Plans to revitalize into “dynamic lifestyle center”; destination will soon welcome new outdoor spaces and first-to-market retailers
By Darin Gale, Brentwood Assistant City Manager
BRENTWOOD, CA – The Streets of Brentwood, located at the intersection of Highway 4 and Sand Creek Road, has transitioned to new ownership. CenterCal Properties, LLC, a prominent developer known for its vibrant retail and entertainment destinations, is now the owner of the center. CenterCal also owns and operates notable properties such as The Veranda in Concord and Bay Street in Emeryville, along with several other lifestyle centers across the western United States.
CenterCal plans to revitalize The Streets of Brentwood, transforming it into a dynamic lifestyle center where visitors can shop, dine, and enjoy entertainment in a welcoming, clean, and vibrant atmosphere. “The Streets of Brentwood will continue to provide safe, healthy, and enjoyable experiences for the more than 400,000 residents of the Delta Region. The City of Brentwood is thrilled to welcome CenterCal to our community and looks forward to partnering on this exciting new chapter for the Streets of Brentwood,” said Tim Ogden, City Manager.
CenterCal Properties is focused on creating thoughtful projects that will ensure a lasting benefit to the communities they serve. Their primary goal is to design gathering places that will strengthen the social fabric of the surrounding neighborhoods, ultimately creating prosperity, happiness and a stronger sense of community.
CenterCal honors the customer by providing the best experience possible, through design, fine restaurants and retailers, and amenities that enhance the surrounding neighborhoods. CenterCal partners with the communities in which they locate, offering visitors many activities, entertainment and events in an atmospheres, which are inviting and fun for years to come.
UPDATE: Later, CenterCal shared offered additional information about their new ownership of the center.
CenterCal Properties, a premier full-service commercial real estate company serving the western U.S., and Heitman, a global real estate investment management firm, today announced the joint acquisition of The Streets of Brentwood shopping center. The transaction underscores both companies’ commitment to enhancing community-oriented shopping centers and fostering vibrant guest experiences as they continue to expand in key markets across the western United States.
The Streets of Brentwood, a top-tier shopping destination located in Brentwood, Calif., features a dynamic and convenient mix of retail, dining, and entertainment. CenterCal Properties and Heitman plan to collectively reimagine and enhance the center’s offerings that make it a premier lifestyle destination, further solidifying its status as a cornerstone of the community. While a range of entertainment and shopping experiences are currently available, exciting additions are on the horizon, including a new community gathering space for hosting seasonal events and more renowned lifestyle brands and restaurants.
“The Streets of Brentwood is an important addition to our portfolio of premier, mixed-use properties,” said Jean Paul Wardy, CEO of CenterCal Properties. “We are committed to creating spaces that not only serve as shopping destinations but as community hubs where people can gather, relax, and enjoy a variety of experiences. We look forward to working closely with our retail partners and the Brentwood community to continue to elevate this vibrant center.”
Gordon Black, Portfolio Manager at Heitman adds, “Open-air lifestyle centers have demonstrated strong operating fundamentals post the COVID-19 pandemic. These fundamentals are further benefitting from minimal new supply and sustained demand from retailers, a trend we believe will continue. We believe this property has features that are critical to success, including partnership with an established regional operator and trade area demographics that are supportive of demand.”
The Streets of Brentwood serves four major California regions—Bay area, Tri-Valley, Sacramento Delta, and the Central Valley—with 358,700 square-feet of retail and mixed-use space.
About CenterCal Properties
CenterCal Properties LLC, a premier full-service commercial real estate company founded in 2004, is redefining the landscape of the western U.S. With a focus on community-building, the company creates spaces that foster connection, enjoyment, and a sense of belonging. Under the visionary leadership of Founder and CEO Jean Paul Wardy, CenterCal Properties has become synonymous with excellence and innovation, boasting a portfolio of iconic destinations across California, Idaho, Oregon, Utah and Washington. Rooted in core values that include creative persistence, high standards, resourcefulness, delivering today, and unwavering integrity, CenterCal Properties specializes in the investment, development, leasing and management of high-quality retail and mixed-use development from its headquarters in El Segundo, California. More information, including a full property portfolio, is available at www.centercal.com.
About Heitman
Heitman is a global real estate investment management firm with nearly $50 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2024. Founded in 1966 and headquartered in Chicago, Heitman has 10 offices worldwide and is an active participant in the global real estate property and capital markets. Heitman makes real estate investments through private equity, debt, and publicly traded real estate securities.
Hannah Castle of FINN Partners contributed to this report.
Read MoreFound with two AK-47s, one fully loaded, and Glock with extended magazine
By Antioch Police Department
On October 15th, at approximately 11:00 PM, the Pittsburg Police Department issued a BOLO (Be on the Lookout) for suspects involved in an armed robbery, reported to be carrying a handgun and an AK-47 rifle.
Around 1:30 AM on October 16th, Antioch PD responded to a disturbance in the parking lot of 320 W 20th Street. Officers encountered a white Chrysler 300 and observed a suspected controlled substance in the vehicle. During the investigation, two individuals were detained, and officers discovered a fully loaded AK-47 rifle and a Glock handgun with an extended magazine. Another AK-47 rifle was found in a backpack.
Pittsburg PD arrived and confirmed the suspects as those involved in the robbery and recovered the stolen necklace from the robbery. Pittsburg PD took custody of the suspects, their vehicle, and the firearms.
Thanks to outstanding police work, three dangerous weapons were taken off the streets!
Read MoreBy Allen D. Payton
According to Con Fire, “A Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) may be possible in parts of Contra Costa County from 10/17 to 10/19 to help prevent wildfires. For details and resources on how to prepare visit PG&E Outage Center – PSPS 7-Day Forecast (pge.com)
PG&E provided the following details:
10/17: PSPS Watch – Shutoffs likely
Affected Areas:
- Some parts of the following counties may be affected
- Specific addresses, maps, and shutoff details are typically available 2 days before shutoff.
Counties under Watch: Due to high winds and dry conditions, a shutoff is likely
- Alameda
- Colusa
- Contra Costa
- Glenn
- Lake
- Mendocino
- Napa
- Santa Clara
- Shasta
- Solano
- Sonoma
- Tehama
- Yolo
Get notifications for your address
Forecast
This forecast is based on weather conditions and fuel moisture content only. It does not include other criteria used to determine whether a PSPS may be necessary. This forecast only provides a broad overview for a potential PSPS event in the next 7 days. It is determined from an analysis of forecast weather, the potential for wind-related damage, and fuel moisture content in dead and live vegetation. It is not a fire danger forecast. The forecast is broken down by county. PSPS decisions are made at more granular levels. Only a portion of a county may experience a PSPS event. While a PSPS event may not be expected for an area, due to the interconnectivity of the grid any location within PG&E territory may be subject to PSPS event.
PG&E 7 Day Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) and Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) Potential: Wednesday October 16, 2024 Evening Update: The forecast remains on track for a weather system to enter the Great Basin resulting in breezy to locally gusty offshore winds tomorrow through Saturday afternoon. The PSPS 7-day forecast continues to highlight Watch status for counties that are expected to experience potential PSPS weather conditions tomorrow through Saturday. Note that entire counties will not be deenergized and this forecast is only intended to show counties that have a non-zero customer impact from a potential PSPS event. The exact areas in scope for PSPS will be available at the public outage map here, https://pgealerts.alerts.pge.com/outage-tools/outage-map/, by selecting future PSPS outages.
Previous Discussion: A weather system is beginning to push into Northern California this morning and is bringing showers to portions of the North Coast, with those showers expected to continue to develop across portions of northern California through this afternoon, mainly across the Southern Cascades and northern Sierra Nevada. Behind today’s system, dry northerly winds will develop along the western side of the Sacramento Valley tomorrow before more widespread offshore flow develops tomorrow night through midday Saturday. The strongest winds are expected in the Sierra Nevada foothills, the western Sacramento Valley, elevated Bay Area terrain and elevated terrain in portions of the Central Coast.
Winds will decrease in strength but remain offshore through Sunday, before more settled weather returns early next week. Multiple Red Flag Warnings go into effect tomorrow night across the territory as well as High Risk indications from other federal agencies. The PSPS 7 day forecast is in Watch status for counties that are expected to experience potential PSPS weather conditions Thursday through Saturday. Note that entire counties will not be deenergized and this forecast is only intended to show counties that have a non-zero customer impact from a potential PSPS event. The exact areas in scope for PSPS will be available at the public outage map here, https://pgealerts.alerts.pge.com/outage-tools/outage-map/, by selecting future PSPS outages.
Fuels: An abundant and fully cured grass crop is present at all elevations. Dead fuel moisture values are expected to remain very low due to recent hot temperatures. Live fuel moisture values have largely fallen to below normal levels over the course of this hot summer and are below critical values and near seasonal minimums.
The latest 4 Month Seasonal Outlook from Northern Operations Predictive Services is forecasting normal to above normal fire activity in October and normal fire activity November through January. Southern Operations Predictive Services is forecasting normal to above normal significant fire potential across the territory October through December and normal fire activity for January. There are 646 of 788 circuits in High Fire Risk Areas (HFRA) that are EPSS-enabled today, with 48 of these circuits having at least one EPSS Buffer device enabled. The remaining 142 circuits in HFRA will have devices postured in normal settings due to seasonable temperatures.
Additionally, zero EPSS Buffer-only circuits are enabled today. Please note: This forecast is published daily by an operational meteorologist from PG&E’s Meteorology and Analytics team. This forecast has been customized for PG&E utility operations and should not be used for any other purpose or by any other entity.
This forecast only provides a broad overview for a potential Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event in the next 7 days as determined from an analysis of forecasted weather, the potential for wind-related damage, and fuel moisture content in dead and live vegetation. It is not a fire danger forecast. The forecast is broken down by county; however, PSPS decisions are made at more granular levels; thus, only a portion of a county may experience a PSPS event.
While a PSPS event may not be expected for an area, due to the interconnectivity of the grid any location within PG&E territory may be subject to PSPS event. Daily PG&E operational decisions should be based on the PG&E Utility Fire Potential Index (FPI), which presents detailed FPI rating forecasts from R1 to R5-Plus for each FPI Rating Area in the PG&E territory today (Day 0) through Day 2. To subscribe to the PG&E Utility FPI, click here
PLEASE NOTE: This forecast is published daily by an operational meteorologist from PG&E’s Meteorology and Analytics team. This forecast has been customized for PG&E utility operations. It should not be used for any other purpose or by any other entity.
Read MoreAs mail-in ballots have now arrived at voters’ homes, I felt it was important to voice why I strongly support Fernando Sandoval for re-election as Board Trustee for the Contra Costa Community College District, Ward 5.
His area of the district includes the communities of Pittsburg, Antioch, Bay Point, Oakley, Discovery Bay, Byron, Clyde and Clayton and Brentwood where I lived for 43 years. I am also a professor of World Languages at Los Medanos College where I have been teaching for nearly 40 years which is the primary campus in Trustee Sandoval’s district along with the Brentwood campus. I personally know the challenges students face in striving to reach their educational goals, as well as the opportunities an education provides in advancing their futures.
I first met Fernando Sandoval in 2016 in the East County community. I was impressed with his commitment to cultural awareness, student success, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. I also appreciated his understanding of how the college campus, students’ families and the community at large need to work together to ensure that students achieve their goals.
In past years, the district has dealt with budgetary challenges, faculty contract disputes, district leadership turnover and the decrease in student enrollment numbers, to name a few. When Trustee Sandoval was elected in 2020, he brought a high level of visionary leadership, positive collaboration, commitment, integrity and a strong work ethic needed to help guide the District in a proactive pathway.
Fernando also brought over 25 years of professional expertise in the banking, finance and technology industries to cooperatively address the budget deficit issues facing the District, including with members of the Board of Trustees. Through most of his four-year tenure, his financial knowledge and leadership have been extremely valuable in helping to guide budgetary and policy decisions, particularly during the unprecedented impact of Covid-19.
Trustee Sandoval has been open to listening to faculty leadership and classified staff in understanding our key priorities so a supportive learning environment can be created for students. But just as importantly, he has been accessible to students to listen to their concerns and suggestions for improving issues and engaging students in the Board’s policy-making process. I have met many civic leaders and community residents who have said how refreshing it is to have a college board leader who is so visible and engaged in meeting and listening to their thoughts at neighborhood meetings and community events.
His commitment to ensuring the college district and the community is reflective in his solution- based decision-making and is why he was honored for his public service with the 2020 Cesar Chavez Award for Exemplary Community Service presented by Los Medanos College.
Trustee Fernando Sandoval “walks his talk!” He is totally committed to a “student for success” approach! These past four years he has shown to be a leader we can respect and count on! He brings strong leadership with an innovative vision for solutions for the students and residents of Contra Costa County.
I encourage my fellow voters to re-elect Fernando Sandoval as Board Trustee of the Contra Costa Community College District on November 5th!
Faculty, Los Medanos College
Resident, Brentwood
Read MoreBy Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
Martinez, California – The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office secured a conviction against a 36-year-old Hayward man for hate crime and robbery offenses that took place on January 6, 2024, during an Israel-Gaza protest in El Cerrito.
Christopher Khamis Victor Husary pleaded guilty to one count of robbery [PC 211] and a hate crime enhancement [PC 422.75] for his actions during a demonstration related to the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza’s Palestinian territory. During the protest and counter-protest, Husary used force and intimidation to unlawfully take a national flag of Israel from a woman (Jane Doe) and proceeded to burn it. (See related articles here and here)
Senior Deputy District Attorney Aron DeFerrari prosecuted the case and On October 9th, The Honorable Judge Charles Burch sentenced Husary to 364 days in County jail and two years of probation. His sentence is set to begin on January 2, 2025.
After Husary left the courthouse in Martinez, New York City police officers were waiting to arrest him for allegedly harassing a Jewish subway passenger on June 10th while out on bail for the El Cerrito case.
District Attorney Diana Becton emphasized: “Everyone has the right to express their beliefs under the First Amendment and we deeply appreciate those who bravely stood up for their rights despite attempts by the defendant to silence them. As I said when this case was filed earlier this year, the First Amendment does not protect people who threaten others, cause injury, engage in intimidation, or damage property. And when harmful actions are motivated by bias against a person’s race, gender, religion, or national origin, it constitutes a hate crime.
Case No. 02-24-00279 | The People of the State of California v. Husary, Christopher
Read MoreMy Promise to You
I love America. I believe that if we do not change this course that we are on, we could very well lose her and all that we hold dear. We have each been given a legacy, an inheritance, and aside from that gift of America, our most precious treasure is our children and grandchildren. Our inheritance to our children should not be a concern for a monetary enrichment, but one for a gift called FREEDOM. We are in a battle for that Freedom. As a mother of four and a grandmother of five, they are worth fighting for. So, I stand before you today.
This is our chance Fellow Americans to restore what has been taken from us. Come rise and join with me as a Stateswoman, not a politician. I stand outside of the establishment, but I stand inside the very heart of all our issues and I will stand for you. My voice will be one of TRUTH and FREEDOM and I will strongly support closed borders, our police, veterans, farmers.
I will fight for traditional education and our personal, financial, national and border security.
I will vote for laws that protect our children from groomers, predators and biological males in girls’ sports. We will covet their precious minds and innocence. Our taxpayer money belongs solely to us and not to any foreign countries.
My “Yes” will be “Yes” and my “No” will be an unwavering “No”. I pledge to Putting the People First.
God Bless America.
Katherine Piccinini
Congress District 10
Read MoreBy CHP Media Relations
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is launching Get Educated and Ride Safe VII (GEARS VII), a yearlong program that focuses on education and enforcement strategies to reduce motorcycle-related crashes and fatalities. The CHP received a $700,000 federal grant to fund the program.
Provisional data from the federal fiscal year 2022-23 highlights the urgent need for such measures, with more than 7,000 motorcycle-involved crashes, resulting in 336 fatalities and more than 6,300 injuries within CHP jurisdiction.
“This grant will significantly enhance the CHP’s motorcycle safety and awareness programs by allowing us to continue educating both motorcyclists and drivers on safe practices,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “It’s a vital reminder that whether you’re driving a car or riding a motorcycle, everyone shares the responsibility for keeping our roads safe.”
Throughout the grant period, CHP is ramping up motorcycle safety activities in regions with high crash rates and will participate in statewide and national traffic safety public awareness campaigns, including “National Motorcycle Ride Day” which was held on Saturday, October 12, 2024. These efforts will promote the use of U.S. Department of Transportation-compliant helmets and emphasize the importance of sharing the road with motorcyclists. Additionally, the CHP will increase enforcement in areas with motorcycle-involved crashes caused by speed, improper turns, and driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
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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.
Read MoreRichmond man with history of arrests charged with rape, kidnapping, sexual battery of elderly female
Arrested multiple times since 2017 for indecent exposure, soliciting lewd acts, more; will be arraigned Monday
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa County DA’s Office
Martinez, California – The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed a three-count felony complaint against a Richmond man on offenses related to rape, kidnapping and sexual battery. 30-year-old Eduardo Moreno (born 5/22/94) was placed into custody at the Martinez Detention Facility after Richmond Police Officers arrested him on October 9th.
Moreno attacked an elderly female victim at a bus stop on San Pablo Avenue and Barrett Avenue around 5:50 am on October 5th. At the time, Moreno was reportedly engaged in a lewd act upon himself at the bus stop area when the victim saw him and asked him to stop. Moreno, angered, grabbed the victim and forcibly dragged her into a nearby alley where he raped her and fled. During their investigation, police officers were able to obtain evidence of the incident, which aided in Moreno’s eventual arrest.
“We are grateful the investigative work of Richmond Police led to the arrest of the suspect in a relatively swift manner, said District Attorney Diana Becton. “We will work diligently in seeking justice and accountability through the courts in the ongoing public safety work we do for our county’s residents.”
Moreno will be arraigned on Monday at 1:30 pm in Martinez on the following charges:
PC 261(a)(2) – Forcible rape with an enhancement [PC 667.61(a) and (d)]
PC 209(b)(1) – Kidnapping to commit another crime
PC 243.4(a) – Sexual battery by restraint
According to localcrimenews.com, Moreno has a history of arrests dating back to March 12, 2017, by multiple agencies including Richmond, Union City and Fremont PD’s and Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies for crimes including weapons violations, DUI, and five times for indecent exposure and four times for soliciting a lewd act, including once in 2023 and child endangerment. His most recent arrest was last month on an outstanding warrant.
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Moreno is 5-feet, 10-inches tall, weighs 175 lbs. and as of Saturday, October 12th, is being held in the West County Detention Facility on no bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 28 at 8:30 AM. in Superior Court Dept. 05.
Case No. | 02-24-01381 The People of the State of California v. Moreno, Eduardo
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreFree 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).
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