Jake Menez
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Articles by Jake Menez
Brentwood takes another stab at disputed downtown tattoo ordinance
The Brentwood City Council traded barbs during another discussion of downtown tattoo studios during their Oct. 13 meeting. While they ultimately voted 4-1 to allow tattoo studios to operate downtown, they elected to limit the number of studios to two and grandfathered in two studios that are already doing so. Vice Mayor Pa’tanisha Pierson was the dissenting vote.
Oakley launches public art pilot program for downtown
The city of Oakley is looking for artists to assist in the creation of new sculptures and art to be displayed along Main Street and inside City Hall as part of the city’s new public art pilot program.
City, state encourage residents to prepare for El Niño
With El Niño forecasted to arrive in the Bay Area in early October, state and local government agencies have begun to raise awareness and urge residents to be prepared. “We’ve all heard the warnings about the strong El Niño year,” the City of Oakley posted on social media on Sept.
El Campanil faces final curtain Nov. 30
Following the sale of Antioch’s El Campanil Theatre to Legendary Movements Church on Sept. 25, the El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation has been served with a 60-day notice terminating their tenancy at the venue. Their schedule of shows will continue through Nov. 30. The new owner of the 98-year-old venue is Legendary Movements Church, led by Antioch resident Pastor Eli Herrera, which operates out of Light the Bay Church at 1210 Stoneman Ave. in Pittsburg.
County animal services seek donations
Contra Costa Animal Services is seeking donations from residents for both their field service team and dog volunteers to help reduce stray intakes and help with canine enrichment respectively. Field service team “The runners are for situations where our officers encounter people who have dogs that spend time outside and have a history of escaping,” Burdo explained. “We’re always looking for ways to help our community and to decrease stray intake.
How to ensure safer driving this winter
While the idea of winterizing a vehicle brings to mind snow tires and chains ahead of a snowfall, it is just as important to prepare for winter driving in a place like East County that experiences frequent winter rain instead. There are a number of precautions drivers can take before getting on the road this winter.
‘The county is going to do what the county wants’: Planners find service center conflicts with Brentwood standards
The East County Service Center, a project being built on county-owned land on Technology Way in Brentwood, continues to draw ire from the city’s Planning Commission. It voted 4-1 during their Sept. 15 meeting to determine that the project does not conform to city standards in a number of ways. Commissioner Gerald Johnson dissented.
‘This conversation has gone on way too long’: Brentwood approves up to four tattoo studios downtown
Tattoo studios may soon be making their mark on downtown Brentwood following the Sept. 8 City Council meeting in which the council voted 3-2 to allow four body art studios to operate downtown with some stipulations. Mayor Susannah Meyer and Councilmember Jovita Mendoza were the dissenting votes. “This has never been about tattoo parlors, for me, as far as not being appropriate,” Meyer explained. Meyer had noted in previous discussions that she has tattoos.
Deal advances plan for Fire Station 90
Fire Station 90, the proposed fire station to be built on Lone Tree Way and Windy Springs Lane, may be moving ahead following a 5-0 decision from the Brentwood City Council to have staff look into the sale of a necessary parcel of land to the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District. Discussion of the topic took place during a closed session meeting of the City Council on Sept. 8, with City Attorney Thomas Lloyd Smith reporting the results of the discussion afterward.
Proposed Brentwood street improvements hit speed bump
“We’re happy with the way things are. Please leave us alone,” one Brentwood resident who lives on Lone Oak Road implored the City Council during their Aug. 25 meeting. They were discussing potential changes to the road. After hearing appeals from residents who live along the street, the council voted 5-0 to have staff take more time to look into ways to cut down on speeding and other traffic concerns that would not disrupt the residents’ life there.
‘A complete contempt for the city of Brentwood’
In what they referred to as a largely symbolic vote, the Brentwood Planning Commission voted 4-1 during their Aug. 18 meeting to direct city staff to look more closely at the ways the county-built East County Service Center does and does not align with the city’s General Plan. Commissioner Gerald Johnson was the dissenting vote. “We’re airing our grievances,” Chairperson Kristopher Brand said.
Absent city manager looms large over Brentwood City Council meeting
Although Brentwood City Manager G. Harold Duffey has not attended a city meeting since being placed on paid administrative leave in early June, his presence was felt during the Aug. 11 City Council meeting when a pay increase for his role was discussed as well as the potential establishment of a deputy city manager position. “We’re in a position right now of limbo,” Mayor Susannah Meyer said.
Brentwood discusses controversial Flock cameras
The Brentwood City Council voted 4-0 during their Aug. 11 meeting to have a future discussion about whether the city would allow private entities to install Flock cameras. The discussion was brought up by Councilmember Jovita Mendoza in response to news that the Homeowners Association (HOA) in the Shadow Lakes subdivision had installed a number of the cameras.
Local cities get look at district Nov. 3 election candidates
With local district elections on Nov. 3, residents of Brentwood, Oakley and Antioch may soon see fresh faces vying for roles on their respective City Councils. The nomination periods – and the extended nomination period in Brentwood’s case – have now closed, giving voters a peek at the candidates looking to potentially take roles in city leadership.
Brentwood officials trade barbs over tattoo shop
“Can we finish the discussion before you tell us how to vote?,” Councilmember Tony Oerlemans asked City Attorney Thomas Lloyd Smith during one of several pointed exchanges during the July 28 Brentwood City Council meeting. The topic causing friction was a discussion of whether or not to allow tattoo parlors in downtown Brentwood, which will be brought back to the council for further discussion later this year.
Brentwood hotel granted extension on design plans
A new hotel slated to come to Shady Willow Lane in Brentwood is getting a later check-in after the Planning Commission voted 4-0 to allow an 18-month extension on the project’s permits, which would have expired this summer. Commissioner Anita Roberts was absent from the meeting. The reason for the extension, according to city staff, was that the developer had faced challenges related to both the economy and the need to find a new civil engineer for the project.
Coroner’s Inquest rules Yolanda Ramirez death an accident
A Coroner’s Inquest jury ruled on July 15 that the death of Brentwood resident Yolanda Ramirez last year was an accident. Ramirez died in a local hospital on Oct. 3 after suffering a medical emergency while in police custody on Sept. 26. A Coroner’s Inquest is a public hearing overseen by the Contra Costa County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office.
BREAKING: Yolanda Ramirez cause of death ruled accidental
A Coroner's Inquest on July 15 ruled the death of Yolanda Ramirez of Brentwood to be "accidental." The inquest was held by Contra Costa County Sheriff-Coroner David Livingston and was requested by Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton at the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse in Martinez. The inquest follows the incident regarding the death of the Brentwood resident on Oct. 3, 2025. Ramirez died on Oct. 3 when she was removed from life support at a local hospital.
County seeks to limit helping ICE
The County Board of Supervisors is making progress on a measure that would limit county resources available to immigration authorities. At their July 7 meeting, the supervisors voted 4-1 to continue working with legal counsel on a potential policy or ordinance that will be brought before the board later. District 4 Supervisor Ken Carlson was the dissenting vote.
Banner Up! banners approved for display in downtown Brentwood
Downtown Brentwood will soon be decked out in celebration of the city’s agricultural heritage following the approval of this year’s Banner Up! submissions by the Arts Commission during their July 1 meeting. 2026 marks the 10th year of the Banner Up! program, put on by the nonprofit Art Guild of the Delta, as a way to “beautify” downtown Brentwood and City Park, according to city staff who presented the topic at the meeting.
Pittsburg looks to offer clarity regarding data center
The city of Pittsburg has launched a web page providing an overview of Pittsburg Technology Park, a planned technology district that will include a proposed data center approved 5-0 by the City Council in November 2024. This follows a press release sent out by the city on June 16 that acknowledged pushback the city has gotten from residents over the decision and promised “a workshop on development of data centers” to be held in the future.
Brentwood Council prioritizes community
The Brentwood City Council covered a wide range of topics during their June 23 meeting, with the common thread among them largely being about potential improvements coming to the community. Among the topics, they discussed progress on the Vineyards at Marsh Creek, new playground equipment at local parks and requested a future discussion to potentially ban data centers from being brought to the city.
Brentwood denies Emporium alcohol license
On the heels of a similar ruling made by the Brentwood City Council last week, the Planning Commission voted 5-0 to deny an alcohol sales license to Vinnie’s Emporium during their June 16 meeting. They cited its lack of adherence to the city’s Downtown Specific Plan. “The plan is there for a reason and I’m going to stand by the plan,” Commissioner Anita Roberts said during the discussion.
Brentwood City Manager placed on paid administrative leave
Following their special meeting on June 9, the Brentwood City Council announced that City Manager G. Harold Duffey will be placed on paid administrative leave in a 4-0 vote. Vice Mayor Pa'tanisha Pierson abstained from voting on the matter. Her reason for doing so was not disclosed. "I want to be clear that paid administrative leave is not a final determination of any matter," Mayor Susannah Meyer said in a statement following the closed session.
The Grove gets Council approval with one caveat
During their June 9 meeting, the Brentwood City Council praised The Grove, a proposed public market for downtown, as “amazing” during a unanimous approval of the project. However, the Council’s decision to approve it hinged on the decision to not include one particular type of alcohol permit for the space.
Brentwood Council reaches compromise on noise ordinance
The Brentwood City Council voted 5-0 during their May 26 meeting in favor of their recently proposed ordinance related to “unlawful or social nuisance gatherings.” The decision followed a discussion in which Vice Mayor Pa’tanisha Pierson pushed back against the use of “unruly” in the initial draft. It was the second reading of the ordinance, finalizing it after the previous discussion on May 12, during which they’d directed staff to draft the ordinance that was brought forward and discussed.
Brentwood planners shed light on their process
With no projects to discuss, the Brentwood Planning Commission used their May 19 meeting to touch base with city staff while also explaining to the public how the application review process works for most projects. “I thought people might see this and go, ‘Doesn’t the Planning Commission already know all this stuff,’” explained Vice Chairperson Rod Flohr, who had been the one to request the topic be discussed.
Brentwood cracks down
The Brentwood City Council used their May 12 meeting to reaffirm their stance on public safety, with the council unanimously voting to uphold the suspension of a tobacco license for a business that sold product to a minor while also voting 4-1 in favor of a “social nuisance” ordinance intended to fine those involved in loud or unruly gatherings. Vice Mayor Pa’tanisha Pierson was the dissenting vote in the latter discussion.
Hantavirus not a ‘pandemic-level’ threat
Following reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) that passengers on a cruise ship were afflicted with a respiratory illness known as hantavirus earlier this month, headlines from news organizations have reported on the ship and its passengers, some of whom died as a result of contracting the illness. As of early May, seven cases have been identified, including three deaths, one critically ill patient and three individuals reporting mild symptoms, according to the WHO.
World Health Organization says Hantavirus not a ‘pandemic-level’ threat
Following reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) that passengers on a cruise ship were afflicted with a respiratory illness known as hantavirus earlier this month, headlines from news organizations have reported on the ship and its passengers, some of whom died as a result of contracting the illness. As of early May, seven cases have been identified, including three deaths, one critically ill patient and three individuals reporting mild symptoms, according to the WHO.
Brentwood cracks down on underage tobacco sales and loud gatherings
The Brentwood City Council used their May 12 meeting to reaffirm their stance on public safety, with the council unanimously voting to uphold the suspension of a tobacco license for a business that sold product to a minor while also voting 4-1 in favor of a “social nuisance” ordinance intended to fine those involved in loud or unruly gatherings. Vice Mayor Pa’tanisha Pierson was the dissenting vote in the latter discussion.
Coroner’s Inquest in Ramirez case set for July 15
Contra Costa County Sheriff-Coroner David Livingston will hold an inquest into the death of Yolanda Ramirez, 72, of Brentwood on July 15. The inquest is being held at the request on April 17 by Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton. This incident occurred on Oct. 3, 2025, in Contra Costa County. The proceedings will take place at 9 a.m. at the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse at 725 Court St. in Martinez. The exact department will be determined.
'This is like a heart transplant for Brentwood'
The Brentwood Planning Commission voted 5-0 during their May 5 meeting to approve designs and permits for The Grove at Brentwood, a proposed public market to be built downtown on the corner of Oak Street and Walnut Boulevard. The City Council has 10 days from approval of the project to determine if it needs further review. The council meets next on May 12.
County fair celebrates 90 years
With the Contra Costa County Fair returning to the Antioch Fairgrounds on May 14 to celebrate its 90th year, organizers didn’t want to settle for more of the same. Instead, this year promises to be bigger than ever, offering both old and new attractions that celebrate the fair’s history while pushing it forward to new heights. The fair opens at noon on Thursday, May 14 at the Antioch Fairgrounds at 1201 W.
District Attorney agrees to Coroner’s Inquest
Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton has requested a Coroner’s Inquest as part of the ongoing investigation into the death of Brentwood resident Yolanda Ramirez last October. A date has not been finalized for the inquest, according to the family’s attorney. “I was able to confirm there is no queue of coroner cases ahead of hers because they haven’t done a single inquest since it stopped being mandatory in the beginning of last year,” attorney Melissa Nold said.
Public market considered for Brentwood
The Brentwood Planning Commission is slated to hear a proposal for a new public market downtown on May 5, and the developer is encouraging the community to show their support for the project at the meeting. “This project hit me like a lightning bolt,” developer Matt Hagar said about the proposed project, The Grove at Brentwood. “I spend a lot of time downtown — I go out to dinner just like everybody else and I’ve seen it grow over the last several years.
Brentwood planners tighten alcohol regulations
The Brentwood Planning Commission voted 4-0 at their April 21 meeting to recommend that the City Council adopt changes to the Municipal Code related to permitted alcohol sales based on proximity to residences and schools. Commissioner Anita Roberts was absent. “I think there’s a good plan; I think it’s reasonable,” Commissioner Gerald Johnson said of the proposed limits.
County breaks ground on Brentwood service center
County representatives are touting the benefits of a new East County Service Center in the future, but Brentwood officials are not so convinced. Representatives from the County’s District 3 and from cities in the district gathered in the vacant lot on Technology Way in Brentwood for a groundbreaking ceremony on March 31 intended to kick off construction of the Service Center.
Brentwood planners talk housing standards
The Brentwood Planning Commission voted 5-0 during their March 17 meeting to recommend the City Council approve a series of changes to the city’s design standards for housing. These changes would bring the city into compliance with new state mandates on housing. To comply with state laws, the city needed to determine a set of Objective Design Standards that apply to homes being built in Brentwood, according to the meeting agenda packet.
Brentwood wants to celebrate its roots
The term “seed money” took on a new meaning during the March 10 meeting of the Brentwood City Council when voted 5-0 to help pay for efforts by local nonprofits to market the area as a significant agricultural tourism destination. “This is not simply about marketing,” Harvest Time President Jessica Enos told the Council.
Police release Ramirez body camera footage
Following the Feb. 27 release of body camera footage and 911 audio from the Sept. 26 encounter between Brentwood police and Yolanda Ramirez, her family is continuing with demands for a Coroner’s Inquest. “It’s exactly what all the witnesses told us,” civil rights attorney Melissa Nold said of the footage from the Sept. 26 interaction. “We were able to see all the different components. She was down on the ground on her knees. She struck her head multiple times.
Brentwood’s annual Day of Service on April 18
The city of Brentwood is looking for nonprofits to partner with on potential community projects for the city to tackle on its annual Day of service, which is scheduled for April 18. Registration for nonprofits is open, but will close on March 16, according to Amanda Chaney, the staff lead on the event. Chaney said that there is not a specific type of project with which nonprofits can help.
Brentwood appoints interim City Attorney
The Brentwood City Council appointed Thomas Lloyd Smith of Redwood Public Law to take on the role of interim city attorney beginning on March 6 following the announcement last month that City Attorney Katherine Wisinski would be leaving her role for a position in Pleasanton. During the discussion at the Feb. 24 meeting of the City Council, Smith requested that his time overlap with Wisinski’s for roughly a week in order to help him get up to speed on the city’s affairs.
Food delivery robots may come to Brentwood
Fast food may take on a new meaning in Brentwood as food delivery company DoorDash pushes to use the city as one of the early adopters of its autonomous delivery robots. However, skepticism from members of the City Council may stop them in their tracks.
Brentwood invests in local events, tourism
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Independent autopsy in Yolanda Ramirez case calls death a homicide
A second, independent autopsy performed on Yolanda Ramirez at the request of her family has yielded results declaring her cause of death to be homicide “as a consequence of police restraint.” The report has been sent to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, according to the family’s attorney.
Brentwood in ‘tug-of-war with the state’
Brentwood’s housing laws are changing again as a new year means new state laws with which the city must comply. The Planning Commission voted 4-0 on Jan. 20 to amend the part of the Municipal Code related to accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units, despite their dissatisfaction.
Brentwood gets first look at 2nd new fire station
The Brentwood City Council received an update on Station 90, the fire station to be built in Brentwood on Lone Tree Way and Windy Springs Lane, from the Contra Costa Fire Protection District at its Jan. 13 meeting. The update included an artist’s rendering of a proposed design. Members of the city council were not enthusiastic about the aesthetics.
Brentwood city attorney to make move to Pleasanton
Brentwood City Attorney Katherine Wisinski informed city staff this week that she is resigning from her role, tentatively effective March 7, in order to pursue a role as assistant city attorney for the city of Pleasanton. According to an email Wisinski shared with staff, she had applied for the role several months ago and was notified this week that the background process had concluded.
Brentwood will release body camera footage in fatal incident by Feb. 28
Following a closed session meeting of the Brentwood City Council on Jan. 6, Mayor Susannah Meyer spoke publicly to tell residents that police body camera footage from a Sept. 26 encounter with Brentwood resident Yolanda Ramirez will be released to Ramirez’s family and then the public by Feb. 28. Ramirez suffered a medical emergency in custody and was released, where she died in a local hospital on Oct. 3.
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