Contra Costa Herald

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

Vasco Road Safety Improvements Project construction continues through Nov. 21

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Source: CCC Public Works

Walnut Boulevard to Frisk Creek Bridge

By Kelly Kalfsbeek, Community & Media Relations Coordinator, PIO, Contra Costa County Public Works Department

November 6, 2025, Byron, CA- The Contra Costa County Public Works Department is continuing construction on the Vasco Road Safety Improvements Project – Walnut Boulevard to Frisk Creek Bridge. Work will continue through Friday, November 21, 2025, barring unforeseen circumstances and weather permitting. Message boards will alert drivers about the work. Drivers should expect delays of up to 10 minutes through the construction zone and consider alternative routes during working hours.

The work will occur in multiple phases:

Phase 1 (continuing through Friday, November 14) work will occur between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday (excluding holidays) and consists of centerline rumble strip installation, centerline striping, and channelizer placement.

Phase 2 (Wednesday, November 19, through Friday, November 21) work will occur Wednesday through Friday nights, starting at 8:00 p.m. and lasting until 5:00 a.m. the following morning. The work includes improvements to the traffic signal lights for increased visibility at the intersections of Vasco Road and Walnut Boulevard, and Vasco Road and Camino Diablo.

Additional work on the signals may occur during the day, with minimal to no impacts to traffic expected.

Funding for this project is provided by State Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) funds and Local Road Funds.  For more information, visit: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/9962/Vasco-Road-Safety-Improvements-Project–.

For Construction Status contact at Carlos Melendez (510) 385-0506.

About Contra Costa County Public Works Department:

Contra Costa County Public Works Department (CCCPWD) maintains over 660 miles of roads, 150 miles of streams, channels, and other drainage, and over 150 County buildings throughout Contra Costa County. CCCPWD provides services such as Parks and Recreation, Sandbag Distribution, and Flood Control throughout unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County.  CCCPWD operates two airports, Buchanan Field Airport in Concord and Byron Airport in Byron. For more information about CCCPWD, please visit us at: www.cccpublicworks.org.

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.

45-year-old felon arrested for Brentwood business burglary

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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.

Bay Point homicide victim identified as husband of suspect

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Victim Brian Utt from a post on his Facebook page May 20, 2025, and his suspect wife Libelyn Taculod “Jingjing” Utt from a post on her Facebook page Sept. 22, 2017.

64-year-old Brian Lee Utt stabbed to death by wife known as Jingjing Utt

By Allen D. Payton

According to Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs for the Contra Costa Sheriff-Coroner, thev victim in the stabbing death on Thursday morning, Oct. 23, 2025, was identified as “Brian Lee Utt, 64 years old, out of Bay Point.”

As previously reported, t 11:26 a.m. that day, Muir Station deputy sheriffs were dispatched to a medical-police call at a residence on Solano Court in Bay Point.

Deputies entered the home finding a man bleeding from stab wounds. They provided first aid until the fire department and an ambulance arrived on scene. The man was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

The suspect, believed to be the victim’s wife, was arrested at the scene and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility. She is identified as 57-year-old Libelyn Taculod Utt of Bay Point. She was booked on a murder charge and is being held without bail.

According to a member of Golden Hills Community Church in Brentwood, the Utts attended the church and Mr. Utt helped lead a men’s Bible Study there and Libelyn’s nickname is Jingjing.

Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Antioch woman arrested in Brentwood for illegal gun, large quantity of drugs

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Un-serialized loaded gun found near the suspect’s vehicle and seized during arrest. Photo: Brentwood PD

43-year-old Veronica Angelica-Maria Greenhouse held on $100,000 bail; celebrating her birthday in jail

By Brentwood Police Department

On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, Brentwood officers were dispatched to the 5900 block of Lone Tree Way in response to a report of a suspicious circumstance. The reporting party stated they heard gunshots in a commercial parking lot and associated the sounds with a parked vehicle.

Upon arrival, officers detained three subjects near the vehicle in question. During the investigation, officers located an un-serialized loaded firearm and a spent casing near the vehicle. A large quantity of drugs and paraphernalia commonly associated with narcotics sales were also found.

43-year-old Veronica Angelica-Maria Greenhouse of Antioch (born 10/28/82) was arrested for multiple firearm-related offenses, including being a felon in possession of a firearm, as well as possession of narcotics for sale. She was transported to the Martinez Detention Facility.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot tall, 125-pound Greenhouse is Hispanic, is being held in the West County Detention Facility on $100,000 bail. Her next court appearance is scheduled for Superior Court in Martinez on Nov. 5, 2025, at 8:30 a.m.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Los Medanos College to lead East County Nonprofit Capacity Building initiative

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Photo: LMC

By Juliet V. Casey Director of Marketing, Los Medanos College

PITTSBURG, Calif. – Contra Costa County selected Los Medanos College (LMC) to lead a $1 million initiative aimed at strengthening the nonprofit sector in East Contra Costa County. The East County Nonprofit Capacity Building Program, approved by the Contra Costa Community College District Board of Trustees this month, aims to develop future nonprofit leaders and to expand organizational effectiveness across the region.

The initiative will serve communities including Bay Point, Pittsburg, Antioch, Oakley, Brentwood, Byron, Discovery Bay, Knightsen and Bethel Island. LMC was chosen for its proven ability to deliver high-quality education and workforce development programs tailored to community needs.

LMC President Pamela Ralson said the college is eager to move forward, having worked over the past year to create more learning opportunities to support nonprofits. The next step will be to establish the educational programming for the initiative, which runs through Oct. 31, 2028.

Ralston recognized local leaders for their foresight in supporting the initiative.

“County Supervisors, and Supervisors Diane Burgis and Shanelle Scales-Preston in particular, see the value of developing and training future leaders across the nonprofit landscape in our area,” she said. “LMC is proud to be a partner in that effort.”

Contra Costa County Supervisor Diane Burgis said she is grateful for all the community partners who collaborated on the initiative.

“My goal is for this to help train the current and next generation of nonprofit leaders in East County and help all small- and medium-sized nonprofits succeed,” she said.

The initiative features:

  • Educational programming: Fee-based seminars and free workshops on nonprofit management, plus academic courses that stack toward certificates and degrees.
  • Mini-grants: Funding for paid internships and capacity-building projects, with priority given to organizations serving low- to moderate-income and historically underserved communities.
  • Leadership development: A cohort program for mid- to senior-level nonprofit staff, offering executive skills, mentorship, and peer networking.
  • Nonprofit Resource Hub: A collaborative space for nonprofit entrepreneurship and shared learning.

“Building capacity among East Contra Costa County nonprofits is not simply a ‘good idea,’ it is necessary for ensuring sustainability and a steady flow of services to our most in-need constituents those nonprofits serve,” Contra Costa County Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston said. “We could not think of a more appropriate strategic partner than Los Medanos College to work collaboratively in this endeavor.”

LMC will subcontract with the Antioch Chamber of Commerce Foundation to manage the project, including hiring a dedicated project manager and convening an advisory group of nonprofit leaders and curriculum experts. The chamber has long advocated for local businesses and nonprofit organizations, which unlike other businesses are not aiming to make a profit, rather they use money for the public good, said Jim Becker, incoming board chair for the Antioch Chamber of Commerce.

“Nonprofits make up 20% of the local economy, and they run just like other businesses. They need HR, financial and legal compliance,” he said. “It’s really exciting to partner with LMC to provide greater and broader access to nonprofit business education.”

About Los Medanos College (LMC): LMC is one of three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District serving the East Contra Costa County community. Established in 1974, LMC has earned federal designations as a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving institution. It offers award-winning transfer and career-technical programs, support services, and diverse academic opportunities in an inclusive learning environment. With exceptional educators, innovative curriculum, growing degree and certificate offerings, and state-of-the-art facilities, the college prepares students to succeed in their educational pursuits, in the workforce, and beyond. LMC’s Pittsburg Campus is located on 120 acres bordering Antioch, with an additional education center in Brentwood. For more information visit www.losmedanos.edu.

 

4 arrested for illegal drug manufacturing, distribution operation in Pittsburg

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A Con Fire hazmat team leaves the house where the operation was located. Bags of counterfeit prescription pills and a mask were confiscated. Video screenshots by Pittsburg PD

Each held on $2 million bail; Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies and helicopter, Antioch PD, Con Fire hazmat team assist

By Pittsburg Police Department

On Saturday afternoon, Oct. 18, 2025, our SIU (Special Investigations Unit) detectives, along with patrol officers, served a search warrant at a Pittsburg residence connected to an illegal narcotics manufacturing and distribution operation. While those involved may have imagined themselves as criminal masterminds, the reality was far less impressive—and now their operation has been shut down.

Four suspects were detained and later booked on multiple felony charges, including conspiracy, sales and manufacturing of controlled substances. Their criminal enterprise has been dismantled.

We want to extend our sincere appreciation to STARR1, our partners at the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office and Antioch Police Department, and to Contra Costa Fire’s hazmat team for ensuring the safety of both our officers and the surrounding community throughout the operation.

Personnel from multiple agencies assisted in the effort.

Most importantly, SIU detectives seized more than 100,000 counterfeit prescription pills—approximately 70 pounds—many of which likely contained fentanyl, methamphetamine, or other dangerous substances. These pills were intended for distribution on our streets, and their removal undoubtedly prevented potential overdoses, injuries, and deaths in our community.

Tuesday morning, Oct. 21, 2025, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed charges on all four individuals, with bail set at over $2 million each.

 

Woman arrested for stabbing man to death in Bay Point home

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Believed to be her husband; 57-year-old Libelyn Utt held on no bail

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

Thursday morning, October 23, 2025, at about 11:26, Muir Station deputy sheriffs were dispatched to a medical-police call at a residence on Solano Court in Bay Point.

Deputies entered the home finding a man bleeding from stab wounds. They provided first aid until the fire department and an ambulance arrived on scene. The man was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

The suspect, believed to be the victim’s wife, was arrested at the scene and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility. She is identified as 57-year-old Libelyn Taculod Utt of Bay Point (born 8/7/68). She was booked on a murder charge and is being held without bail.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, she is five-feet and one-inch tall, 115-pounds, with brown eyes and black hair, and is Asian-Pacific Islander.

Detectives from the Homicide Unit are continuing the investigation. There are no outstanding suspects and no threat to the public. Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

CA State Superintendent celebrates rising test scores at Pittsburg Unified, effectiveness of Community Schools Model 

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State Superintendent Tony Thurmond visited Pittsburg Unified School District on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025. Photo: CA Dept of Education

4.6% improvement in English Language Arts, 1.5% in math, 2.9% in science since last year

By California Department of Education

Pittsburg, CA—State Superintendent Tony Thurmond visited Pittsburg Unified School District (PUSD) today to visit with high school students before joining Assemblymember Anamarie Ávila Farías, Contra Costa County Board of Education Trustee Yazmin Llamas, PUSD Superintendent Dr, Janet Schulze, PUSD Board President Heliodoro Moreno, PUSD Board of Education members, educators, staff and students at a special press event to celebrate the district’s impressive gains in literacy, math, and science assessment scores following their adoption of the community schools model.

Statewide assessment results show that the number of PUSD students who met or exceeded standard in English Language Arts (ELA) increased by 4.6 percent since last year, while the rate of students who met or exceeded standard rose by 1.5 percent in math and 2.9 percent in science. In addition, students’ average scale score increased in every grade level and nearly every student demographic group for ELA and math.

“I commend the hard work of the educators and students in Pittsburg Unified, and I’m proud to have led a reinvestment in public education across the state,” Superintendent Thurmond said. “I have been a longtime advocate for community schools because they break down barriers that limit student and family access to needed services and resources, ensuring the school site itself becomes a community hub to meet families’ needs and deepens relationships between the campus and the community. When our schools address the needs of the whole child, we see outcomes like those in Pittsburg Unified.”

Pittsburg Unified has accelerated student achievement by maximizing their use of statewide resources, including the California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP), which has seen a total investment of $4.1 billion since its launch in 2021.

A community school is a “whole-child” school improvement strategy where the district and school work closely with teachers, students, families and partners. It builds partnerships between public schools and community organizations to provide resources, such as mental health services or family outreach such as home visits and home-school collaboration, that engage families and serve the whole child. Thurmond has championed community schools for almost 20 years, first as a school board member in West Contra Costa, where he authored the resolution that made the entire district a full-service community schools district, and then as a California Assemblymember, where he supported community schools legislation. As State Superintendent, Thurmond has led the largest community schools implementation in the nation with more than a 1,000 community schools sites across California.

Superintendent Schulze credits the test score increases to the hard work of the teachers and staff of Pittsburg Unified and their approach to teaching and learning, continuous improvement, and the needs of the whole child. PUSD is a full-service community schools district thanks to funding from the California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP). Targeted tutoring support for students has also proved impactful, benefitted by funding from the California Extended Learning and Opportunities Program (ELOP).

“Thank you to the State Superintendent for this beautiful recognition of everyone’s hard work,” said Superintendent Schulze. “These gains across multiple areas indicate positive change across our whole system. This is due to the structures, systems and strategies we have collaboratively put in place that allow our scholars’ brilliance to shine.”

PUSD’s progress comes after significant investments in K–12 public education championed and secured by Superintendent Thurmond, which have accelerated learning, including $7.9 billion for the Learning Recovery Emergency Block Grant, an additional $215 million to expand the existing Literacy Coaches and Reading Specialists Grant Program, and $200 million to support professional learning for elementary school educators.

Today’s school visit and press event follows the release of statewide literacy and math assessment scores earlier this month. Watch a recording of the press conference on the CDE Facebook page. More information about the Community Schools Model can be found on the California Department of Education’s website.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Oakland Assistant City Administrator selected as next Brentwood City Manager

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Photo: LinkedIn

Council to vote on appointment of G. Harold Duffey on Oct. 28

By Melissa Ballesteros, Executive Assistant, Brentwood City Manager’s Office / City Council Office

BRENTWOOD, CA — Mayor Susannah Meyer today announced the selection of G. Harold Duffey for consideration as the next City Manager for the City of Brentwood. In this role, Mr. Duffey would lead Brentwood’s executive team and staff in advancing the City Council’s vision to honor Brentwood’s heritage while maintaining and enhancing the community’s exceptional quality of life. The proposed employment agreement for Mr. Duffey is scheduled for City Council consideration on October 28, 2025.

“We are very pleased to announce the anticipated appointment of Harold to lead our executive team,” said Meyer. “After a national search conducted by Peckham & McKenney, and a comprehensive background review, the Council selected Mr. Duffey to move forward in the process. His deep experience in budgeting, economic development, capital improvements, solid waste and emergency operations will support strong collaboration and trust. His commitment to mentoring staff aligns with Brentwood’s goal of fostering meaningful public service careers.”

With more than 30 years in California local government, Mr. Duffey has served in leadership roles in cities and counties—most recently as Assistant City Administrator in Oakland—and previously as City Manager in Grand Terrace, Compton and Oroville.

“I’m honored and excited to join the City of Brentwood,” said Duffey. “As a professional city manager, my role is to provide policy makers with the leadership and expertise necessary to advance, maintain, and expand the quality of life for our residents, local businesses, and stakeholders. I take seriously the responsibility of serving both the community and its employees—the City’s most valuable asset.”

Mr. Duffey holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Redlands and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from UC San Bernardino.

According to Duffey’s LinkedIn profile, he previously worked as the City of Oakland’s Director of Public Works and in the Yolo County Planning and Public Works Department. He has experience, “Leading organizations with over 300 employees and $170,000,000.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.