tours, please visit: Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve | East Bay Parks (ebparks.org).

 

Contra Costa, Richmond, Antioch awarded state grants to house people living in homeless encampments

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Source: Office of the CA Governor

Governor Newsom awards $130.7 million in Round 3 of program to help 18 California communities

Also creating a collaborative program between the state and targeted communities to streamline the cleanup of encampments

SACRAMENTO – Oct. 4, 2024 — Expanding the state’s unprecedented support for local communities to create new housing and address homelessness, Governor Newsom announced Friday, the state is awarding $130.7 million to 18 local governments to clear homeless encampments and provide shelter, care and support. The grants are from Round 3 of the Encampment Resolution Fund (ERF) awards from the Department of Housing and Community Development. The Governor also announced new accountability measures, requiring award recipients to adhere to all state housing and homeless laws — as well as remain in compliance with their Housing Elements — or risk losing funding and face other enforcement actions.

The Round 3 funds awarded Friday will go to 12 cities, four counties and two Continuums of Care (CoCs) and are intended to resolve critical encampment concerns and address the housing and health and safety needs of 3,364 people living in encampments, and permanently house 1,565 people.

Of the total amount the City of Richmond was awarded $9,336,746, the City of Antioch will receive $6,812,686 and the County of Contra Costa was granted $5,708,516. Of the 18 agencies, Contra Costa County scored the highest followed by Richmond.

“We’re supporting local communities’ efforts to get people out of encampments and connected with care and housing across the state. It’s important and urgent work that requires everyone to do their part. The state has committed more than $27 billion to help local governments tackle the homelessness crisis — and we want to see $27 billion worth of results,” said Governor Newsom.

Source: CA Dept of HCD

$1 billion in funding to clear encampments

Governor Newsom has made unprecedented investments to address the housing and homelessness crises, with $40 billion invested to help communities create more housing and $27 billion provided to communities for homelessness. Today’s new grants are part of the state’s $1 billion Encampment Resolution Funds (ERF), which help communities address dangerous encampments and support people experiencing unsheltered homelessness.

So far, the program has invested $737 million for 109 projects or encampments across 21 counties, 41 cities and 5 CoCs to help 20,888 people throughout the state, helping 20,888 people transition out of homelessness.

“These grants will ensure local communities take a person-centered, trauma-informed approach as they help their most vulnerable residents transition to safe and stable housing,” said Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency Secretary Tomiquia Moss. “The Encampment Resolution Fund grants are infusing critical resources in communities up and down California so that unhoused Californians can access the essential housing and supportive services they need to achieve long-term stability.”

Source: Office of the CA Governor

Greater accountability 

As a condition of receiving the funding, the awardees must agree to increased accountability and compliance measures. These new accountability measures build on the current requirements that all grantees adhere to state and federal laws, rules, and regulations related to construction, health and safety, labor, fair employment practices, environmental protection, equal opportunity, fair housing, and all other matters applicable and/or related to the ERF program.

The Governor’s new measures expressly require local governments to maintain a compliant housing element, as well as adhere to all planning, permitting, entitlement, fair housing, and homelessness laws.

Non-compliance with these measures may result in the state revoking and clawing back awarded funds in addition to potential enforcement actions by the state’s Housing Accountability Unit. This ensures that grant recipients remain accountable and protects state funding.

Source: Office of the CA Governor

Care, compassion, collaboration 

Today’s announcement follows the Governor’s executive order urging local governments to adopt policies and plans consistent with the California Department of Transportation’s (CalTrans) existing encampment policy.

Prioritizing encampments that pose a threat to the life, health, and safety of the community, Caltrans provides advance notice of clearance and works with local service providers to support those experiencing homelessness at the encampment, and stores personal property collected at the site for at least 60 days.

Since July 2021, California has cleared more than 12,000 encampments and has removed 267,611 cubic yards of debris from encampments along the state right of way in preparation for Clean California projects.

Source: Office of the CA Governor

Delegated Maintenance Agreements

The Governor also announced today a new collaborative program that will help streamline the cleanup of encampments by establishing agreements between the state and targeted local communities. The agreements will remove jurisdictional boundaries and allow locals to address encampments on state property and receive reimbursement for their efforts.

To help provide additional guidance and direction for local governments, the California Interagency Council on Homelessness has posted webinars and resources to help communities address encampments.

Below are the other 10 cities, three counties and two Continuums of Care awarded Round 3 ERF grants:

  • City of Berkeley – $5,395,637
  • City of Carlsbad – $2,994,225
  • City of Los Angeles – $11,351,281
  • City of Palm Springs – $5,106,731
  • City of Petaluma – $8,098,978
  • City of Redlands — $5,341,800
  • City of Sacramento — 18,199,661
  • City of San Jose —- $4,821,083
  • City of Victorville — $6,365,070
  • City of Visalia —- $3,000,000
  • County of Riverside — $12,612,779
  • County of San Bernardino — $11,000,000
  • City and County of San Francisco – $7,975,486
  • Humboldt County — Continuum of Care – $3,784,294
  • Pasadena –  Continuum of Care – $2,772,801

“Our team is energized by this opportunity to help bring people-centered, Housing First solutions to Californians who are unsheltered throughout the state,” said Gustavo Velasquez, Director of the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), which has administered ERF since the start of the 2024-25 fiscal year. “Combined with the investments in permanent supportive housing made possible by voter approval of Proposition 1, the state has unprecedented momentum to make monumental progress on a crisis of homelessness that has been growing for decades.”

The awards announced Friday utilize all remaining FY 2023-24 ERF funds. An additional appropriation of $150 million in the FY 2024-25 State Budget allowed HCD to award all eligible ERF Round 3, Window 2 applicants. The budget also included $100 million in ERF funds for FY 2025-26, bringing to $1 billion this investment to address encampments through proven housing solutions.

Each agency was required to apply for the ERF program.

The grants will provide stable, safe housing for individuals living in encampments in their respective communities. The awarded proposals will assist individuals living in encampments with compassion and dignity by providing a range of housing solutions: permanent housing; interim housing for individuals seeking coordinated entry system resources or housing vouchers; housing navigation services and rapid rehousing subsidies; support for accessing permanent housing by providing security deposits and other moving expenses; and allowing awardees to acquire property for housing.

Each agency was required to apply for the grant program

Pablo Espinoza, Deputy Director of Communications, CA Department of HCD Media and Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Los Medanos College to livestream homecoming football game Oct. 5

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Source: LMC

Feature 50th Anniversary Tribute Halftime Show

Pittsburg, Calif. – Los Medanos College (LMC) presents a special livestream production on CCTV of the Mustangs’ homecoming game against De Anza College Lions, 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5 from the Pittsburg Campus, 2700 E. Leland Road.

The livestream includes a half-time show that debuts a special 50th Anniversary Tribute with historic images, musical score by the LMC Jazz Band, introduction by Contra Costa County Supervisor Ken Carlson, and commentary by former President Peter Garcia, President Pamela Ralston, author and art history professor Nick Nabas, and others.

“This tribute showcases the heart and soul of LMC that has endured from the first day we swung open the doors to students,” President Pamela Ralston said. “It captures the arc of our success through memories and stories of our alumni, dedicated faculty and staff, and students.”

Source: LMC

The tribute video, produced in partnership with Fallout Pictures, rounds out the homecoming game production, which includes a high-energy opener produced by CCTV’s Ronn Carter. The opener highlights the city of Pittsburg and its storied success as an economic driver for the East Bay. Gametime coverage also features announcing and color commentary by local sports broadcasters Tony Schultz and Dan Wall (an LMC alumnus), and contributions by LMC Experience student journalists Finn Atkin, Juan Cebreiros, and Lauren Gannod.

The homecoming game is Part II of a day of festivities that begins at the 11 a.m. party, hosted by legendary DJ Chuy Gomez of 102 Jams FM. The party will be held on the Pittsburg Campus in grassy area adjacent to Mustang Stadium.

For more information about LMC 50th Anniversary activities, visit www.losmedanos.edu/50th.

About Los Medanos College (LMC): LMC is one of three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District, serving the East Contra Costa County community. Established in 1974, LMC has earned federal designations as a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving institution. It offers award-winning transfer and career-technical programs, support services, and diverse academic opportunities in an inclusive learning environment. With exceptional educators, innovative curriculum, growing degree and certificate offerings, and state-of-the-art facilities, the college prepares students to succeed in their educational pursuits, in the workforce, and beyond. LMC’s Pittsburg Campus is located on 120 acres bordering Antioch, with an additional education center in Brentwood.

 

Faye Maloney runs again for Brentwood City Council District 1

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Brentwood District 1 City Council candidate Faye Maloney. Sources: Maloney campaign and City of Brentwood.

This time for open seat on a campaign of public safety, promoting ag, preserving history, supporting local business, smart growth and greater environmental considerations

By Allen D. Payton

In a repeat of the 2020 campaign, Law Enforcement Supervisor Faye Maloney is running again for the Brentwood City Council in District 1 in the upcoming November 2024 election to provide “Next Generation Leadership”. Last time she ran in a multi-candidate race and placed second behind current incumbent Jovita Mendoza but ahead of former Mayor Brian Swisher and then-Councilwoman Claudette Station. This time, following redistricting in 2022, Maloney is running for an open seat and faces only one opponent.

Maloney’s campaign issued the following announcement:

“With a commitment to support public safety, promote the agriculture community, preserving Brentwood history, support local businesses, smart growth and greater environmental considerations, Faye Maloney aims to bring unity and a thriving culture to Brentwood, CA.

Faye Maloney’s experience in public safety, advocacy, and empowerment has prepared her to tackle the challenges and represent her community. Faye Maloney believes in the power of collaborative problem-solving and fostering positive relationships within her city and regionally.

Faye Maloney’s campaign will aim to engage with the community through outreach efforts and events, ensuring that the voices of the community are heard and represented. Faye Maloney invites all community members to join her in this exciting chapter. For more information about the campaign and to get involved, please visit fayeforbrentwood.com or follow Fay Maloney on Facebook and/or Instagram.

According to the Meet Faye page on her campaign website, Maloney was born in Chicago and offers a compelling life story having been abducted by her father at age six and kept from her mother until age eight. That led her to a career in law enforcement, beginning with the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department and later for an agency in Alameda County in 2009.  The second-time candidate says, she “has a background in policy, code enforcement and legislation, and acts as an advocate and voice for people who have none.”

Other Issues

According to information from Maloney’s Campaign Statement shared by KQED, she offers her positions on other issues facing the city including:

  • Infrastructure: “As a commuter, I understand the importance of ensuring our infrastructure is maintained and grows along with our city. I will work with others to reduce our commute times and support smart growth within our city limits.”
  • Education: “As a parent, I understand the significance of our children’s education and will support schools, students, and school leadership.”
  • Homelessness: “As a career law enforcement professional, I understand the urgency in solving our growing homelessness crisis and supporting our local public safety agencies.”

As part of infrastructure, Maloney says she also supports building Route 239, the planned four-lane freeway extension to Highway 4 from Brentwood to Tracy which will connect East County to I-5, 580 and 205.

Regarding the greater environmental concerns, she spoke of the homeless dumping things into the creeks and said, “The soil in our area where I live is toxic” as well as the soil “on Amber Lane near Empire Way,” and is concerned about the impacts on children and others who might locate there.

Community Service

Maloney was the Chairwoman for the Contra Costa County Commission on Women and Girls for two years and now serves as Treasurer. The commission was formed to educate the community and advise the Board of Supervisors on issues related to the changing social and economic conditions of women in the County, with particular emphasis on the economically disadvantaged.

Campaign Finances

According to the City of Brentwood’s campaign finance portal, Maloney began her 2024 campaign in August and. According to her Form 460 finance disclosure report, she has raised $3,460 as of Sept. 21st. In addition to $1,010 in loans from herself, the campaign has received $500 each from Carol Maloney, retired of Pine Grove, Maria McCauley of McCauley Olive Groves from Brentwood and Jeffrey Burns, a mortgage banker from Danville.

Maloney had spent $2,409.46 with $2,000 spent on campaign materials with Prizedimages in Tracy. That left her with an Ending Cash Balance of $1,050.54.

However, she raised more funds during an event on Sept. 26th, the candidate shared.

Endorsements

So far, Maloney shows she has been endorsed by the Brentwood Police Officers’ Association, District 3 Councilman Tony Oerlemans and several local business owners. Officer Aaron Peachman, BPOA President, stated, “Faye Maloney has extensive experience in public safety, and we look forward to working with her to improve the safety of Brentwood and shape Brentwood’s future.”

Peachman explained, “Faye Maloney has dedicated herself to public service and public safety and has long had an interest in bringing that experience home to the City of Brentwood. The Brentwood Police Officers’ Association believes that Faye Maloney brings a strong background of leadership, community engagement, and public service which make her an ideal candidate to step into the District 1 city council seat.”

Faye Maloney and her husband at an event in 2023. Photo: Maloney for Brentwood City Council campaign

Personal Life & Education

Maloney is “married and a proud stepmom to three kids.” She studied Criminal Justice at Sacramento City College and graduated from Kaplan University while working full-time as a 911 dispatcher. Maloney is currently earning a Master’s degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership and will be graduating in early 2025.

She “has simple goals: represent the people of District 1 using clear data, ensure an open-door policy for resident constituents and implement solutions to local problems.” On her campaign website’s Get Involved page, Maloney offers residents a survey to let her know their top priorities for the community.

To contact her campaign email vote@fayeforbrentwood.com or call (925) 392-1915.

Maloney faces current Brentwood Planning Commission Chair Anita Roberts. The election is November 5th.

In Memoriam: East, West County restaurateur Christopher Nazir passes at 51

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Christopher Nazir

June 20, 1973-September 25, 2024

Christopher Nazir, aged 51, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loved ones on September 25, 2024, in Brentwood, California. Christopher remained strong in his faith and optimism throughout his three years of undergoing extensive chemotherapy.

Born on June 20, 1973, in Karachi, Pakistan, Christopher was a beacon of positivity and selflessness, widely recognized as a pillar of his community. A successful entrepreneur, Christopher owned and operated three thriving restaurants; Mehran Restaurant in Pittsburg, Bawarchi’s Restaurant and Bar in Antioch and Zaiqa in Hercules.

His charisma and unwavering work ethic were instrumental in his professional success, earning him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and customers alike. Christopher’s passion to live life extended beyond his professional endeavors. He was a sports fan, particularly of the San Francisco 49ers and Golden State Warriors. He enjoyed going for drives with his family and traveling the world. Known for his culinary skills, he loved cooking and often hosted parties that brought together his extensive circle of family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife, Anita Nazir; his sons, Nathan, Ryan and Brandon Nazir; his mother, Irshad Nazir; his father, Nazir Masih; his four siblings; Christina Shakeel, Matthew Nazir, Edith Albert, and Sabrina Cullup; and his Father in-law, William Kashu. Christopher’s legacy of kindness, generosity, and dedication to his family and community will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Senate District 3 Candidate Forum sponsored by League of Women Voters Oct. 3

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In Woodland but can be viewed live via YouTube 

District includes Contra Costa County cities of Oakley and Brentwood, and communities of Discovery Bay, Bethel Island, Byron and Knightsen

The League of Women Voters of Woodland and League of Women Voters Davis Area will be sponsoring a forum on October 3 for the candidates for California State Senate, District 3 in advance of the November 5 presidential election.

Senate District 3 includes portions of Contra Costa County that include the cities of Oakley and Brentwood, and the communities of Discovery Bay, Bethel Island, Byron and Knightsen.

The forum will be held on Thursday, Oct. 3, at the Woodland Community Center, 2001 East Street, Woodland, CA 95776.  It will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Residents in Contra Costa County are invited to attend the forum in person or watch the livestream on the Woodland TV YouTube page at https://youtube.com/live/PnRXRZkPJM0. The recording of the event will be available at the same link through election day on November 5. The link to the video and recording will also be available on the League of Women Voters of Woodland website at https://my.lwv.org/california/woodland. The video of the forum will also be available on Contra Costa Television.

Questions for the candidates will be prepared by League representatives and written questions will be accepted from the audience, but no voice questions or statements will be taken. No campaign literature or paraphernalia such as signs, T-shirts, hats, buttons, etc. will be allowed inside the meeting room.

The two candidates for State Senate, District 3 are Thom Bogue and Christopher Cabaldon.

  • Thom Bogue owns an automative repair shop in Dixon, where he lives. He has served on the Dixon City Council and as the Dixon City Mayor. Through these roles he provides assistance to young individuals struggling with drug addiction, as well as individuals facing financial challenges.
  • Christopher Cabaldon has degrees in Environmental Economics from UC Berkeley and Public Policy and Administration from CSU Sacramento. He was West Sacramento’s longest-serving mayor, chaired the Yolo County Health Commission and was appointed to serve as California’s representative on the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education. He currently serves as the Hazel Cramer Endowed Chair and Professor of Public Policy and Administration for CSU Sacramento.

For more information con: Lorna Carriveau (530) 867-1395

The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan, grassroots, national organization, dedicated to local voter education and empowering citizens to shape better communities for more than 100 years. The views of the candidates do not necessarily reflect the views of the League of Women Voters.

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

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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

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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.