Contra Costa Herald

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

Series of 9 Walnut Creek business burglaries under investigation

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At two shopping centers

By Lt. Drew Olson, Walnut Creek Police Department

On November 25, 2025, at approximately 4:15 a.m., Walnut Creek Police Officers responded to a commercial alarm at the San Miguel Shopping Center on Newell Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered multiple businesses had been burglarized.

While investigating the initial scene, officers were dispatched to a second alarm at the Countrywood Shopping Center at Bancroft Road and Treat Blvd. There, they located additional businesses that also showed signs of forced entry.

In total, nine businesses were identified as victims of burglary.

Walnut Creek Police Department detectives are actively investigating these incidents and following up on leads.

If you have any information about this case, please contact the Walnut Creek Police Department at (925) 943-5844 or the Anonymous Tip Line at (925) 943-5865.

Union City woman arrested for shooting teen in San Ramon

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Held for attempted homicide on $3.35 million bail

By Ashley Moore, San Ramon Police Department

On Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, San Ramon Police arrested a Union City woman in connection with the November 23rd shooting of a 17-year-old on Talavera Drive.

On November 23, 2025, at approximately 6:18 p.m., officers from the San Ramon Police Department responded to Talavera Drive for a report of an injured 17-year-old.  Upon arrival, San Ramon Valley Fire personnel and officers found the juvenile with a single gunshot wound to the upper shoulder. The victim was immediately transported to a local hospital, received medical treatment, and was later released.

Throughout the course of the investigation, patrol officers and detectives identified the suspect as Xiaojie Zhang, a 40-year-old female resident of Union City (born 1/20/1985). San Ramon officers arrested Zhang at her home on a $1 million Ramey Warrant for attempted homicide, and she was booked at the Martinez Detention Facility. While we are not revealing the relationship between the victim and the suspect, we can confirm that the two were known to one another.

Following her arrest, San Ramon Police Department detectives executed a search warrant of Zhang’s residence, where they located two firearms. This remains an active and ongoing investigation. There is no continued threat to the San Ramon community, and our heartfelt thoughts are with the victim and his family.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective T. Bryan at (925) 973-2782 or at tbryan@sanramon.ca.gov.

Thank you to the Danville, Dublin, and Union City Police Departments for their assistance.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, two-inch tall, 105-pound Zhang is now being held on $3,350,000 bail and her next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 1 at 8:30 a.m. in Martinez Superior Court.

Allen D. Payton contribute to this report.

Antioch man charged with child sex abuse material possession

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Arrested by Walnut Creek Police, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force; held on $200,000 bail

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

Martinez, California – The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, that a suspect in possession of child sexual abuse material faces a four-count felony complaint.

32-year-old Ryan Allen Fenton of Antioch (born 6/13/1993) was arrested in Antioch Tuesday by Walnut Creek Police on a warrant related to a complaint the District Attorney filed with the court on February 3rd, 2025. The complaint was amended and refiled on November 25th after investigators with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force found additional evidence Fenton was in possession of child sexual abuse material.

Fenton was arraigned Wednesday in Superior Court in Martinez at 10:30 am on the following:

  • Two felony counts for possessing over 600 images of child or youth pornography on or about October 23rd, 2024, and November 25th, 2025 [PC 311.11(c)(1)].
  • Two felony counts for possessing child or youth pornography on or about October 23rd, 2024, and November 25th, 2025 [PC 311.11(a)].

District Attorney Diana Becton said, “The possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) is not a victimless crime; it is an act that perpetuates the sexual abuse of children and fuels a criminal enterprise. As District Attorney, my office treats the possession of CSAM with the utmost gravity, recognizing that every image and video represents an assault on a child.”

Fenton’s preliminary hearing is set for December 9th at 8:30 am at the A.F. Bray courthouse in Martinez in Department 6. He remains in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility on a $200,000 bond.

Case No. 01-25-00447 | The People of the State of California v. Ryan Allen Fenton

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 10-inch tall, 135-pound Fenton is Hispanic, but also listed as white, is now being held in the West County Detention Facility.

According to localcrimenews.com, Fenton was also arrested in 2020 in Inyo County for speeding, driving without a license and failure to provide evidence of financial responsibility.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Search warrant for possession of child porn leads to arrest, hazardous materials response in Antioch

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Walnut Creek PD Bomb Squad, Con Fire respond

By Lt. Drew Olson, Walnut Creek Police Department

This morning, Tuesday, November 25, 2025, Walnut Creek Police Detectives, in coordination with the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, served a search warrant at a residence in the 1600 block of Lipton Street in Antioch as part of an ongoing investigation.

One individual was arrested on suspicion of possession of child pornography.

During the search, detectives discovered suspected illegal fireworks. The WCPD Bomb Squad was requested to respond for safe collection and assessment. Upon arrival, bomb technicians identified materials requiring further evaluation, prompting a response from the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District’s Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) team.

Antioch Police posted a warning to Avoid the Area on social media with the message, “Avoid the area of Lipton Street at Trembath Lane due to an active hazmat response. Earlier this morning, a neighboring agency investigating in the area located items of concern. Out of an abundance of caution, the bomb squad was notified, and they are currently on scene. At this time, we do not believe there is any threat to the public.”

Both the WCPD Bomb Squad and CFD Hazmat have since cleared the scene. There is no ongoing threat to public safety. No further details are being released at this time due to the active nature of the investigation.

Case #: 25-36520

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Martinez woman arrested, charged for stabbing daughter to death

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36-year-old Brittney Kazee suspected of killing 19-year-old Shaniyah Kazee

Held on $2 million bail

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

Martinez, California – A Martinez woman has been charged with murder after stabbing her daughter, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office announced today, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025.

36-year-old Brittney Evanna Kazee (born 6/10/1989) faces one felony count of murder [PC 187(a)] with a deadly

weapon enhancement for using a knife in the commission of the offense [PC 12022(b)(1)].

Kazee was arrested on November 18, 2025, by Martinez Police after officers responded to a report of an altercation between two females at an apartment complex on the 100 block of Fig Tree Lane around 1:40 p.m.

One of the females, identified as 19-year-old Shaniyah Kazee, was found unconscious with a wound to her stomach area when officers arrived. She was transported to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.

Brittney Kazee is set to be arraigned on charges on November 24th at 1:30 pm in Martinez. She currently remains in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-feet, two-inch tall, 152-pound suspect is listed as Black and being held on $2 million bail.

More details of the incident are provided in a KRON 4 News report.

Case No. 01-25-04149 | The People of the State of California v. Brittney Evanna Kazee

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Pleasant Hill Holiday Theft Suppression begins! 16 people arrested for retail theft

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Four of the 16 individuals arrested for retail theft in Pleasant Hill. Photos: Pleasant Hill PD

7 adults from Concord, 2 from San Pablo, 1 each from Brentwood, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Richmond & Vallejo and 2 juvies from Berkeley

Many have histories of arrest, some as many as 10 to 21 times

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

As we’ve entered the holiday shopping season, we continued our special theft suppression enforcement efforts with local retailers throughout the city. Officers worked together with loss prevention to arrest 16 people in two evening operations occurring within the last week. Those who qualified under new laws have had formal charges filed by the District Attorney’s Office related to these operations. All other cases will be sent to the district attorney for review. Two juvenile arrests (residents of Berkeley) were not included below.

Many have histories of arrest, some as many as 10, 17 and 21 times.

Stolen items, a knife and tools used in the retail thefts seized by police during the operation. Photos: Pleasant Hill PD

Juis Lara 37 – Brentwood – According to localcrimenews.com, he has a history of nine arrests since 2018 for drugs, burglary and more.

Margarita Bravo 38 –Concord

Rosalinda Leach 37 – Concord – According to localcrimenews.com, she has a history of 11 arrests since 2021 for vehicle theft, hit-and-run, grand theft, using stolen ID’s, check fraud, drugs and more.

Jose Navarro 46 – Concord

Johan Omar-Matchusa 25 – Concord

Alexis Pellette 34 – Concord – According to localcrimenews.com, an Alexis Coquette Pellette was previously arrested three times, once for assault and twice for assault with a deadly weapon.

Clara Sanchez 35 –Concord

Maria Rogel 35 – Concord

Christina Mendivil 47 – Pittsburg – According to localcrimenews.com, she has a history of 10 arrests since 2014 for child cruelty, vehicle theft, petty theft, receiving stolen property, drugs and more.

Daniel Garcia-Vasquez 28 – Pleasant Hill – According to localcrimenews.com, he was previously arrested in 2022 for possession of burglar’s tools and drugs.

Stacie Gaskins 47 – Richmond – According to localcrimenews.com, she has a history of 20 arrests since 2015 for vehicle theft, grand theft, burglary, robbery, shoplifting, theft, petty theft, forgery, forged driver’s license or ID, using stolen ID, driving without a license, trespassing, drugs and more.

Devoreah Allen 27 – San Pablo

Kendra Timmons 57 – San Pablo – According to localcrimenews.com, she has a history of 17 arrests since 2013 for robbery, burglary, grand theft, shoplifting, carrying a loaded firearm, carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle, addict in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of tear gas, forgery, using stolen ID, check fraud, drugs and more.

Jade Hill 20 – Vallejo

These holiday theft-suppression operations will continue throughout the holiday season. Would be grinches beware, we will be on high alert to protect our retail partners and community members.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

13 County DA’s reach multi-million-dollar environmental settlement with pesticide companies

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

Martinez, California – Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton and other California district attorneys have reached a $3.15 million settlement with Clark Pest Control of Stockton, Orkin Services of California, and Crane Pest Control.

The settlement resolves allegations that the companies violated state laws by disposing pesticides and hazardous waste into trash bins destined for landfills not authorized to accept such materials. The settlement also resolves the allegations that the companies discarded customer records containing private information.

“The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office is dedicated to ensuring companies are held accountable for conduct that endangers the environment and our citizens,” said DA Becton.

The investigation, led by Contra Costa and San Mateo County District Attorneys, was initiated in 2021. From March 2021 through February 2022, investigators statewide conducted undercover inspections of 40 dumpsters at 22 separate Clark and Orkin facilities. These inspections uncovered thousands of unlawfully disposed items including pesticide containers with liquids, powders, foams, baits, pellets, and aerosol sprays, plus hazardous batteries, e-waste, hand sanitizers, adhesives, and cleaning solutions. Inspectors also found thousands of privacy law violations: customer records that were not shredded — or rendered unreadable — and dumped in regular trash, including service orders, contracts, invoices, and route reports containing personal information.

After prosecutors notified Clark and Orkin of the violations, the companies cooperated fully and promptly updated their policies and procedures to ensure proper waste management and protect customer privacy in California.

Under the stipulated final judgment, Clark, Orkin, and Crane will pay a total of $3.15 million consisting of:

  • $2,017,000 in civil penalties.
  • $400,000 in Supplemental Environmental Projects.
  • $333,000 in investigative costs.
  • $400,000 in credit for Supplemental Environmental Compliance Measures.

The judgment also requires the companies to comply with a permanent injunction mandating significant operational reforms for a period of no less than five years, including:

  • Retention of a third-party auditor to conduct dumpster audits at a minimum of 10% of its facilities each year for five years.
  • Report the findings of the dumpster audits to the prosecutors.
  • Require that all facility employees complete a training program that ensures compliance with applicable pesticide waste and hazardous waste management and maintain proof of the training for three years.
  • Devote a minimum of two thousand hours per year for each year in which the judgment remains in effect to enhanced environmental compliance measures, including compliance reviews of waste accumulation areas, oversight of waste minimization efforts by company technicians, and oversight of enhanced hazardous waste compliance management.

Joining Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton and San Mateo District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe in this lawsuit are the District Attorneys of Alameda, Santa Clara, Monterey, San Joaquin, Solano, Sonoma, Yolo, Orange, Riverside, San Diego and Ventura counties.

Case No. C25-03346 | The People of the State of California v. Clark Pest Control of Stockton, Inc., a California corporation, Crane Pest Control, a California corporation, and Orkin Services of California, Inc., a Delaware corporation

Oakland couple arrested for Walnut Creek carjacking, armed robberies in Antioch, Pittsburg, El Sobrante

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One of the two suspects arrested for carjacking and armed robberies. Photo source: Walnut Creek PD

Antioch, Pittsburg, Oakland PD’s, Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office assist

Both of history of arrests: Julio Villalobos held on no bail, Britney Zuniga held on $850,000 bail

By Walnut Creek Police Department

On October 20, 2025, at approximately 2:20 pm, a victim called WCPD dispatch to report that his work vehicle had just been stolen. The victim described two suspects driving a grey Dodge Challenger. A short time later, an armed carjacking was reported at 1805 Ygnacio Valley Blvd. with the same vehicle and suspect description. At the time of the call, no suspects were taken into custody.

It was quickly learned that these suspects had committed three additional armed robberies in the City of Pittsburg, the City of Antioch, and the City of El Sobrante. With the collaborative help of Antioch PD, Pittsburg PD and Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, and the Oakland Police Department, Julio Angel Villalobos, a 21-year-old (born 11/4/2004) and Britney Ashanti Zuniga, a 23-year-old (born 9/6/2002), both residents of Oakland, were safely taken into custody. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s office filed 11 felony counts for Villalobos and seven felony counts for Zuniga.

Thanks to our partners in law enforcement for their assistance in the successful arrest and filing of charges against these violent criminals.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, nine-inch tall, 185-pound Villalobos is being held in the Matinez Detention Facility on no bail and has a court appearance on Dec. 9, at 8:30 a.m. in Superior Court in Martinez.

According to localcrimenews.com, he was previously arrested six times, all in 2023, by Alameda County Sheriff’s Department and Oakland PD for crimes including burglary, vandalism of $5,000 or more and attempting to or escaping from jail, prison or an industrial road camp, court jurisdiction of child for parental neglect, receiving stolen property – motor vehicle, vehicle theft, possession of ammunition, carrying a loaded firearm on person or in vehicle while in a public place, carry a concealed pistol, revolver or other firearm on a person, possession or control of firearm before age 30 when person has been a ward of the juvenile court, trespassing, vehicle robbery and carjacking.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, three-inch tall, 130-pound Zuniga is in the West County Detention Facility on $850,000 bail and has a court appearance on Nov. 21 at 8:30 a.m. in Superior Court in Martinez.

According to localcrimenews.com, Zuniga was previously arrested three times by San Jose and Oakland PD’s, for crimes including assault with a deadly weapon or assault with force likely to produce great bodily harm and threats of violence.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Juveniles stopped for riding e-bikes, electric motorcycles in Lafayette, one impounded for 30 days

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Photos: Lafayette PD

Police offer rules, regulations, age restrictions for operating

By Lafayette Police

Recently, a Lafayette PD motor officer attempted to stop four juveniles – two riding electric bikes and two on electric motorcycles. Three of the juveniles stopped, but one sped away. Due to safety concerns, the officer did not pursue.

The motor officer provided an educational talk to the three juveniles who stopped and released them with a verbal warning. A parent came to pick up the one juvenile and the electric motorcycle.

After some follow-up investigation, on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, our motor officer located the same juvenile who had previously fled. He was riding the same electric motorcycle, this time performing a wheelie on a public street. Fortunately, the juvenile stopped for the officer. The motor officer cite-released the juvenile to his parent on scene and impounded the electric motorcycle for 30 days.

Don’t run from the police; it only escalates the situation.

Remember: Unregistered electric motorcycles are not street legal.

E-Bike vs. Electric Motorcycle (CA law):

  • Class 1 E-Bike: pedal assist only, no throttle, max 20 mph
  • Class 2 E-Bike: pedal assist plus throttle, max 20 mph
  • Class 3 E-Bike: pedal assist only, max 28 mph (helmet required, no riders under 16)
  • Electric Motorcycle: Anything exceeding these specs (no pedals, higher speeds) requires registration, insurance, and a motorcycle license for road use.
  • Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV): Models like Sur-Ron or Talaria electric motorcycles are designed only for off-road use.

Brentwood woman’s death following September arrest during family dispute under investigation

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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.