Contra Costa News

73: Hunter Hammett Talks Racing and Bounty

On this episode of Be Curious Contra Costa, a chat with Hunter Hammett after a bounty has been placed on him after he has won three consecutive speed races (Antioch & Petaluma). The bounty race is set for May 30, 2026.
Hunter is only 19 but racing is starting to click for him in his second “official season”. Hammett, began racing three years ago on the dirt track in Antioch where he has won his last two races, followed by a win in Petaluma. This prompted James Thomson to place a bounty on Hammett which was at $400 and has since grown to $700 + race winnings. Hammett talks about getting into racing, but also about what its really like on the dirt track, the comradery of the drivers, and the atmosphere they are trying to create at the local speedway.
Instagram: hammettracing55h
Antioch Speedway Website: https://www.raceantiochspeedway.com/

72: Vince Robb, Candidate for Contra Costa County Assessor

On this episode, a chat with Vince Robb, candidate for Contra Costa County Assessor.
So what does the assessor even do?
They determine the taxable values of all real estate and business personal property, produce the assessment roll by July 1 and manage ownership records, process property tax exemptions and calculate changes to supplemental assessments due to construction or sales.
Vince has served as assistant county assessor for the past 2.5 years while receiving a 99% accuracy rate. In the episode, we get into how he is different than Gus Kramer, what he has learned in his current role and how the department continues to modernize.
We also talk Prop 13, its impact, property tax transfers, impacts of certain state laws, and how important the role is for local government. One thing Robb wants to do is improve education and outreach to the public so they are better equipped in decision making, update technology (such as if AI is doable) and other tidbits.
For more information on Vince Robb, visit him at https://vincerobbforassessor.com/

71: Seana Fippin Talks Tech

On this episode of Be Curious Contra Costa, a tech chat with Seana Fippin of Red Box Business Solution. We get into Artificial Intelligence (AI), data centers and cybersecurity.
We talk about the impact Claude is having while exploring the dangers, such as an AI Agent using Claude which recently deleted an entire database within seconds. While AI is impactful, one also needs to utilize the human element. This idea that AI can control your cyber security is insane – still going to need companies like Red Box Business Solutions to manage safety and accounts. Government entities are still being targeted.
We also talk data centers and if they are as scary as everyone is making them out to be. We also don’t know what regulations are coming as more cities place moratoriums. We also talk a bit on crypto currency hacks and how 75% of them are coming out of North Korea according to 2026 data.
Finally, Fippin highlights her monthly Biz Con event series in the city of Brentwood – aimed to help local business community. She also announces the Contra Costa Business Conference set to be held September 17-18 which tickets are now on sale.
For more information: https://www.getredbox.com/

70: Kish Rajan, CEO of Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery

On this episode of Be Curious Contra Costa, a chat with Kish Rajan, CEO of Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery. Rajan shares the latest updates at MDRR including being awarded the Solid Waste Environmental Excellence Performance (SWEEP) Platinum Certification—the highest level of recognition offered by the SWEEP Standard.
We talk electric batteries and how to properly dispose of them – how they start fires – we get into garbage police and Artificial Intelligence and cameras. Properly sorting garbage and how it could lower rates later—sustainability/reuse programs will have a big impact. Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery will also open up their new location in the City of Oakley in June.
Rajan also talks about the challenges we may face in the future while also reacting to new laws that keep coming onto the books.
For more information: https://mdrr.com/

69: Dana Eaton, Candidate for County Superintendent

On this episode of Be Curious Contra Costa, a chat with Dana Eaton, Superintendent of the Brentwood Union School District who is now running for County Superintendent of Schools in Contra Costa County.
If elected, he would replace Lynn Mackey who opted not to seek re-election.
Eaton has 30 years in education from teacher to principal to superintendent. We talk about a variety of issues from the state budget, special needs, impact of cell phone bans on campus, dealing with mental health and anxiety of students, homelessness and more. We also get into technology, AI, and assisting students who just are not interested in school material. Eaton also highlights how they are currently in a time where education is seeing the most issues at one time he has ever seen. Still, those in education, he advocates that you impact students daily and find ways to relate to students and find ways to give each student an opportunity because you never know if that one opportunity changes a persons life trajectory.
Some of his priorities as County Superintendent include Advance early literacy and early learning, ensure safe schools, promote fiscal responsibility, support mental health, and prepare students for college, career and life. He also wants a better plan for recruiting, developing and retaining educators.
For more on Eaton, visit him on his campaign website: Click Here

68: Demnlus Johnson III, Richmond Mayoral Candidate

On this episode of Be Curious Contra Costa, a chat with City of Richmond Mayoral candidate Demnlus Johnson III. He is a former city councilmember running for mayor.
He is a fun guy with big ideas and wants to bring people together. We talk about his thoughts on a city not only planning for today, but for Richmond 2050 and what that would look like, such as developing land for community benefit while revitalizing areas. What a safe city would do for the people and the businesses. We get into his belief that FLOCK cameras should be used and how police should be given tools to do their jobs while simultaneously working with the community and getting to know them. He also talks about non-profits and the need to show progress versus simply handing out dollars. He also urges Richmond to stop being an island and instead work with the rest of Contra Costa County to leverage resources and be a good neighbor. We talk about a lot in this episode.
For more about Johnson, visit him at https://www.johnsonforrichmondmayor.com/

67: Ahmad Anderson, Richmond Mayoral Candidate

On this episode of Be Curious Contra Costa, a chat with Richmond Mayoral Candidate Ahmad Anderson. Richmond is a city that now has a primary system for all council positions and there are five candidates running for mayor. In this episode, we talk about what leadership looks like to Anderson? We talk about his vision for Richmond and how it can be a good neighbor to the rest of Contra Costa County. We touch on the Richmond Police Department, public safety, FLOCK cameras, blight, economic development and more. Anderson talks about the history of Richmond and why its important. How he would bring people together and how the city should look at the $550 million payday from Chevron. We also touch on the much more.
For more on his campaign, visit him at https://www.anderson4richmond.com/ 

66: Cheyenne Erickson, CEO of Contra Costa County Fair

On this episode, a chat with Cheyenne Erickson who is the new CEO of the Contra Costa County Fair. We talk about the upcoming fair on May 14-17, 2026. We talk about the theme, “Wild About the Fair” and what new attractions are coming. Cheyenne shares here background, what she hopes the changes bring for the community and how they hope the fair will reach all of Contra Costa County—including bringing a rodeo, pig races, wiener dog & corgi races, exotic live animals and a new music lineup, including other day promotions. She also talks about the exhibitors, food, livestock and livestock auction.
For more information about the upcoming fair: https://www.contracostafair.com/

65: Lenna Billeci on Entrepreneurship and Community

On this episode of Be Curious Contra Costa, a chat with Lenna Billeci who owns and operates two businesses in downtown Brentwood. She is the owner of Socialyte Boutique and Salt & Fig Marketplace and recently purchased her first building. We talk about her journey from a love of fashion to investing just $2k into handbags which grew into a clothing store followed by a local gift shop for the foodie and the host who loves to play entertainer. Billeci shares career advice, her battle with anxiety, offers tips and tricks, and what her ultimate goals are in business.

64: Pratima Sonavne, Candidate for Contra Costa Clerk-Recorder

On this episode, a chat with Pratima Sonavne, candidate for Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder. Sonavne is a resident of Danville and founder of Kurious Kids childcare center. She also has 20-years of experience in human resources. We get into why she is running for this position, including cybersecurity concerns and reducing risk of cyber-attacks—including calling for an audit in her first 90-days in office. She wants to also increase the ability for multilingual and working-class families to get services—including ensuring there are weekend hours and opportunities across the county. She also hopes to better utilize technology to ensure better customer support when seeking services. She also hopes to establish benchmarks and make them accessible to the public. We talk about ensuring fair elections, cleaning up voter rolls, vote by mail vs. in person, increasing public participation and where she stands on voter ID and belief if voter fraud is occurring in Contra Costa County. For more on her campaign: https://countonpratima.com/

63: Erin Kerr Summit Talks Lending and Brentwood Rotary Club

On this episode of the ContraCosta.news Podcast, Erin Kerr Summit was kind enough to be my first guest on the video version of the podcast. She talks about upcoming Brentwood Rotary events including a poker tournament, bingo, whiskey walk and a golf tournament. We then get into real life, where she is a lender. She shares what is going on in the market and what her idea was behind her “just the tip” Tuesday uploads. We get through the episode with a few technical issues, but other than that, good times were had by all as the first video episode is in the books.

62: Whats Up With The Contra Costa County Real Estate Market

On this episode, a chat with Kevin and Tawnya Erickson on what the heck is going on with real estate in Contra Costa County. We get into what has changed in the past month or so and the impact its having on selling and buying homes. We get into some housing markets from Antioch, Brentwood, Concord and Walnut Creek and what to look for. Impact Iran War is having on home sales. The age old debate of buy vs. rent. We also talk about a couple of the laws being proposed that would keep corporations out/or severely limit purchasing ability in the single-family home market to even the California Wealth Tax. For fun, we talk about Reno Nevada and how its become the go to place – comparing it to Las Vegas real estate. We touch on Contra Costa County Tax Measures, Highway 4 and some myths.
 
For more on Kevin & Tawnya, visit them online at: https://www.ericksonbayareahomes.com/

61: The Reverse Interview with Seana Fippin

As the podcast is returning after a short break, a quick reversal interview where Seana Fippin of Red Box Business Solutions flips the script and interviews me as in a guest interviews the host episode. We touch on a couple things with ContraCosta.news for 2026. 

60: Michelle Powell Evans Talks Breath Better Wellness

On this episode, a chat with Michelle Powell Evans of Breath Better Wellness and Tawnya Erickson. In a 2026 that has started off pretty wild, we discuss breathing techniques to help calm anxiety and stress. We get into what sound baths are and what they help with—including crystal bowls and other sounds. Finally, we talk paddle boarding out on the delta and the soothing impact nature has on the mind and soul,
Join Michelle on February 1 for a Breathe Better Together – Brentwood, special event. Take a pause, tune into wellness, and reconnect with your breath. Join us for an immersive sound and breath experience designed to calm the mind, heal the body, and uplift the spirit. 
For more information, visit https://www.michellepowellevans.com/

59: Monica Barajas of Monicas Riverview

On this episode, a chat with Monica Barajas of Monica's Riverview in downtown Antioch. We get into the restaurant, challenges, how she has overcome it and the potential for all of the City of Antioch.
 
At Monica’s, it offers feel-good breakfast, lunch and dinner favorites with care and creativity. Our menu celebrates  regional comfort food made from scratch using seasonal, local, and organic ingredients—always with a focus on quality, sustainability, and heart.
 
From restaurants in Brentwood and Livermore, we get into how Barajas became an advocate for improving the city of Antioch and wanting to see improvements throughout the city, improve the waterfront and raise the quality of life. We talk about the business altering shooting outside of Monica's in July 2023 and the impact it had on her business and how she has overcome the stigma of violence in the city. She is also up for the challenges and work towards a thriving restaurant and community.
For more on Monica's Riverview, visit them at www.visitmonicas.com
 
 

58: Author Jack Jackson Talks AI and The Reaction to Inaction

 
On this episode, a chat with Jack Jackson, the author of The Reaction to Inaction: How to Outpace Disruption and Lead the Age of AI.
Jackson will be holding a book signing on December 13 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Barnes & Noble in Brentwood for his new book. Jackson grew up in Antioch and shares his journey.
Jackson is a leadership strategist, bestselling author, and former federal task-force professional known for helping organizations lead boldly in an era defined by disruption and AI-driven change. Recruited straight out of college, Jack completed his last training academy just months before 9/11 and went on to serve on the Joint Terrorism Task Force, where he developed his foundation in decisive action, crisis leadership, and operating with clarity under pressure.
Today, Jack brings that same intensity and practicality to the private sector. As a consultant and advisor, he works with executives, teams, and organizations to overcome hesitation, eliminate operational friction, and build high-performance cultures capable of moving fast and outpacing competitors. His frameworks have helped companies strengthen trust, increase execution speed, and navigate technological disruption with confidence.
Jack is the author of The Reaction to Inaction: How to Outpace Disruption and Lead in the Age of AI, a direct, actionable blueprint for leaders struggling to adapt to rapid change, organizational complexity, and the accelerating impact of artificial intelligence. The book empowers leaders and employees with the tools to make decisions faster, innovate consistently, and create cultures where action—not fear—drives results.
Jack earned his Bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary’s College of California and completed his postgraduate studies at Harvard University in Cambridge, further strengthening his foundation in leadership, strategy, and organizational development.
He continues to speak, consult, and write, helping leaders at every level build the confidence, discipline, and execution muscle needed to thrive in an age of nonstop disruption.

57: Antioch City Manager Bessie M. Scott Gives 1-Year Update

On this episode, Antioch City Manager Bessie M. Scott talks about her first year as city manager in the city of Antioch and offers many updates – including staffing, budget, and plenty of other updates.
 
I would argue year 1 was a fact finding mission to see what was underneath the hood of what had been going on in Antioch the past four years, now real progress can start as the systems have been identified, Scott shares much work has been done, but noted much of her work has been with the DOJ, CA DOJ and in courts due to outstanding issues from prior administrations. Now work can begin to shift to community services as directors have been hired. We talk public safety, economic development, bringing the community together and a variety of other topics.

56: Kathy Cabrera Talks K911 Animal Rescue Adoption Goals

On this episode, Kathy Cabrera talks K911 Animal Rescue adoption goals for 2025. She talks about how the rescue was created and highlights the partnership with Petsmart. 
K911 is a non profit animal rescue that rescues abandoned and displaced cats & dogs who would otherwise remain on the streets and/or be euthanized. Because of our home-based foster volunteers we can help give abandoned, abused and displaced cats and dogs a chance at forever homes.
 
For more on K911 Animal Rescue, visit: https://www.k911rescue.org/

55: El Campanil Theatre Could Shut Down by December

On this episode, a chat with Kathie Campbell, Board President of the El Campanil Theatre in Antioch. According to Campbell, she announced that without funding, they will begin shutting down operations by December 2025. We get into the impacts of prior business decisions by prior staff and the board, impacts by the City of Antioch, crime, the homeless. However, there is now an uptick in economic development which could improve funding efforts and save the Theatre.
 
For more information on the El Campanil Theatre, visit them at www.elcampaniltheatre.com

54: Dating After Divorce with Hope Petrow

On this episode, a chat with Hope Petrow, the author of Dating After Divorce: from Heartbreak to Soulmate. The book debuted this past week and was number 1 on amazon in two categories. Divorce sucks for anyone and everyone involved, but Petrow shares her experience of betrayal to rebuilding her self-worth starting over. She took journaling and her coaching experience to turn it into a book to help women navigate dating after divorce with a roadmap of tips and processes. We get into a variety of topics around starting over, dating, red and green flags, online dos and don’ts, rebuilding confidence. She also discusses manifestation, magnetic confidence, and much more.
For more information on Hope Petrow: www.hopepetrow.com
Purchase: Dating After Divorce: From Heartbreak to Soulmate
 

53: Vasco Forever Helping Families Seek Safer Vasco Road

On this episode a chat with Cynthia Loredo and Tammy Zickuhr of Vasco Forever Helping Families who have a mission to advocate for a safer Vasco Road. We get into their mission and what they would like to see occur. While advocating for safety improvements on Vasco, one of the most dangerous roads in the San Francisco Bay Area, they share what they want to see happen. We also get into the newly released data, which is a good first start, but does not pass the smell test, listing just 6 fatal crashes since 2019. Also, since 2019, 211 total crashes listed while 38% of all crashes on Vasco Road are from drivers under 30 years old. Near the county line, speed survey shows 96.7% of drivers are over the posted speed limit while near Camino Diablo and Walnut Blvd., 84% of drivers are over the speed limit.  
 
For more information: https://vascofhf.org/
For Contra Costa County information on Vasco Road, click here.

52: Paul Stonebarger Talks East County Valkyrie (Girls Flag Football)

On this episode, Paul Stonebarger drops in to talk about the East County Valkyrie and their upcoming U-Pick 6 Girls flag football tournament on May 18 at Heritage HS in Brentwood. Stonebarger shares U-Pick is tribute to Brentwood’s U-Pick Season for cherry’s, while also Pick-6 for football. He shares how the league started, its impact and growth – which we also get into the explosion in girls flag football across the nation. He also shares some tidbits of the future of the club.
For more infomation on the team: https://eastcountyvalkyrie.com/

51: Antioch City Manager Bessie M. Scott

On this episode, Antioch City Manager Bessie M. Scott drops in to talk about her first six months on the job. We get into her background, her expertise and her “why” she took the City of Antioch job given all the controversies, budget issues, staffing and the lift needed to improve the city. We get into the hiring controversy due to lack of transparency and within six months, improvements are already being observed, but first the council has to get through the budget to see what they are working with.
Scott highlights her expertise  and how that will only help Antioch – she is a systems and process person.  She has public sector experience in areas such as public safety, housing programs and municipal policy administration. While in Seattle, she was the Deputy Inspector General for Public Safety with the City of Seattle. In her role, she ensured consistent policy interpretation across all functions of public safety, including audits, Investigations, Policy and Standards and Compliance. Scott also says if Antioch is going to invest money into things, there must be a return on investment—no more handing out free monies with no checks and balances. Meanwhile, I argue the council needs to get her out into the public more so people can begin building better relationships given her recent presentation with the Downtown Antioch Association. Scott also talks about the importance of building a solid team around her and creating stability within the City of Antioch. Ultimately, it comes down to the budget and once that is decided, the city can begin making moves, which may be unpopular, but must be done.

50: Lindsay Zimmer Talks Etiquette

On this episode, a chat with Lindsay Zimmer who talks Etiquette as she is hosting an upcoming 2-day summer boot camp for youths ages 12-18. We get into her background and how she decided to bring a “etiquette boot camp” for youth to Contra Costa County.  We get into whether or not the world has lost its etiquette. While most topics could be considered common sense, many are not practicing good manners while many youths are simply not exposed to fine dining or certain social situations. And really, do we need four forks to eat dinner?  We close the episode with a rundown of many areas of etiquette from dating, who pays the bill, cell phones, grocery store, running late to horn honking and more.
More on the Brentwood School of Etiquette: click here
As a quick bonus on the episode, her husband Nick Zimmer of Advantage Driving School, also jumps in talking “etiquette” and the roadways. I’ll bring Nick back for a full episode in a few weeks.

49: Wendy of Knots + Found Talks Plants

On this episode, a chat with Wendy Gomez of Knots and Found (Knots + Found) located in the City of Martinez. This is a one stop shop for indoor plants (house plants, tropical, succulents and cactus, along with many other goodies, classes, crafts, events and more.
Wendy shares her passion for plants, her journey from passion to business along with tips and tricks for maintaining indoor plants. We also touch on the mental health aspect of what plants do for people, along with the many health benefits. We chat about the industry as a whole and what type of personal service you get from Knots + Found.
Knots + Found is located at 701, Escobar Street, Martinez CA and can be visited online at www.knotsandfound.com