On this episode, I chat with Ken Turnage regarding the “bully boss” accusations within the Antioch Unified School District. With a third-party investigator agreeing with District findings, Turnage is now willing to speak on what had actually transpired. Turnage shares his thoughts on the bond, the work environment, and changes within the department…

On this episode, I chat with Amy Tilley, executive director at the Downtown Brentwood Coalition. She provides an update on latest happenings downtown, upcoming events, new businesses and what the coalition is up to. We also reminisce over what it was like just a few years ago and compare it to today which includes a lot of teamwork and collaboratio…

On this episode, I chat with Julie Craft of Very Mulberry Farm in Brentwood. If weather holds up, the 90-acre Very Mulberry farm U-Pick kicks off May 1 at 501 Hoffman Lane, Brentwood CA. Craft shares what is new for the 2024 season, how technology is helping them grow and how they are now having Mulberry’s placed in local retail stores. Also, due t…

On this episode, I chat with Sonia Ledo, candidate for State Assembly District 15. She is female and a Latina, supports the 4th of July, and who offers a fresh perspective on a variety of issues from accountability with the State budget, homelessness, crime, senior and youth services, and simply using common sense for solutions versus creating unin…

On this episode, I chat with Bryan and Michele of Serendipity Cellars give an update on the winery, share some stories of how they got into the industry, a rundown of upcoming events... then the fun happens as we get into the shenanigans of Bryan, a tale of sangria, and fun things over the year--nope, not giving much away, you have to listen. Upcom…

On this episode, a chat with Kevin and Tawnya Erickson on the creation of East County Living and the goal to highlight local business, help with marketing. However, with good intentions, it went sideways and we talks about a variety of things, some silly and with a local feel. We get into hangovers, local events, wine, ContraCosta.news and much mor…

On this episode, we talk Salsa with Norma Muhlenbruch, owner of Norma’s Wicked Salsas. She shares her journey from a single jar to launching a business selling close to 350 jars a week. She highlights the salsa idea came from her weight loss journey of wanting some flavor in her diet to keep her on track. We also get into the impacts of inflation, …

On this episode, I chat with Ryan Maltbie of BBQGrills.com. He shares his journey from $600 in his bank account to now being ranked No. 91 on the 2024 Inc. Regionals: Pacific list of the fastest-growing private companies in America! We get into how he started the e-commerce company and the need to tackle fear and take risks. However, its not like h…

On this episode, I chat with Tamara Steiner of The Clayton Pioneer on what in the world is going on with the City of Clayton which has become a total clown show. A city manager has left, other staff not far behind, they sabotaged the Clayton Business & Community Association, and refuse to place some items on the agenda. We also get into the trollin…

On this episode, Mary Knox, a longtime prosecutor with the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office joins me to talk domestic violence. Knox shares some insights on domestic violence and what is needed to move forward in cases. In Contra Costa County, there have been several fatal incidents recently related to domestic violence. She shares why victi…

On this episode, I am joined by Hanna Malak, Regional Chief Executive Officer of the organization's Northern California Coastal Region, American Red Cross. I am also joined by Brian Oftedal who serves on the Advisory Fire Commission for Contra Costa County Fire Protection District. We talk about the importance of giving blood, their smoke alarm pro…

On this episode, former Antioch City Manager and mayoral candidate Ron Bernal talks about his campaign and his vision for the city. His motto is change begins today and government people can trust by unifying the city, the people and the area. Bernal shares crime is by far the number one topic and needs to be addressed. He also shares the need to h…

On this episode, Allen Payton of the Contra Costa Herald joins me to discuss the California Primary Elections, specifically those impacting the residents of Contra Costa County. After Tuesdays results, Antioch City Councilmember Mike Barbanica will square off against Pittsburg City Councilmember Shanelle Scales-Preston for County Board of Superviso…

On this episode, I chat with San Ramon City Councilmember Marisol Rubio who is running for State Senate District 9. Rubio has a nice background which led her to where she is today in advocating for under-served communities, seniors, those with disabilities and in the healthcare industry. With her science background, she highlights how she takes a p…

On this episode, I chat with Pittsburg City Councilmember Shanelle Scales-Preston who is running for Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors for District 5. She has worked in congress since 2021 with former Congressman George Miller and now Mark DeSaulnier. She also was elected to the Pittsburg City Council in 2018. In this episode, we touch on he…

On this episode, I chat with Christopher Cabaldon on running for State Senate District 3, a seat currently held by Bill Dodd who terms out. Cabaldon is 22-year mayor for West Sacramento and is an advocate for the Delta. He also served as Vice Chancellor of the California Community Colleges. We talk education, insurance, mental health, Prop 4, gun s…

On this episode, a chat with Walnut Creek City Councilmember Kevin Wilk who was subjected Tuesday night to an antisemitic rant with a man attacking Jews and stating “white power” during public comments. While at the microphone, his shirt was exposing a swastika. We get into several other incidents which Walnut Creek has had occur, along with neighb…

On this episode, I chat with Sarah Christine of California Gleamin in downtown Brentwood who started off as a Mobile Wellness Spa & Boutique and has officially expanded into two locations. After launching in 2020, Sarah shares how she expanded to offer a variety of health and wellness services with a atmosphere of vintage nostalgia—services include…

On this episode, I chat with Wanda Wallis who is running for California State Assembly in District 11. Wallis is a realtor who has had enough in the direction California is heading and wants to bring it back closer to the middle. We talk crime and Proposition 47 (Prop 47), education, bringing conversations back to the kitchen table with family valu…

On this episode, I talk Boondoggies! I chat with Vivian Treff about her journey from waitress to Queen of the Ween with launching a hot dog cart to finally a restaurant in downtown Brentwood. The business is now for sale as her family is moving to Texas, however, we relive her challenges, her successes to wanting to give back to the community. She …

On this episode, I chat with former Contra Costa County Board of Supervisor Karen Mitchoff who is running for California State Assembly in District 15. We talk about a variety of issues from Proposition 47, public safety and the overcorrections in Sacramento. We jump into homelessness and housing with the insane amount of money spent, senior servic…

On this episode, I chat with Antioch City Councilmember Mike Barbanica who is running for Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors for District 5. Being a former police officer, we talk public safety, blight, homelessness and the need to have data and metrics available to see if what we are spending money on is working. We touch on some items withi…

On this episode of the Contra Costa News Podcast, I chat with Jelani Killings. He is a Pittsburg City Councilmember (former Mayor) running for Contra Costa County Board of Supervisor in District 5, currently held by Federal Glover. We talk a variety of issues from government accountability, public safety, economic development to homeless and mental…

On this episode, I chat with Dirk Zeigler of Zeigler insurance who shares his thoughts on why California insurance rates of home, auto and other types of insurance will skyrocket. Insurance is supposed to be boring until you need it, but not anymore with rate increases, laws and other shenanigans that is going to hit everyone's wallets due to the m…

On this episode, I chat with Sean McCauley, a entrepreneur and a real estate redevelopment developer on a variety of issues facing East Contra Costa County. From dealing with politicians in an election year, negativity on social media, to updates in downtown Antioch, the Delta Cinemas Movie Theater in Brentwood to a status update with Deer Ridge Cl…

On this episode, I speak with BrieAnna of The Speakeasy Baking Co about her experience on the Food Networks Christmas Cookie Challenge – “A Very Country Christmas”. We talk about how she got into baking, why cookies cost so much and plenty more. Christmas Cookie Challenge - Thursday, December 14th at 9pm ET/PT on Food Network “A Very Country Christ…

On this episode, I chat with Oleksii Chuiko and his vision with the newly re-launched Oakley Chamber of Commerce which returns after a 2-year hiatus. This vision includes not being a “tired” and your traditional fathers chamber of commerce, but something new and helpful. The chamber of commerce previously ceased operation in May 2020 due to low mem…

On this episode of Contra Costa News, you ever get the feeling you are getting bad real estate advice such as date the rate and marry the house? Or it always seems like the best time to buy? I sit down with husband and wife team Nate and Tracy Nelson to dispel this bad real estate advice. What is going on with real estate in Contra Costa County. Im…

On this episode, I join Ken Turnage for one last time as we get closure on the WTF California Podcast and explain what happened. For old time sake, we talk about a few items rubbing us the wrong way locally and in the state. The new podcast will be launching in November. Thanks again for all the memories and support. For more information, www.contr…