Assemblymember Anamarie Ávila Farías, whose 15th Assembly District includes Walnut Creek, called on Monday, July 27, for stronger law enforcement training standards in the wake of a coroner's jury ruling that 72-year-old Yolanda Ramirez's death after a Brentwood police arrest was accidental.
In a written statement, Ávila Farías (D-Martinez) pledged to work with legislative colleagues to review and strengthen peace officer training in de-escalation, crisis intervention, and interactions with vulnerable community members, including people with medical conditions, disabilities, and age-related vulnerabilities.
She said everyone should feel safe when they call 911, particularly during a family or domestic crisis, and that law enforcement officers need the training, resources, and tools to de-escalate conflicts and prioritize the preservation of life.
No specific bill has been introduced.
Ávila Farías did not name a timeline for legislation.
What happened to Yolanda Ramirez
Ramirez, a 72-year-old Brentwood resident, was placed under citizen's arrest at the request of a family member on Friday, September 26, 2025. Police bodycam footage showed Brentwood Police officers forcing Ramirez into handcuffs and into the back of a patrol vehicle, where she appeared to experience a medical emergency, according to CBS News reporting.
She was taken to a hospital and died seven days later on Friday, October 3, 2025.
The Contra Costa County coroner's office initially ruled the death natural. A second independent autopsy, requested by the Ramirez family, determined the cause of death was homicide, citing multiple blunt-force injuries to her head and torso and asphyxiation caused by police restraint.
The inquest ruling
On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, a coroner's jury at the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse in Martinez ruled the manner of death an accident. Sheriff-Coroner David O. Livingston announced the finding that day.
The City of Brentwood issued a statement on Thursday, July 16, saying both the city and its police department would continue to cooperate with the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office. The DA's office has not publicly announced a charging determination in the case.
Local implications
Ávila Farías represents a district that includes Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Antioch, Brentwood, and several other Contra Costa County communities. Any legislation she introduces on peace officer training standards could affect training requirements for the Walnut Creek Police Department and the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office.
Her office said it would continue to monitor the case and encouraged all involved parties to work toward what she called "a thorough and transparent resolution."
Residents with information about the case can contact the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office at (925) 957-2200.
