A recall effort is underway in Vallejo after an explosive report uncovered a history of domestic violence convictions against city council member and mayoral candidate Hakeem Brown.
About 75 people gathered Sunday in front of Vallejo City Hall, holding signs saying "Believe women" and "Tell someone, say something." It was held with the backdrop of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, however, mayoral candidate Brown was at the forefront of the anger.
Protesters rally in front of Vallejo City Hall to recall city council member and mayoral candidate Hakeem Brown on October 18, 2020.Matt Boone/KCBS Radio
"This isn’t new to Vallejo," attorney Melissa Nold said. "We’re just finding out about it. We’re finding out about it now because the person who is the subject and brought us here today, Hakeem Brown, hid it from us."
Nold is referring to a new report from Open Vallejo, which uncovered court documents showing Brown had three prior convictions related to domestic violence. The family of Chana Brown, one of his former wives, had a statement read on her behalf at the event.
"Chana was a bright shining light, a big ball of energy before she met Hakeem Brown," the statement said. "After years of abuse bordering on torture multiple times a week, she was left as a shell. A deputy described her as having the demeanor of an abused dog."
Outrage from the report has now turned into a recall campaign.
"I encourage Hakeem Brown to step down as a City Council member and withdraw from the mayoral race," said Louis Michael, a candidate for Vallejo City Council in District 3. "I don’t believe he’s ready to lead our city in the current position he’s in."
So far, Brown has not indicated that he will drop out or leave his seat.
In a statement to KCBS Radio, Brown said: "I deeply regret the pain I have caused and hold myself fully accountable for my actions. I have paid my debt to society and will continue to strive to make amends for the past and be the leader and the man that the citizens of Vallejo deserve. I am fully prepared to accept the ultimate will and judgement of the voters that I serve."
