Hard Knock Radio opened with a sobering conversation about the death of 72 year old Brentwood resident Yolanda Ramirez after an encounter with police. Host Davey D spoke with KPFA’s Frank Sterling, civil rights attorney Melissa Nold, and family members Rich and Rudy. The family and their attorney allege that Ramirez suffered a head injury during a disputed detention and that crucial details were not shared with loved ones or hospital staff.
Sterling set the scene from East Contra Costa County, noting a long history of policing concerns in Antioch, Pittsburg, and Brentwood. He called Ramirez’s death preventable and urged Brentwood City Council to review body camera video and conduct an independent inquiry rather than accept a police narrative at face value.
Rich recounted the day of the incident. Ramirez went to help her brother with medical appointments after a dispute with her sister. Witnesses told the family a male officer forced Ramirez into a patrol car and her head struck the window. Rich said officers logged a resisting arrest code, yet never notified the family as Ramirez was transported to the hospital. She later underwent surgery for a brain bleed and died on October 3. Rudy, her husband of 54 years, described Ramirez as a loving caregiver and organ donor who devoted her days to grandchildren and church.
Attorney Melissa Nold said the family heard nothing official for weeks. She cited photos of handcuff injuries, new witnesses who contradict claims that Ramirez fled, and the absence of prompt witness interviews by police or the district attorney. Nold has filed a claim and arranged a second autopsy with help from Colin Kaepernick’s foundation.
Sterling called for public pressure at a special Brentwood City Council meeting, with a rally at 6 and public comment at the start of the 6:30 session, including a Zoom option. The family wants transparency, accountability, and the full truth about Yolanda Ramirez.
Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.