Seven lives were lost in the Esparto explosion tragedy—seven families are left grieving, and an entire community is still waiting for answers. This deadly incident took place at an illegal fireworks facility, operating on property owned and lived on by a current Yolo County Sheriff’s lieutenant and his wife, a Yolo Sheriff's administrative secretary. The adjacent property, also damaged in the fire, belongs to their sister (and sister-in-law), who is an active deputy in the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office.

Part of this illegal operation was run by a local volunteer firefighter—someone entrusted with public safety—while multiple officials, including those responsible for permits, safety inspections, and emergency response, either looked the other way or failed to act. Deputies were instructed to “stay away” from the facility, despite its dangerous and illegal operations.

Despite the scale of this tragedy, there has been no direct communication from local officials to the families or residents. All updates have come through the media. The California Attorney General declined to intervene, and the Yolo County District Attorney has publicly stated he does not want the case. The ATF is assisting with technical review, but not with oversight or independence.

We demand:

• Immediate intervention by the Department of Justice for federal oversight and a fully independent investigation with no prior ties to Yolo County officials or agencies
• Full public transparency and regular, direct communication with the families and impacted residents
• Complete release of all relevant records and findings

This is not just about seven lives lost—this is about a community that deserves truth, dignity, and accountability. Ongoing corruption and self-protection in Yolo County must be checked and addressed.

Yolo County residents have a right to honest answers and real justice. If you believe in integrity, transparency, and respect for the victims and their families, please sign and share this petition.

We remember:

• Angel Voller
• Jesus Ramos
• Jhony Ramos
• Joel “Junior” Melendez
• Carlos Javier Rodriguez
• Christopher Bocog
• Neil Li

Every signature is a demand for truth, transparency, and accountability—for the families, the victims, and for ending corruption in Yolo County.