Contra Costa Herald

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

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

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.

Danville teacher from Concord convicted of sex crimes against minors

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Nicholas Brandon Moseby. Photo source: The Rob Harvey on Facebook

Allows a judge to impose longer sentence

Previously convicted of the same crimes, 41-year-old Nicholas Brandon Moseby also worked as cheerleader instructor in San Ramon

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

Martinez, California – A Contra Costa County jury today found that aggravating circumstances applied in the case of Nicholas Brandon Moseby, a former middle school teacher and cheerleading instructor previously convicted of sex crimes against minors.

The 41-year-old Concord man was found guilty on October 17th, 2025, following the first phase of his bifurcated trial. The convictions included one felony count of lewd acts upon a child, one felony count of distributing or showing pornography to a minor, and three misdemeanor counts involving child molestation and sexual battery. Jurors were unable to reach a verdict on one felony count of committing a lewd act upon a child, while Moseby was found not guilty on a separate charge of the same offense.

In the second phase of the trial today, the jury determined that the following aggravating factors applied to Moseby’s conviction:

  • The victim was particularly vulnerable
  • The crimes demonstrated planning and sophistication
  • He exploited a position of trust to commit the offenses

The jury did not reach agreement on whether Moseby’s prior convictions showed a pattern of increasing seriousness, and Judge John W. Kennedy declared a mistrial on that specific factor.

These true findings by the jury will allow a judge to impose a longer sentence when Moseby appears for sentencing at 8:30 a.m. on December 19th at the A.F. Bray Courthouse in Martinez.

The case originated in September 2022 when a minor victim reported incidents to authorities. Following an investigation by the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, additional victims came forward. Moseby was arrested on September 14, 2022, and charged two days later, after he reportedly sent a girl videos on Snapchat showing himself masturbating and the parents of his victim reported to police.  Deputy District Attorney Jessica Murad prosecuted the case.

At the time of his arrest, Moseby was employed as a biology teacher at Diablo Vista Middle School in Danville and as a cheerleading instructor at Nor Cal Elites in San Ramon. (See related article)

“The victims have traveled a long road to justice,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “This jury’s verdict opens a path toward healing from the trauma — not only for the victims, but for the

broader community as well.”

Case Number: 01-22-01583 | The People of the State of California v. Nicholas Brandon Moseby

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Corrections Dep’t sergeant from Martinez charged with multiple lewd acts involving children

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Sergeant William Daniel Eberly. Photo: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

44-year-old William Daniel Eberly held on $1.025 million bail

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

A 44-year-old Martinez resident William Daniel Eberly (born 4/21/81) faces multiple felony charges for alleged lewd acts upon children.

There was a bench warrant out for his arrest after the DA filed the complaint. Eberly was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on Wednesday, Oct. 22.

He was arraigned, Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, in Martinez on an 11-count complaint that includes forcible lewd acts on a child under 14 and lewd acts on a child aged 14 or 15. Two victims, identified in court documents as Jane Doe #1 and Jane Doe #2, will remain anonymous to protect their privacy.

The alleged offenses occurred between November 1, 2020, and December 12, 2024, in Contra Costa County. Eberly was employed as a correctional sergeant with the California Department of

Corrections and Rehabilitation at the time of his arrest.

Eberly pleaded not guilty to all charges at his arraignment. The judge set bail at $1,025,000 and granted two criminal protective orders requested by the District Attorney’s Office. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 3 at 8:30 a.m. in Department 22 at the A.F. Bray Courthouse in Martinez.

“Crimes against children demand our unwavering commitment to justice,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “Thanks to the thorough work of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, we will vigorously pursue this case while ensuring the victims and their families receive the protection and support they deserve throughout the legal process.”

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the six-foot, one-inch tall, 210-pound Eberly is Hispanic. According to other news reports, he previously worked as a San Quentin prison guard.

According to localcrimenews.com, Eberly was previously arrested in 2013 by the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office for Contempt Of Court: Disobey Court Order/Process and in 2020 by the Marin County Sheriff’s Office for inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant.

Case No. 01-25-03633 | The People of the State of California v. William Daniel Eberly

William Daniel Eberly CCDA Charging Document

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

San Pablo man sentenced to life for 2017 Richmond murder of ex-girlfriend

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Lawyer Dushan McBride (2017 Richmond PD photos) and murder victim, 29-year-old Rashanda Franklin. Photo source: gunmemorial.org

51-year-old Lawyer Dushan McBride convicted of killing Rashanda Franklin with her children in the car

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

Martinez, California – A judge today, Friday, October 10, 2025, sentenced 51-year-old Lawyer Dushan McBride (born 1/14/1974) to life in prison after a jury found him guilty earlier this year of murdering Rashanda Franklin in 2017. (See related article)

The Honorable Judge Mary Ann O’Malley sentenced McBride to 95 years to life in state prison. This consists of a determinate sentence of 20 years and 4 months, followed by an indeterminate sentence of 75 years to life.

McBride, who was 43 at the time, waited for Franklin, 30, in a church parking lot where she dropped off her children for school. He had been following and harassing her for weeks after she ended their two-year relationship but was not the father of the children. Fearing for her safety, Franklin called 911 and drove away with her children still in the car.

As both vehicles neared the intersection of 29th Street and Rheem Avenue in Richmond, McBride cut off Franklin’s car and got out to confront her. The 911 recording captured Franklin’s desperate plea: “I’ve got my kids in the car.” McBride replied, “I ain’t playing with you,” then shot and killed her.

In addition to murder, McBride was sentenced for related offenses of firing into an occupied vehicle, stalking, using a firearm to cause death and inflicting great bodily injury in circumstances involving domestic violence.

Rashanda Franklin. Photos: Facebook

“This tragic case underscores the devastating reality of domestic violence, which claims far too many lives,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “While no verdict can bring back a mother taken from her children in such a senseless act of violence, this sentence provides the victim’s family with a measure of justice and accountability. It also sends a clear message that stalking and harassment are warning signs that must be taken seriously, and that those who perpetrate such violence will be held responsible under the law.”

See surveillance video in ABC7 News report.

According to localcrimenews.com, McBride is Black and was also arrested in November 2020 for theft as reported by the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department. According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, the five-foot, 11-inch tall, 220-pound convict was arrested on May 2, 2025, and is currently being held in the Martinez Detention Facility.

For anyone experiencing domestic violence, help is available at Contra Costa’s Family Justice Centers cocofamilyjustice.org, by calling STAND! for Families free from Violence 1-888-215-5555, or at StaySafeContraCosta.org.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Oakland woman charged as accessory after the fact in Walnut Creek double murder

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In romantic relationship with alleged killer; also charged with first-degree residential burglary, destroying evidence

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

Martinez, California – The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has filed two felony charges and one misdemeanor charge against an Oakland woman in connection with the September 18th murders of two women in Walnut Creek.

45-year-old Yan Wang (born 7/22/1980) will be arraigned at 1:30 pm on September 30th in Contra Costa Superior Court in Martinez. She faces two felony and one misdemeanor charges related to the murders of Linlin Guo and Beimin Cheng.

The primary suspect, Howard Wang, was charged with the unlawful killing of both women on September 22nd. Howard Wang was married to Linlin Guo but was in a romantic relationship with Yan Wang at the time of the murders. Howard Wang is scheduled for arraignment on October 3rd in Martinez and faces life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted.

Yan Wang, who has no familial relation to Howard Wang, faces the following charges:

  • PC 32 (Felony) – Accessory After the Fact: Yan Wang allegedly aided Howard Wang with knowledge following the murders and with intent to help him avoid arrest, trial, conviction, and punishment for killing his wife, Linlin Guo, and her mother, Beimin Cheng.
  • PC 459 (Felony) – First Degree Residential Burglary: On or about September 19th, Yan Wang allegedly entered the residence owned by Howard Wang and Linlin Guo with intent to commit larceny.
  • PC 135 (Misdemeanor) – Destroying Evidence: On September 18th, Yan Wang allegedly destroyed cellphones to prevent evidence from being produced.

“This case serves as a sobering reminder of domestic violence’s far-reaching consequences,” said Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton. “Our office will pursue justice with the seriousness and urgency this tragedy demands.”

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-feet, seven-inch tall, 105-pound Yan Wang is being held in the West County Detention Facility on no bail.

Case No. 01-25-03240 | The People of the State of California v. Yan Wang

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Three men charged for orchestrating San Ramon jewelry store smash and grab armed robbery

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Surveillance video footage shows about 20 masked suspects entered Heller’s Jewelers in San Ramon for the smash and grab armed robbery on Monday. Source: Unlimited L’s (@unlimited_ls) / X

Michael Lamont Ray, Jr., 31 & Ira Raheem Austin, 19, of San Francisco, Jimmy Mack Ray, 27, of Vallejo

Among about 20 thieves who stole over $1 million of merchandise, used stolen vehicles for getaway

Michael Ray held on $300K bail; Jimmy Ray with history of arrests dating back to 2017 held on no bail; Austin bonded out of custody

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

Martinez, California – Three Bay Area men are facing serious felony charges after orchestrating a brazen smash and grab armed robbery at a San Ramon jewelry store on Monday, September 22, 2025, stealing more than one million dollars in merchandise.

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office announced charges on Thursday, September 25, 2025, against Michael Lamont Ray, Jr., 31, and Ira Raheem Austin, 19, both of San Francisco, along with Jimmy Mack Ray, 27, of Vallejo, in connection with the September 22nd robbery involving about 20 masked suspects at Heller Jewelers in the City Center Bishop Ranch mall on Bollinger Canyon Road.

The trio executed a scheme that began with stealing vehicles and culminated in an escape that involved gunfire. Each defendant now faces 13 counts of second-degree robbery and one count of conspiracy to commit a crime, with special enhancements under Proposition 36 due to the value of the stolen property.

The conspiracy charges detail 11 overt criminal acts that involved a coordinated operation. The individuals stole vehicles to use in the crime, forcibly entered the jewelry store, smashed display cases to access and steal valuable merchandise and fired a weapon to shatter a glass door during their getaway.

The suspects then fled the scene in the stolen vehicles and evaded pursuing San Ramon Police officers until officers with Oakland Police were able to apprehend the suspects after they were seen leaving a building on the 9900 block of International Boulevard in Oakland.

“Our communities deserve safety from conduct like the audacious daylight robbery in San Ramon,” said Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton. “Thanks to the excellent investigative work by the San Ramon Police Department, these defendants will face significant punishment for the offenses they committed.”

Becton emphasized her office’s commitment to prosecuting theft crimes, stating, “My Office will continue to work with San Ramon PD and other law enforcement partners to identify other perpetrators who participated in this brazen robbery and charge them accordingly.”

Jimmy Ray will be arraigned on September 29th at 1:30 pm in Contra Costa Superior Court in Martinez. According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-feet, 11-inch tall, 170-pound suspect is non-Hispanic, was born 2/20/1998 and being held on no bail. According to localcrimenews.com, Jimmy Ray has a history of arrests by multiple agencies dating to 2017, including by Solano County Sheriff’s Deputies on July 19, 2025, for crimes including possession of ammunition, manufacturing, importing or sale of a large-capacity magazine and violation of probation. Plus, five times for robbery, three times for grand theft, twice each for burglary, use of a firearm, addict in possession of a firearm, elder or dependent adult abuse, threats of violence and vandalism, as well as for human trafficking of a victim under 18, unlawfully causing a minor to engage in a commercial sex act, petty theft and a variety of other charges.

According to the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, the five-feet, 10-inch tall, 185-pound Michael Ray is Black, was born 7/21/1994 and is being held in the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin on $300,000 bail. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Sept. 30 at 8:30 AM in Alameda County Superior Court, Dept. 112 of the Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse in Oakland.

Michael Ray was also arrested on an outstanding warrant for charges including PC1170(B)-F circumstances in aggravation under CRC 4.421, carrying a concealed firearm on person and in a city, corporal injury to a relationship partner, grand theft exceeding $950 and vandalism under $400 damage.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, as of Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 5:19 AM Austin had bonded out of custody.

Case No. 01-25-03128 | The People of the State of California v. Michael Lamont Ray, Jr.

Case No. 01-25-03129 | The People of the State of California v. Jimmy Mack Ray

The People of the State of California v. Ira Raheem Austin

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Walnut Creek man charged in double murder of his wife, mother-in-law

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Faces additional charges of making criminal threats of death and great bodily injury in 2024, preventing wife from calling police in 2023

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

Martinez, California – A 43-year-old Walnut Creek resident was charged by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office in a double murder.

Howard Wang was scheduled to be arraigned at 1:30 pm on September 23rd in Contra Costa Superior Court in Martinez for the murder of his wife Linlin Guo, and mother-in-law, Beimin Cheng. The murders occurred on September 18th, 2025, at the couple’s residence in Walnut Creek. The charges include special circumstances enhancements for multiple murders. If found guilty by a jury, Wang could be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Additional charges against Wang include making criminal threats of death and great bodily injury against Linlin Guo around August 31st, 2024, and preventing Linlin Guo from reporting a crime to law enforcement on January 7th, 2023.  As previously reported, the five-foot, 10-inch tall, 183-pound Wang was also arrested on Jan. 7, 2023, by Walnut Creek Police for battery on a spouse, cohabitant or former spouse, removing, destroying or damaging a wireless communication device to prevent summoning assistance or law enforcement.

Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton said, “This tragic case is a stark reminder of the devastating toll domestic violence takes — not only on the victims whose lives were lost, but on families and the community as a whole. Our office is committed to aggressively pursuing justice in this case.”

Case No. 01-25-03009 | The People of the State of California v. Howard Wang

See Howard Wang Charging Document

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa DA Becton issues statement on Antioch, Pittsburg police corruption cases

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On September 18th, 2025, a federal jury in Oakland, CA found a former Antioch police officer guilty of conspiracy against rights, marking another step toward accountability in a painful chapter for Antioch and Pittsburg. (See related article) (See related article)

This case is part of a broader investigation that began in 2021 into misconduct by several officers entrusted to protect the public, including actions that fall under the broad category of crimes involving moral turpitude.

When a law is broken—especially by those sworn to enforce it—it is not just a legal violation, but an offense against the entire community. That is why in every criminal case, the District Attorney represents The People of the State of California. The harm caused by these individuals was felt by the public at large, and it is our duty and responsibility to pursue justice on behalf of all those affected.

I am grateful to our federal partners, our state and local investigators, and prosecutors who worked tirelessly on these cases on behalf of the residents of Antioch and Pittsburg. Thanks to these combined efforts, both cities have begun to rebuild trust and take meaningful steps toward restoring integrity in their public institutions. These efforts are crucial to ensuring safer, more just communities for all. Our office remains firmly committed to that mission.

Diana Becton

District Attorney, Contra Costa County

West County: Contra Costa DA reaches settlement with C&H Sugar Company, Inc. for 2022 air emission violations

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Crockett-based company will pay $500K in penalties & costs

By Ted Asregadoo, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office

Martinez, California – Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton announced Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, a settlement with C&H Sugar Company Inc. for odor violations in 2022.

The emissions violations by C&H Sugar occurred on various dates between September 8th and October 14th, 2022, at a wastewater treatment plant the company jointly owns at Dowrelio Drive in the unincorporated community of Crockett.

Operational disruptions at the wastewater treatment plant generated excessive sewage odors that adversely affected Crockett residents. The problem was exacerbated by unusually high temperatures in the area during those periods.

Following an investigation by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), the case was referred to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for enforcement action.

“Working with BAAQMD during this process produced a compliance framework to help prevent future public nuisances,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “C&H Sugar was cooperative throughout the process and agreed to specific enhanced compliance measures.”

The judgment provides for $400,000 in civil penalties, $100,000 in costs and C&H Sugar will implement the following compliance measures: purchase and install a backup generator, replacement of existing diffuser heads in all three reactors, upgrade the “Blowers” including replacement or refurbishment of the motors, complete comprehensive internal audit of operations and establish 24-hour toll-free community hotline.

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office works closely with environmental regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with air quality standards and protect public health throughout the county.

Case No. C25-02616 | The People of the State of California v. C&H Sugar Company, Inc.