Contra Costa Herald

Police issue statement a month after passing of 72-year-old Yolanda Bustos Ramirez

Family, through husband’s attorney, blames police officers, files claim against City

By Allen D. Payton

On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, the Brentwood Police Department issued the following statement on the death of 72-year-old Yolanda Bustos Ramirez, who passed on Oct. 3, 2025, following her arrest during a family dispute. She was in the hospital and not in police custody at the time of her death. But her family is blaming police for causing her death.

“On Friday, September 26, 2025, at around 11:00 a.m., Brentwood Police officers responded to a call involving a family dispute, during which Yolanda Ramirez, approximately 70 years old, was placed under a citizen’s arrest at the request of a family member. When officers arrived, Ms. Ramirez attempted to flee the scene. Officers detained Ms. Ramirez, and after being secured in a patrol vehicle, officers noticed she appeared to be having a medical issue, and they immediately contacted medical personnel. Ms. Ramirez was promptly released from police custody and transported by medical personnel to a local hospital.

“Several days later, the Police Department was notified that Ms. Ramirez was still hospitalized, her condition had worsened, and that she was not expected to survive. In accordance with Contra Costa County Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident Protocol, the Brentwood Police Department immediately notified the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, and their agency initiated an independent investigation into the incident.

“The City of Brentwood is fully cooperating with the independent investigation. Body-worn camera and dash-camera footage will be provided in accordance with the law and Contra Costa County’s Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident Protocol.

“While we cannot comment further on an active investigation or pending claim, we want to assure the public that the Brentwood Police Department is committed to treating all individuals with dignity and respect in every call they respond to, and to following established procedures designed to ensure transparency and accountability.

Our thoughts remain with the Ramirez family during this difficult time.”

Cover letter for the claim against the City of Brentwood from the attorney for Ramirez’s husband blaming her death on Brentwood Police Officers. Source: KTVU FOX2

According to a KTVU FOX2 news report, Ramirez’s family is blaming her death on the police. Her husband, Rudolfo has filed a claim against the City of Brentwood this week, and his attorney, Melissa C. Nold, sent a cover letter dated November 3, 2025, in which she wrote, Yolanda “was violently arrested by multiple Brentwood Police Officers, resulting in her death.”

The claim names “Officer Aaron Peachman, and other Brentwood Police Officers yet to be determined” and demands the “preservation of evidence” and “exceeds $25,000.”  (See Claim included in KTVU’s report)

Obituary

According to her obituary, Yolanda Bustos Ramirez was born on May 16, 1953, and passed away on Friday, October 3, 2025.

She was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, to Francisco and Aurora Bustos. A devoted and beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, daughter, daughter-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, Tia, and friend, she will be remembered for her unconditional love for family and friends, caring nature toward others like donating blood to the Red Cross, and her sense of humor especially her contagious laugh.

Yolanda grew up in Brentwood, CA when it was a small farming community and graduated from Liberty Union High School in 1972. She went on to attend some college at Diablo Valley College before raising a family and working at Contra Costa County Health Services for nearly 30 years.

Known for her green thumb in gardening, homemade flour tortillas and chicken enchiladas, baking delicious desserts, solving puzzles, interest in the paranormal, and collection of healing crystals; her greatest joy came from always being at the side of her husband, spending quality time with her immediate family for dinners and game nights, and attending family reunions and gatherings like the annual No Te Dejes Ramirez family event. She always had a contagious laugh and found humor recollecting embarrassing moments in her life, a strong devotion to babysitting her grandchildren, and unwavering support for her family and touched countless lives with her warmth and kindness.

She is survived by her loving husband, Rudy; her children, Richie, Kiko/Andrea, and Becky/Robert; her grandchildren, Franki/Cole, Julian, Alonzo, Santana, and Noemi; her siblings, Ruben, Alfred, and Sylvia; and many other loving family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Francisco and Aurora, and other deceased relatives, Frank (brother), Victor (nephew), Pablo and Alice (father and mother-in-law), Dick (brother-in-law), Pablo (nephew), and Johnny (nephew).

A Celebration of Life has yet to be determined but tentatively planning for April or May 2026. Yolanda took great pride in donating blood at the Red Cross so feel free to donate to your favorite non-profit to continue the legacy of helping others. In lieu of flowers, the family requests to share a memory on this site and continued love, support, and hugs during this difficult time.

Concord Police K9 Rico with the confiscated gun and magazine. Photo: Concord PD

By Concord Police Department

Recently, officers from a neighboring agency pursued a suspect who was believed to be armed. After the suspect was safely taken into custody, officers requested assistance from our K9 team to search the area for any discarded evidence.

K9 Rico, who is specially trained in locating firearms, tracked the suspect’s path and located a loaded handgun with an extended magazine hidden between some tires near where the suspect was arrested.

Great work by K9 Rico and his handler for helping ensure our community stays safe!

Source: Town of Danville

Served six terms on the Town Council from 1991-2016 and was a five-time Mayor, he was 96

By City of Danville

The Town of Danville mourns the loss of longtime former Councilmember and Mayor Mike Doyle, who devoted more than 25 years to serving the Danville community with integrity, passion, and heart. He passed away peacefully at his home in Danville with his family by his side on October 19, at age 96.

First elected to the Town Council in 1991, Mike served six terms and held the role of Mayor five times before retiring in 2016. Over those years, Mike played a key role in guiding Danville through periods of growth and change while steadfastly preserving the small-town character and sense of community that make Danville unique.

Mayor Renee Morgan remembers Mike as a longtime friend as well as a colleague. “He called Danville his ‘Camelot’ and encouraged so many to get involved, including me. Mike was direct, honest, and did it all with a twinkle in his eyes. He will always be affectionately remembered as ‘Da Mayor’ and his legacy will live on in the heart of Danville.”

A true advocate for the Town, Mike was known for his straightforward style, commitment to fiscal responsibility, and tireless efforts to maintain the quality of life residents enjoy today. His work on behalf of the community extended beyond Town limits, as he represented Danville on the Board of Directors of the League of California Cities for two decades.

Mike was a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force and served as a Chaplain’s Assistant in Germany after World War II, providing aid to airmen, displaced persons, and local citizens. He later made Danville his home, where he and his wife, Joe Anne, raised five children and built a life centered on family, faith, and community service.

The Town extends its heartfelt condolences to Mike’s family and friends, including his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His dedication, leadership, and love for Danville continues to inspire Town Councilmembers, staff, and the community.

OBITUARY

Michael J. Doyle

August 1, 1929 – October 19, 2025

Michael J. Doyle, age 96, passed away peacefully at his home in Danville, CA, with his family by his side, on October 19, 2025. Mike was born on August 1, 1929, in Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania. Mike left the Appalachian coal community for the newly established United States Air Force (1947) at age 17, earned a promotion to Sergeant, and was posted to Erding Air Base, Bavaria, Germany, where he served as Chaplain’s Assistant, providing support for U.S. airmen, local German citizens, and displaced persons.

Mike was reassigned to Parks Air Base in Pleasanton, CA, in 1954. A fateful stop for directions at Elliott’s Bar in downtown Danville, CA turned into a lifelong love affair with his new hometown. Mike proudly purchased an acre of land in Danville in 1955, upon which he built a home and raised a family.

Mike married Joe Anne O’Rourke of San Leandro, CA, his wife of 71 years, with whom he had five children; Mick, Mary Anne, Terry, Celeste and John (Fitz). Mike’s legacy lives on through his beloved grandchildren–Kate, Eric, Sean, Gray, Matt, Meghan, Brittany, Corbin, Kyle, Alyssa, Nicole, and John–and his cherished great-grandchildren: Sierra, Owen, Makena, Finnegan, Vivienne, Camille, and Jack.

Mike’s devotion to his family was matched only by his adoration for Danville, which he lovingly referred to as “Camelot.” Mike was proud to serve his community as a member of the Danville Town Council for 26 years and Mayor for five terms. Mike deeply valued the town’s leadership, staff, police, fire, schools, merchants, sports organizations, and all faith communities — churches, temples, and wards alike.

All the Irish luck in the world brought Mike Doyle to Danville, CA where he and Joe Anne built a home, a family and made more friends over the years than can be counted.

Mike’s life and legacy will be celebrated at St. Isidore Catholic Church in Danville on Friday, November 14th at 10:30 a.m. A reception will be held immediately following the Mass at the Veteran’s Memorial Building at 400 Hartz Avenue in downtown Danville.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please consider making a donation in Mike’s honor to the Discovery Counseling Center: https://www.discoveryctr.net/donate/.

Mario Delgado of Brentwood was on felony probation, has a history of arrests, held on $50K bail

By Brentwood Police Department

On Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, at approximately 2:30 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 8800 block of Brentwood Blvd. in response to an alarm call at a local business.

Upon arrival, officers discovered an open door but did not locate anyone inside the premises. Officers reviewed the business’s video surveillance footage, which showed a male suspect inside the business stealing items.

A short time later, a Brentwood Sergeant located the suspect, identified as 45-year-old Mario Raphael Delgado of Brentwood (born 4/18/1980), a short distance from the burglarized business. Delgado was found to have an outstanding felony warrant and was on felony probation at the time of arrest.

Delgado was transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking on charges related to the burglary and the outstanding warrant.

The Brentwood Police Department remains committed to protecting local businesses. Had it not been for the video surveillance and the quick response by officers, the suspect may not have been arrested.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, five-feet, eight inches tall, 175-pound Delgado is Hispanic, but also listed as white, and being held in the West County Detention Facility on $50,000 bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 15 at 8:30 AM in Superior Court in Pittsburg.

According to localcrimenews.com, he has a history of arrests dating back to 2015 by multiple agencies including Fremont PD, and the Sheriff’s Departments of Tulare, Fresno, El Dorado and Contra Costa counties for crimes including carjacking, vandalism, DUI, inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant, addict in possession of firearm, carrying a concealed firearm – pistol, revolver, other, carrying a loaded firearm when not the registered owner, purchasing or receiving a firearm knowing that he is prohibited by restraining order or injunction and intoxicated in public.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

For more information about the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1525 visit www.facebook.com/LtJerryNovakovichPost1525.

UPDATE: Starts Tues., Nov 11 | 7 AM–7 PM Pre-loaded grocery cards + food boxes

As federal SNAP food benefits are cut during shutdown

EL CONDADO SE PREPARA PARA APOYAR A LOS RESIDENTES CUYOS BENEFICIOS DE ALIMENTOS ESTÁN SIENDO REDUCIDOS

El condado se prepara para distribuir tarjetas de débito para comestibles a 107,000 inscritos en CalFresh

By Contra Costa County District 1 Supervisor John Gioia

Contra Costa County is stepping up to help our neediest County residents due to the Federal government’s failure to fund its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which is called CalFresh here in California. SNAP serves 1 in 8 Americans and is a major part of our nation’s social safety net.

Failing to fund this benefit threatens the food security of 107,000 County residents, 55% of whom are children and seniors. The average monthly benefit for a family of 3 is $573 per month.

The Federal Government’s failure to fund SNAP benefits also threatens the financial sustainability of 706 retailers (most are locally owned neighborhood markets) who sell groceries to CalFresh families.

Our Employment and Human Services Department (EHSD) has developed a plan to distribute debit cards to CalFresh enrollees who live in our County. These debit cards, whose value will be similar to a family’s existing benefit amount, will be distributed soon at a date to be announced at our busiest EHSD lobbies at:

• 4545 Delta Fair Blvd., Antioch
• 151 Linus Pauling Dr., Hercules
• 400 Ellinwood Way, Pleasant Hill
• 1305 MacDonald Ave., Richmond

UPDATE: Starts Tues., Nov 11 | 7 AM–7 PM Pre-loaded grocery cards + food boxes

EHSD and the County Sheriff’s Office are partnering to ensure security of debit cards and safety at these locations.

Subject to the Board of Supervisors vote next Tuesday, where we will declare a Local Emergency, we plan to allocate up to $21 million out of our rainy day reserves to fund these benefits for the month of November. We are able to do this because of our County’s responsible fiscal management and AAA bond rating.

Food boxes for needy families, even those who are not CalFresh enrollees, will be available starting Monday, November 3rd, at these same four locations. Needy families, regardless of immigration status, are welcome to come by.

If anyone needs food now, go to the Contra Costa/Solano Food Bank’s Find Food in My City Link to see where to pick up free food near where you live.

A Federal Court decision on Saturday ruled that the Trump Administration must continue to fund SNAP food benefits using contingency funds during the government shutdown. However, it is unclear when debit cards used by enrollees can be reloaded with the November benefit amount. It can take one to two weeks to do this.

That’s why the County is moving forward with its plan to support hard working families who rely on this vital food benefit.

We continue to work with our Federal legislators to advocate for an immediate end to the harmful government shutdown.

Español

El Condado de Contra Costa está tomando medidas para ayudar a nuestros residentes más necesitados debido a la falta de financiamiento del gobierno federal para su programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria (SNAP), conocido en California como CalFresh. SNAP atiende a 1 de cada 8 estadounidenses y es una parte fundamental de la red de seguridad social de nuestra nación.

No financiar este beneficio pone en riesgo la seguridad alimentaria de 107,000 residentes del condado, de los cuales el 55% son niños y personas mayores. El beneficio mensual promedio para una familia de tres personas es de $573 por mes.

La falta de financiamiento del gobierno federal para los beneficios de SNAP también amenaza la sostenibilidad financiera de 706 minoristas (la mayoría son mercados locales de vecindario) que venden alimentos a las familias que usan CalFresh.

Nuestro Departamento de Empleo y Servicios Humanos (EHSD) ha desarrollado un plan para distribuir tarjetas de débito a los inscritos en CalFresh que viven en nuestro condado. Estas tarjetas, cuyo valor será similar al monto actual del beneficio familiar, se distribuirán pronto en una fecha que se anunciará en las siguientes oficinas más concurridas del EHSD:

• 4545 Delta Fair Blvd., Antioch
• 151 Linus Pauling Dr., Hercules
• 400 Ellinwood Way, Pleasant Hill
• 1305 MacDonald Ave., Richmond

El EHSD y la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado están colaborando para garantizar la seguridad de las tarjetas de débito y la seguridad en estos lugares.

Sujeto a la votación de la Junta de Supervisores el próximo martes, donde se declarará una Emergencia Local, planeamos asignar hasta $21 millones de nuestras reservas de emergencia para financiar estos beneficios durante el mes de noviembre. Podemos hacerlo gracias a la gestión fiscal responsable de nuestro condado y a nuestra calificación crediticia AAA.

Las cajas de alimentos para familias necesitadas, incluso para aquellas que no están inscritas en CalFresh, estarán disponibles a partir del lunes 3 de noviembre en los mismos cuatro lugares. Las familias necesitadas, sin importar su estatus migratorio, son bienvenidas a acudir.

Si alguien necesita alimentos ahora, puede visitar el enlace Find Food in My City del Banco de Alimentos de Contra Costa/Solano para saber dónde recoger alimentos gratuitos cerca de su domicilio.

Una decisión del tribunal federal de hoy dictaminó que la Administración Trump debe continuar financiando los beneficios alimentarios de SNAP utilizando fondos de contingencia durante el cierre del gobierno. Sin embargo, no está claro cuándo podrán recargarse las tarjetas de débito con el monto del beneficio de noviembre. Esto podría tardar de una a dos semanas.

Por eso, el condado avanza con su plan para apoyar a las familias trabajadoras que dependen de este beneficio alimentario vital.

Seguimos trabajando con nuestros legisladores federales para abogar por el fin inmediato del perjudicial cierre del gobierno.

The restored Mt. Diablo High School football field with new logo. Photo: MDUSD

Fire started by illegal fireworks melted artificial turf

By Mt. Diablo Unified School District

The Mt. Diablo High School football team played its latest home game on a fully restored home field that has been returned to its previous state-of-the-art condition less than two months after a destructive fire that was started by illegal fireworks melted the artificial turf, forcing the Red Devils to play their first three home games off site.

The team and Mt. Diablo Unified School District are deeply grateful to the Las Vegas Raiders, who pledged a donation of $250,000 to assist with the cost of restoring the field, after learning of the fire and needed repairs.

“As a lifelong Raiders fan and past season ticket holder, I couldn’t be more pleased with their generous contribution,” said MDUSD Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark. “The Mt. Diablo High School student body, alumni and community deserve a learning environment that they can be proud of. With the help of Mark Davis, owner of the Raiders, we have restored the field to its original state!”

Although the turf was repaired last month, the Mt. Diablo High School logo was installed more recently this month, because it had to be special-ordered. Since that installation, the team has played several “away” games.

The team was excited to play on its completely restored home field for its “Homecoming” game on Friday, Oct. 31, as it hosted cross-town MDUSD competitors, the Ygnacio Valley High School Wolves.

The Raiders’ donation will cover the cost of the insurance deductible, which the District would have had to pay out of its own funds toward the total repair costs of nearly $350,000.

Mt. Diablo High School is located at 2450 Grant Street in Concord, CA.

The Day the Books Disappeared cover. Source: Amazon.com

For their “picture book…about banning books”; instructed not to speak about “books with queer representation”

Book bans deemed “hoax” by U.S. Dep’t of Ed regarding removals from school libraries

By Allen D. Payton

Two authors of a book about book “banning” did not conduct a presentation to 4- to 9-year-old students at Country Club Elementary School in the San Ramo Valley Unified School District, recently because “parts of the presentation were not suited to” the “youngest learners in TK to third grade” according to a letter dated Oct. 29, 2025, from Superintendent CJ Cammack. Both sides point fingers at the other for the event’s cancellation.

The authors, Joanna How and Caroline Kusin Pritchard, were going to speak about their picture book entitled, The Day the Books Disappeared about the banning of books. According to the description on Amazon.com, “This book about books celebrates themes of empathy, interconnectedness, and the value of diverse and differing perspectives.”

But that message, according to the superintendent’s letter, “was overshadowed by a presentation focused on book banning that extended beyond the developmental level of our youngest students.”

According to the authors, when they arrived, the principal met with them in an office and told them to “only talk about the book” and “not to speak about book bans or the types of books being banned, specifically books with queer representation.”

According to the superintendent, “district staff reached out to the organization we partner with on author visits to share concerns and request that the presentation be adjusted for a younger audience before the scheduled visit to Country Club.  When no response was received, staff respectfully made the same request to the authors when they arrived on campus. The authors declined to modify their presentation to align with our requests and chose to leave without presenting.”

However, the authors claim they “were not allowed to present.”

Superintendent’s Letter

Cammack’s letter reads:

Oct. 29, 2025

Dear Parents/Caregivers, Staff, and Community Members,

I would like to address a situation regarding a recent author visit for some of our TK-3rd grade classes in SRVUSD, which has garnered some media and social media attention. On behalf of the District, I’d like to offer some important context.

Recently, co-authors of the book, The Day the Books Disappeared, visited some SRVUSD elementary schools. Concerns were voiced by site principals that parts of the presentation were not suited to our youngest learners in TK to third grade (4 years old – 9 years old).  Specifically, the book’s message of kindness, empathy, and understanding was overshadowed by a presentation focused on book banning that extended beyond the developmental level of our youngest students.

Based on this feedback, district staff reached out to the organization we partner with on author visits to share concerns and request that the presentation be adjusted for a younger audience before the scheduled visit to Country Club.  When no response was received, staff respectfully made the same request to the authors when they arrived on campus. The authors declined to modify their presentation to align with our requests and chose to leave without presenting.

SRVUSD values and supports author visits as well as inclusion of diverse books, perspectives and dialogue as meaningful educational opportunities for our students. We support and believe in the strength of our richly diverse community. We remain committed to providing engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences in the classrooms and on our campuses that reflect the best academic and social-emotional interests of our students, aligned with their developmental levels.

Sincerely,

CJ Cammack

Superintendent

——————-

Source: Instagram

Authors Respond

In a message posted on their Instagram page on Wednesday the authors wrote:

“We are deeply saddened that we were prevented from meeting with young readers at Country Club Elementary in San Ramon, California during our tour for The Day the Books Disappeared, a picture book we wrote about book banning, illustrated by Dan Santat.

When we arrived, students were waiting for us in the library, but instead of taking us to meet them, the principal pulled us into an office and told us to ‘only talk about the book.’ When pressed, she told us not to speak about book bans or the types of books being banned, specifically books with queer representation. We responded that this would be out of our integrity, and that we would not change our presentation. Despite district approval for our visit, the principal informed us the directive came from above and excused herself to call her district supervisor. Forty minutes later, students were sent back to their classrooms, and we were not permitted to present.”

The two also wrote on Instagram, “Students of Country Club Elementary, we hope you know that your community is better because you are in it. We see you. We celebrate you.

A system of fear can only be fought by an even stronger ecosystem of courage, and we’ve witnessed the ripples created by remarkable acts of bravery across the country on behalf of students and learning. We can all choose to be part of an ecosystem of courage. Together we can fight for our freedom to read.

With love,

Joanna and Caroline”

————

Books Removed from School Libraries Labeled “Banned” Deemed “Hoax” by U.S. Dept of Education

Most of the books claimed to be banned in the U.S. have merely been removed from school libraries due to their content not being age-appropriate for students. According to Pen America, the effort “predominantly targets books about race and racism or books featuring individuals of color and LGBTQ+ people and topics, as well those for older readers that have sexual references or discuss sexual violence.”

That organization’s Banned Book List of 2025 claims the top books include, A Clockwork Orange in which “teen protagonist Alex creates mayhem before undergoing aversion therapy to curb his violent tendencies;” Sold which “tells the story of Lakshmi, a 13-year-old girl in Nepal who is sold into prostitution;” Last Night at the Telegraph Club “set in 1954…when 17-year-old Lily Hu visits a lesbian bar;” Forever, which the author says she “wrote it because her daughter wanted to read something where kids could have sex ‘without either of them having to die;’” and All Boys Aren’t Blue, a memoir by “prominent journalist and LGBTQIA+ activist George M. Johnson” which, according to Amazon, “delves into sensitive subjects such as consent, sexual abuse, and the complexities of growing up in a society that often marginalizes queer identities…aiming to provide both a voice for young queer individuals and a guide for allies. The title itself reflects the multifaceted nature of masculinity and the societal pressures surrounding it, with ‘blue’ symbolizing traditional masculinity and the violence often faced by queer Black individuals.”

A January 2025 press release entitled, “U.S. Department of Education Ends Biden’s Book Ban Hoax” announced a decision by its Office for Civil Rights that, “dismissed 11 complaints related to so-called ‘book bans.’ The complaints alleged that local school districts’ removal of age-inappropriate, sexually explicit, or obscene materials from their school libraries created a hostile environment for students – a meritless claim premised upon a dubious legal theory. Effective Jan. 24, 2025, OCR has rescinded all department guidance issued under the theory that a school district’s removal of age-inappropriate books from its libraries may violate civil rights laws.

“By dismissing these complaints and eliminating the position and authorities of a so-called ‘book ban coordinator,’ the department is beginning the process of restoring the fundamental rights of parents to direct their children’s education,” said Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor. “The department adheres to the deeply rooted American principle that local control over public education best allows parents and teachers alike to assess the educational needs of their children and communities. Parents and school boards have broad discretion to fulfill that important responsibility. These decisions will no longer be second-guessed by the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education.”

Questions for District Staff Go Unanswered

District communications staff were asked where the letter can be found on the district’s website because it’s not under Newsroom and Media in the Communications and Community Relations section, the name of the organization that they “partner with on author visits” as mentioned in the letter, and why the superintendent’s letter wasn’t sent to the media, as they issue press releases on a regular basis. But they did not respond prior to publication time.

Please check back for any updates.

SFGate.com and Mike Burkholder of ContraCosta.news were sources for this report.

Photo: CCC Public Law Library

Deadline: Nov 7; Virtual interview Nov. 24

By Julie DiMaggio Enea, Senior Deputy, Contra Costa County Administrator’s Office

(Martinez, CA) – The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is seeking applicants for the Public Law Library Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees was established pursuant to State law and County Ordinance to maintain a law library in Martinez.

The Board of Trustees is the governing body for the Law Library with the authority to determine personnel, fiscal, and administrative policies to fulfill the legal information needs of the community. County residents who are members of the State Bar and have an interest in public policy and library administration are encouraged to apply for this non-paid volunteer opportunity. The County Board of Supervisors will appoint to fill one vacancy for a one-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2026, and ending on Dec. 31, 2026.   The Board of Trustees normally meets monthly in Martinez.

Application forms can be obtained from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by calling (925) 655-2000 or the application can be completed online by visiting the County website at  https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/3418.

Applications should be returned to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, County Administration Building, 1025 Escobar St., Martinez, CA  94553 no later than by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025.

Applicants should plan to be available for public interviews to be conducted virtually via Zoom on Monday, November 24, 2025.

More information about the Contra Costa Public Law Library can be obtained by calling Amreet Sandhu at (925) 655-4600 or director@ll.cccounty.us, or visiting the Law Library website at http://www.cccpllib.org.

5 Regional Early Voting Sites in Brentwood, Pittsburg, Richmond, San Ramon, Walnut Creek open today

Some polling places in Antioch, Bay Point, Lafayette, Pinole, Pittsburg, San Pablo and San Ramon have changed.

 By Dawn Kruger Community and Media Relations Coordinator Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department

Regional Early Voting Sites open today, Friday, October 31st and polling places are open on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4th from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Voters can still return their ballots by mail, postmarked on or before Election Day – to ensure your mailed ballot is received on time, mail ballots before Election Day. Voters can drop their ballot off at one of the County’s 45 official drop boxes before 8:00 PM on Election Day, to ensure we receive your ballot on time.

“Voters have many opportunities to cast their ballot early,” said Kristin B. Connelly, the County’s Registrar of Voters. “The Contra Costa County Elections Office is here to ensure voters can cast their ballots safely, early, and conveniently to make sure their voices are heard.”

In-Person Voter Services

If you prefer to vote in-person or need in-person services to cast your ballot, Contra Costa County residents have early voting options at five Regional Early Voting sites throughout the county.

All Contra Costa registered voters will be able to vote at any of the Regional Early Voting locations, which will be open Friday, October 31st from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Saturday, November 1st from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM; and Monday, November 3rd from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Here are the locations of Contra Costa’s Regional Early Voting sites:

• Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak Street, Brentwood
• Pittsburg Library-Community Room, 80 Power Avenue, Pittsburg
• Richmond Memorial Auditorium, 403 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond
• San Ramon Valley United Methodist Church, 902 Danville Boulevard, Alamo
• Walnut Creek City Hall, 1666 North Main Street, Walnut Creek

Polling Places

Polling places will be open on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4th from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.  Please go to our website and check “My Voting Information.” to find your assigned polling place. Please note that some polling places in Antioch, Bay Point, Lafayette, Pinole, Pittsburg, San Pablo and San Ramon have changed.

Conditional Voter Registration

If you missed the voter registration deadline, you can still register and vote in-person using Conditional Voter Registration. It is a one-stop opportunity to register and cast your ballot and is available (1) at our office at 555 Escobar Street in Martinez, (2) at Regional Early Voting sites, and (3) at all polling places.

Accessible Voting Equipment and Additional Language Access

Official ballots and voting instructions are provided in English, Spanish, and Chinese. Additional language resources are available through ballot translation guides which are available online and at in-person voting locations. Ballot marking equipment with accessible features is available at every in-person voting location for voters with disabilities who may need assistance.

Be Prepared

If you vote in person, many voters find it helpful to come prepared. Make your choice ahead of time and bring your pre-marked Sample Ballot to the polls to help you save time. Copies of the Voter Information Guide are available at the polls and the information is also available online.

Leave the Campaign T-Shirts, Buttons, and Hats at Home

Please remember that voters have the right to cast a ballot free from intimidation or distraction. Under California law, electioneering is prohibited within 100 feet of any voting location.  Anyone wearing items promoting any position in this election will be asked to remove or cover them while they are at the voting location.  Please help our poll workers by refraining from electioneering and leave your campaign t-shirts, buttons and hats at home.

For more information on voting options for the Statewide Special Election, visit www.contracostavote.gov or call 925.335.7800.