Contra Costa Herald

Whole You, Powered by Spring Health, extends personalized mental health care to more than 245,000 California state employees across 153 departments

By Kristina Piersanti, 5W PR for Spring Health

SACRAMENTO, Calif., — California’s firefighters, police officers, parks departments, correctional staff and many others spend their careers keeping communities safe and helping people through their worst days. Nationally, first responders develop PTSD at up to ten times the rate of the general population, according to a 2025 meta-analysis published in Clinical Psychology Review^[1]. It’s a toll that builds quietly over the routine weight of emergency response and is compounded during high-intensity stretches like fire season.

The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) is now providing the state’s employees and their families access to Whole You, Powered by Spring Health, CalHR’s new Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential, personalized support for care, crisis needs, work-life challenges, and everyday wellbeing. A lifelong mental health platform, Spring Health will deliver mental health care to more than 245,000 California state employees across 153 departments, and their eligible family members.

First responders receive the most extensive tier of care under the new program, delivered by trauma-informed providers with direct experience in first responder roles. Support staff within CalFire, the California Highway Patrol and the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation also receive an elevated level of support, reflecting the higher-stress nature of their roles. The State’s 153,000 administrative or desk-based staff will also receive support under the new program.

CalHR was drawn to Spring Health’s proven outcomes, not just improved access. According to research published in OJPHI and JAMA Network Open, 92% of members reliably improve or recover from depression or anxiety, and members recover 5.9 weeks faster than the leading competitor, with appointments available in less than two days on average, compared to a 48-day average with traditional EAPs.

“First responders put themselves in harm’s way over and over again to protect the communities they serve. That takes a toll not just on them, but on their families too,” said George Michaels, Chief Revenue Officer at Spring Health. “Partnering with CalHR to support more than 245,000 state employees is exactly the kind of large-scale, public-sector commitment we built Spring Health to deliver on, and we’re honored to help deliver the mental health support they and their families deserve.”

“When people go to work, they shouldn’t have to leave their hearts at home,” said Shannon MacGregor, Statewide Employee Assistance Program Manager at the California Department of Human Resources. “Our first responders carry things most of us never have to. Whole You is our commitment that when they need support, it’s there — fast, confidential and built around what they’ve actually experienced.”

Whole You, Powered by Spring Health, is available now to California state employees and their eligible dependents through their department’s benefits resources. For more information on Spring Health’s lifelong mental health platform, visit our webpage.

About Spring Health

Spring Health is a global mental health company built on one AI-native platform so care follows individuals across every job, move, health plan, and life stage. Independently validated by JAMA Network Open and the Validation Institute, with 92% of members reliably improved or recovered from depression or anxiety and employers seeing a 52% reduction in total mental health claims costs, Spring Health provides personalized lifelong mental health support across self-guided tools, coaching, therapy, medication management, and specialty care. More than 170 million people worldwide have access to Spring Health, which is trusted by leading employers, health plans, and channel partners, including Highmark, Target, The Coca-Cola Company, BlackRock, Microsoft, Pfizer, and Wawa.

^[1] Arena, A.F., Gregory, M., Collins, D.A.J., Vilus, B., Bryant, R., Harvey, S.B., & Deady, M. (2025). Global PTSD prevalence among active first responders and trends over recent years: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 120, 102622.

All-gender restroom in California’s State Capitol building. Video screenshot source: CA Family Council

“The law requires that every school campus have at least one all-gender restroom option available to students.”

By Greg Burt, California Family Council

SACRAMENTO, CA — California is quietly moving toward mixed-sex bathrooms in K-12 public schools, and the state’s own Department of Education is leading the way.

A new law California Family Council opposed, SB 760, now requires schools to provide at least one “all-gender” restroom option on campus.

Passed in September 2023, the bill was cosponsored by then-State Senator Steve Glazer (D-Orinda). He, then-State Senator Nancy Skinner, now-State Sen. Tim Grayson and Assemblymembers Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, Buffy Wicks and Lori Wilson who represent Contra Costa County, voted for the bill.

The stated goal was to make transgender-identified students feel safer from bullying. But in the rush to accommodate those students’ feelings, lawmakers apparently gave little thought to a different safety question: what happens when boys are given access to girls’ bathrooms and locker rooms?

The State Is Already Building the Roadmap

The California Department of Education has an entire webpage dedicated to “All Access Restrooms,” describing it as a resource offering background information, planning and design resources, laws and regulations, and references for implementing “gender-inclusive” restrooms in K-12 schools.

The background information on that page acknowledges that “the designs of all-access restrooms have been trending in schools throughout the state, the country, and the world,” while noting there are currently no California design standards for these facilities. In other words, the trend is already underway, and the standards are still catching up.

The planning section of the CDE page is even more candid about the scope of what is being proposed. It describes “shifting from multi-user gendered restrooms and single-user all-gender restrooms to offering blocks of restroom facilities for all students;” meaning the goal is not just a single converted nurse’s bathroom tucked in a hallway. The ambition is to redesign entire blocks of school restroom facilities so that boys and girls share the same space.

What Would It Look Like?

The new all-gender bathroom designs typically eliminate urinals entirely, replacing them with individual private stalls accessible to everyone. The CDE’s resources page recommends an academic article published in the Education Sciences Journal titled “Expanding the Scope of Universal Design: Implications for Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation,” by Ellyn Couillard and Jeanne L. Higbee (2018), as a guide for implementation. That an academic paper on gender identity ideology is among the state’s recommended planning resources tells you something about the ideological framework driving these design decisions.

But keep in mind, SB 760 doesn’t require a complete redesign of a single-sex bathroom for it to become all-gender.

You Already Saw It at the State Capitol

If you want to get a glimpse of what legislators have in mind when they convert a single sex bathroom into an all gender bathroom, take a look at one of the converted male bathrooms at the state capitol, used by legislative staffers, adult visitors, and elementary school children visiting on field trips. California Family Council Vice President Greg Burt recently took a video of the empty bathroom located to one side of the Capitol Dome. “I’m pretty sure most parents would object to their young children sharing a bathroom while men are using the urinals,” Burt said. “Even without the adult issue, I’ve witnessed the chaos that occurs when young boys are pouring into the same bathrooms as the girls while visiting the Capitol. The girls are not happy about it.” (Watch video tour of Capitol bathroom https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okTcKcP3ACQ)

So, what should parents expect when multi-stall bathrooms are converted to all gender at their child’s school?

What the Law Actually Requires — And What It Doesn’t

It is important to be clear about what SB 760 does and does not mandate. The law requires that every school campus have at least one all-gender restroom option available to students. It could be single-stall or multi-stall. It must be supplied with menstrual products starting in 3rd grade, and it must be unlocked and easily accessible. But there are no requirements that urinals be removed or that additional privacy measures be added to stalls.

Sex-separated restrooms are still permitted, and most schools will continue to have them.

Burt explained what this means in practice for families. “How each school fulfills this new requirement is entirely up to the local school board. A conservative district might simply relabel a single-occupancy nurse’s bathroom and call it done. A progressive district could use this law as a green light to convert entire multi-stall restroom facilities to mixed-sex use. Parents need to find out right now what their district is planning,” he said.

The CDE’s planning resources make clear that the broader vision goes well beyond a single-stall accommodation in the corner of the building. It points toward a wholesale redesign of school bathroom facilities, one that treats sex-separated restrooms as a problem to be solved rather than a common-sense protection for children.

The Question Nobody in Sacramento Answered

SB 760’s supporters argued the law was needed to protect transgender-identified students from harassment, but the legislature never seriously asked the parallel question: does giving boys access to girls’ bathrooms and locker rooms create new opportunities for harassment and assault of girls?

California has seen case after case in recent years where policies designed to accommodate gender identity have created unsafe situations for female students. The discomfort of girls sharing intimate spaces with biological males is not a lesser concern. Lawmakers who refused to weigh it have not protected children. They have simply chosen which children’s safety matters.

Parents: Now Is the Time to Speak Up

Because each school board will decide how to implement SB 760 on its own campuses, parents have a real opportunity to influence what happens at their child’s school, but that window will not stay open indefinitely. Decisions about restroom redesigns and facility changes get made early in the budget and planning process, often before most parents are even aware the conversation is happening.

If you want a say in how your district handles this new requirement, call your school board member and school administrators now. Ask them directly: how does our district plan to fulfill the SB 760 all-gender restroom requirement? Will existing sex-separated restrooms be preserved? Will multi-stall facilities be converted? Every parent deserves to know the answers.

Here is one of the committee hearings from 2023, when SB 760 was discussed, and CFC provided opposition testimony. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bwk7J82Prn8&t=1s

About California Family Council

California Family Council works to advance God’s design for life, family, and liberty through California’s Church, Capitol, and Culture. By advocating for policies that reinforce the sanctity of life, the strength of traditional marriages, and the essential freedoms of religion, CFC is dedicated to preserving California’s moral and social foundation.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Laura Cassell, Assessment Appeals Board Secretary

(Martinez, CA) — Are you an experienced real estate, appraisal, accounting, or legal professional looking for a meaningful way to give back? The Contra Costa County Assessment Appeals Board is seeking qualified individuals to serve as board members and help ensure property tax assessments are fair, accurate, and impartial.

As a board member, you’ll hear and decide property tax assessment appeals, playing an important role in protecting the integrity of the County’s property tax system while serving the community.

Board Member Compensation

Board members receive:

• $200 for a half-day meeting
• $300 for a full-day meeting
• $400 for each additional consecutive meeting day
• Mileage reimbursement

Meeting Schedule

Meetings are typically held Thursdays at 9:00 a.m., except the first Thursday of each month. The Board recesses during May and June while the Assessor closes the assessment roll. Because many appeals are resolved through negotiations or withdrawals before a hearing, some scheduled meetings may be canceled.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants do not need to live in Contra Costa County or represent the district in which they reside.
Qualified candidates must have at least five years of professional experience in California in one of the following fields:

• Certified Public Accountant or Public Accountant
• Licensed Real Estate Broker
• Attorney
• Property Appraiser accredited by a nationally recognized professional organization
• Property Appraiser certified by the California Office of Real Estate Appraisers or the State Board of Equalization

Applicants must submit documentation verifying their qualifying experience with their application to the Clerk of the Board. Individuals who have worked in a county assessor’s office within the past three years are not eligible to serve.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you’re committed to public service and bringing your professional expertise to an important community role, we encourage you to apply. Interested individuals may apply online application link, request an application by emailing the Clerk of the Board at clerkoftheboard@cob.cccoounty.us, or visit the Clerk of the Board office at:

County Administration Building, 1025 Escobar Street, 1st Floor Martinez.

For more information about the application process, call the Clerk of the Board at (925) 655-2000. Additional information is available through the California State Board of Equalization.

For more information about the Appeals Board visit Assessment Appeals | Contra Costa County, CA Official Website.

Over $3.5 million in improvements completed

By Allen D. Payton

The City of Pittsburg invites the community to celebrate the grand reopening of Central Harbor Park with a family-friendly kickoff party on Sunday, July 26, 2026, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Central Harbor Park officially reopened to the public on July 1, 2026. The improvements include:

• New docks and berths — Increasing marina capacity and access.
• Expanded restrooms, parking and green space — Creating a more welcoming experience for visitors and families.
• Shoreline stabilization and ADA pathways — Enhancing resilience and accessibility for all.
• Modernized event facilities — Encouraging year-round gatherings and civic pride.

With over $3.5 million in Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy funding, and after years of planning and construction, Pittsburg’s premier waterfront event space is ready for fishing, sunset walks, gatherings and everyday enjoyment of the Delta.

The improvements were made possible with funding support from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy, a California state agency whose grant funding helped bring this park to life, and the City of Pittsburg’s Waterfront Fund. The City’s Waterfront Fund is funded by lease revenues generated by users of Pittsburg’s granted submerged tidelands.  This is a reinvestment of locally generated non-tax dollars from the private sector, and so far, has totaled over $500,000.

Video screenshots source: City of Pittsburg

Guests will enjoy an evening of community activities along Pittsburg’s beautiful waterfront, including a s’mores experience, fishing demonstration, Public Safety Meet & Greet, DJ, refreshments and a preview of the park’s new event space.

The celebration provides residents and visitors with an opportunity to explore the reopened park, connect with neighbors and local public safety personnel, and learn more about the recreational and event amenities available at Central Harbor Park.

WHAT: Central Harbor Park Grand Reopening and Kickoff Party

WHEN: Sunday, July 26, 2026, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

WHERE: Central Harbor Park, Cutter Avenue off Marina Blvd., Downtown Pittsburg

• S’mores bar – enjoy classic treats with a waterfront view.
• Fishing demonstration – learn from local experts.
• Preview of the new event space – see the upgraded facilities and seating areas.
• Public Safety Meet & Greet – meet local law enforcement and emergency services.
• Live DJ – for a festive evening atmosphere.
• Refreshments – provided throughout the event.

The event is free and open to the public. Families and community members of all ages are encouraged to attend.

Photos: City of Pittsburg

Boat Launch and Fish Cleaning Station Now Open

The public launch ramps are open and the City is happy to bring with it new restrooms and a fish cleaning station, now open daily from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Whether you’re heading out early for a day on the water or wrapping up your evening catch, these launch ramp amenities are available to support your experience.

The Pittsburg Marina harbor and fuel dock is closed on Sundays. For questions contact the Marina Office at (925) 439-4958 or email marina@pittsburgca.gov.

Background

In 2021 and 2022, City staff conducted outreach to local residents, users of the boat launch, and City waterfront event-goers to determine the community’s priorities for the Central Harbor Park and boat launch area.  These facilities, while aged, are well loved and full of recreators every weekend and often throughout the week.  Via online and in-person surveys, a town hall style community meeting at the park, and many interviews at the facility, staff gathered community input resulting in three major observations:

1) The community values and enjoys the Delta access provided by Central Harbor Park and the boat launch facility. Other than youth-centered park features, the park and launch facilities provide ample opportunity to enjoy the Delta and outdoors.

2) Members of the community often feel unsafe in the project area which impacts their visit frequency.

3) Public infrastructure in the project area is old and worn down, discouraging use and dissuading people from bringing family and friends to enjoy the facilities.

On August 19, 2024, the Pittsburg City Council awarded the construction contract for the project to NTK Construction, and construction began in the fall of 2024 following the groundbreaking on Nov. 15th that year.

For more information about the Pittsburg Marina visit www.pittsburgmarina.com.

Toni Baldazo, City of Pittsburg Community Engagement Officer contributed to this report.

Source: Lafayette PD

4 for hit-and-run, 1 for DUI out of 2,737 calls for service; see lists of details

By Allen D. Payton

According to the May and June Statistics for 2026, the Lafayette Police Department took 2,737 calls for service, wrote 133 reports, issued 226 traffic citations and made 10 arrests in May and 20 arrests in June, including four for hit-and-run with only property damage and one for DUI.

Map of crimes between May 1 through June 30, 2026. Does not include the following categories: All Other – Non-Criminal and Traffic Incident. Source: Lafayette PD communitycrimemap.com

Crimes in Lafayette May 1-31, 2026. Source: Lafayette PD communitycrimemap.com

Crimes in Lafayette June 1-30, 2026. Source: Lafayette PD communitycrimemap.com

The Lafayette Police Department encourages residents to stay informed about their community. Visit the Lafayette Community Crime Map for additional incidents and to create custom reports: https://communitycrimemap.com.

Suspect Camari Coleman in photos from his Facebook page posted April 29, 2025, and Dec. 21, 2025. Source: Facebook

23-year-old held on $1.1 million bail

By Antioch Police Department

The Antioch Police Department has arrested a suspect in connection with the death of 77-year-old Paul Lawson following an assault that occurred in June.

On Tuesday, July 21, 2026, members of the Antioch Police Department Investigations Bureau arrested 23-year-old Camari Coleman in the City of Brentwood. Coleman, of Brentwood, (born 9/25/2002) was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility after the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed charges of Penal Code section 187(a) – Murder and Penal Code section 368(b)(1) – Elder Abuse Resulting in Death.

The charges stem from an incident on June 9, 2026, when Antioch Police officers responded to a reported battery at an outdoor phone vendor stand outside the Contra Costa County Employment and Human Services building at 4545 Delta Fair Boulevard. Investigators determined that Mr. Lawson became involved in a verbal and physical fight with employees at the vendor stand. During the incident, Lawson fell and reported that he was unable to move. Witness statements regarding the circumstances of the fall vary, with some indicating he stumbled over a chair and others reporting he may have been pushed during the fight. He was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment. (See related article)

On the morning of June 13, 2026, Mr. Lawson died while receiving care at the hospital.

The Antioch Police Department Investigations Bureau conducted the investigation that led to Coleman’s identification as the suspect. The case was submitted to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office on July 16, 2026, and an arrest warrant was subsequently issued.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the six-foot, two-inch tall, 183-pound Coleman is Black and being held on $1.1 million bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for tomorrow, July 22nd in Martinez Superior Court Dept. 5 at 1:30 p.m.

The investigation remains active. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Duff at rduff@antiochca.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Still shot images from Brentwood Officer Tanner Kephart’s dash camera video depicting Romaine Morgan turning towards officers with his firearm and lifts it to an approximate 45-degree angle (top) after forcefully returning to his vehicle (bottom). Source: CCDA

Describes incident in which 6’3”, 320-pound Romaine Alexander Morgan overpowers three officers to grab his AR-style firearm

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office

Martinez, California – A report by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office on the officer-involved shooting death of Romaine Alexender Morgan in Brentwood on Dec. 24, 2025, is now available to the public.

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office is one of a handful of counties in the State of California that publishes public reports on law enforcement-involved fatal incidents. “Being transparent with the public is a cornerstone of my administration,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “Since 2018, our office has made these reports available to the public, in the hope that transparency brings understanding. It is important for the public to know the significant investigative effort involved in reviewing these incidents, and how our office carefully analyzes the facts through a legal lens when reaching a charging decision.”

As the report details, the incident involving Romaine Morgan of Stockton, begins around 10:54 pm on December 24th, 2025. That’s when Brentwood Police Officer Tanner Kephart notices Morgan’s vehicle in front of him traveling well below the 45-mph speed limit on Deer Valley Road weaving “back and forth…and swerve erratically to the right.” Officer Kephart initiates “a traffic stop under the suspicion of driving under the influence” on Balfour Road. Shortly after, officers Chelsea Valadez and Kimberly Beltran arrive at the traffic stop to assist him.

Morgan was detained, and while searching his vehicle, “Officer Beltran removed a jacket from the front passenger floorboard and located an AR-style firearm”—later determined to be unserialized.

The rifle Morgan possessed prior to the shooting. Photo: Brentwood PD

The discovery of the firearm leads to Kephart ordering Morgan to place his hands behind his back, but instead Morgan pushes Valadez, and flees east on Balfour Road, only to stop, change directions, and run back toward the driver’s side of his vehicle to the loaded firearm. A scuffle ensues with officers attempting to grab him. Morgan continues punching and pushing the officers out of the way. Valadez deploys a taser at Morgan, who was 6’3”, 320-pounds, but it is ineffective.

Reaching his vehicle, Morgan finds his firearm, grabs it by the pistol grip, turns towards the officers, and lifts the barrel of the firearm toward them. “All three officers immediately…back away from Morgan.” Kephart retreats next to his patrol car, draws his firearm, and fires “10 times, in rapid succession” at Morgan.

Despite the administration of life-saving measures by officers and medical personnel, Morgan succumbs to his injuries and is pronounced dead by paramedics at the scene. (See related articles here and here)

Shortly after the incident, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office launches an independent investigation, as required under county protocol, to determine whether anyone involved may be criminally liable.

After a thorough investigation into the officer-involved shooting of Romaine Alexander Morgan, and in applying the law and the California District Attorney’s Uniform Crime Charging Standards to the present case, the District Attorney’s Office concluded: “Officers Kephart, Valadez, and Beltran acted in lawful self-defense/defense of others, and their use of force was reasonable under the circumstances. As such, no further action will be taken in this case.”

The 32-page report has been sent to the Brentwood Police Department and the California Department of Justice and is available to the public on the Contra Costa District Attorney’s website.

The suspect, Edward Stiverson, flees on the Delta in a stolen boat on July 3, 2026. Source: CCC Sheriff’s Office STARR 3 helicopter video screenshot.

Has history of arrests dating back to 20214 including three this year

By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

On Friday, July 3, 2026, the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office received a report about a stolen boat on Bradford Island. Sheriff’s Office helicopter STARR 3 located the vessel and directed Marine Patrol and patrol deputy sheriffs to the suspect who was walking away after stopping the boat. The suspect immediately ran back to the vessel after deputies tried to stop him. The suspect fled in the stolen boat to Bethel Island and hid under a dock house. Marine Patrol Unit deputies arrived shortly after to search for the suspect, who was eventually located and taken into custody.

He is identified as 56-year-old Edward W. Stiverson of Bethel Island (born 1/21/70). He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on the following charges: vehicle theft, receiving stolen property, obstructing a peace officer, and probation violation. He is being held without bail.

Stiverson and the Marine Patrol Unit arrive at their destination. Source: CCC Sheriff’s Office STARR 3 helicopter video screenshot.

According to localcrimenews.com, Stiverson is White and has a history of arrests by Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies and Antioch Police dating back to 2014. He was charged with crimes including murder, assault with a deadly weapon or with force likely to produce great bodily harm, inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant, false imprisonment by violence, battery on a spouse, cohabitant, or former spouse, receiving stolen property – motor vehicle, taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, and for various drug charges.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the six-foot tall, 166-pound Stiverson is Hispanic is being held in the West Re-Entry Treatment and Housing facility and his next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 30 at 8:30 a.m. in Delta Court, Pittsburg Dept. 4.

(See video. Does not contain any audio)

Danville Police Officer Greg Drolet and Deputies Stephanie Banh and Adonnis Daughenbaugh are joined by Chief Thomas Rossberg (left) and Administrative Lt. John Rock III (right) at the MADD Awards ceremony July 9, 2026. Photo: Danville PD

By Danville Police Department

Congratulations to Our MADD Award Recipients!

On Thursday, July 9, 2026, the Danville Police Department’s current and former personnel were recognized at the 2026 Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Law Enforcement and Prosecutor Recognition Awards Ceremony for their commitment to removing impaired drivers from our roadways.

We are proud to recognize Officer Greg Drolet (28 arrests), Deputy Stephanie Banh (31 arrests), and Deputy Adonnis Daughenbaugh (25 arrests), who were honored for their outstanding efforts and impact on DUI enforcement throughout 2025 during the ceremony held at the Blackhawk Museum in Danville.

Each year, MADD honors law enforcement officers for their impaired‑driving arrest achievements, as well as first responders, prosecutors, probation officers and MADD volunteers for their life‑saving contributions. Each has contributed to putting an end to drunk and drugged driving, supporting the victims of these violent crimes, and preventing underage drinking and other drug use. Every impaired driver removed from the road represents a potential life saved.

The 23152 Pin Award is given to sworn officers who make 25 or more DUI arrests in a single year. The pin’s red color symbolizes victims of impaired‑driving crashes and officers killed or injured in such collisions.

Their dedication to keeping impaired drivers off our streets helps make our community a safer place for everyone. Thank you for your commitment, professionalism, and service to the Danville community. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!

The Danville Police Department is a contract agency of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department providing law enforcement services to the Town of Danville under a formal service agreement.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Photo source: Yolanda Bustos Ramirez’s obituary.

By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff-Coroner

At the request of the Contra Costa County District Attorney on April 17, 2026, Sheriff-Coroner David Livingston held an inquest into the death of 72-year-old Yolanda Ramirez of Brentwood on July 15, 2026. This incident occurred on October 3, 2025, in Contra Costa County, while she was in the hospital following her arrest by Brentwood Police on Sept. 26, 2025. (See related articles here, here and here)

The proceedings took place at 9:00 AM at the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse at 725 Court Street, Martinez, California.

The purpose of the inquest was to present the facts of the incident to a jury for their deliberation and finding on the manner of death.

Sheriff-Coroner David O. Livingston announced on Wednesday, July 15, that a coroner’s jury reached a finding in the death of Ramirez. The finding of the jury is that the manner of death is accident.

The coroner’s jury reached the verdict in the inquest after hearing the testimony of witnesses called by Hearing Officer Laura Pagey.

A coroner’s inquest, which Sheriff-Coroner Livingston convenes in fatal incidents involving law enforcement personnel, is a public hearing during which a jury rules on the manner of a person’s death. Jury members can choose from the following four options when making their finding: Accident, Suicide, Natural Causes or At the hands of another person other than by accident.

The inquest was open to the public and members of the media were invited to attend. However, no photographs, audio recordings or videos could be taken during the proceedings.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.