Contra Costa News

43: Mike Barbanica Talks Contra Costa County

On this episode, a chat with Mike Barbanica, candidate for Contra Costa County Board of Supervisor in District 5. He provides an update on the campaign, where he is at on several issues. With he and his opponent pretty close on most topics, the race will likely come down to public safety and ensuring people are held accountable—and impact of Proposition 36. We touch on the bizarre EB Times endorsement. The race also has an opportunity to bring Contra Costa County back more to the middle, or could continue down the same path. We get into both City of Antioch and City of Pittsburg issues, as well as needs in communities like Bay Point and Rodeo. Ultimately, Barbanica urges the community to watch both debates and make the choice that is best for them.
 
For more information, visit: https://mikebarbanica.com/

42: Louie Rocha Runs for Antioch City Council

On this episode, I chat with Louie Rocha who is running for Antioch City Council, District 2.  He is a retired principal of Antioch High School who is seeking to bring back stability and civility back to the Antioch City Council will looking to focus on not only public safety, but better improve services for residents in the city of Antioch. He also wants to bridge the communication and partnership with the Antioch Unified School District and work on solutions for not only the youth, but seniors and unhoused.
We get into a tone of stuff from Antioch being labeled the “new Oakland” to what Antioch HS has specifically done to help a unhoused students. Rocha also talked about the importance of hiring the right city manager, police chief and developing a plan for the city.
 
For more on Louie Rocha, visit him at https://louierocha.org/

41: Brian Oftedal Runs for Brentwood City Council District 3

On this episode, I chat with Brian Oftedal, candidate for Brentwood City Council District 3. We address not only why he is running, but some of the goofy online rhetoric being stated about him. We get into his experience on the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District Board of Directors, work with the American Red Cross and Ronn Nunn Elementary. We get into several items relating to the city of Brentwood from public safety, staff retention, smart growth, civility, road safety, homelessness and emergency preparedness. Episode may be long, but we cover a lot of items.
For more information: www.brian4brentwood.com

40: Faye Maloney Runs for Brentwood City Council

On this episode, I chat with Faye Maloney who is running for Brentwood City Council in District 1. We talk about what she has been up to in serving on a county role with the Contra Costa Commission on Women and Girls and how they serve the community. We get into her background where as a child it created her "why" in terms of living her life and serving the community.
We talk City of Brentwood public safety, importance of staffing and retention, preserving the agriculture and supporting local business. Along with a variety of other issues. She also wants to bring people together and stop with the divisiveness.
For more on Faye Maloney, visit her at www.fayeforbrentwood.com

39: Gerald Johnson Runs for Mayor of Brentwood

On this episode, I chat with Gerald Johnson who is running for Mayor of the City of Brentwood. We get into his time as president of the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce, serving as a Brentwood Planning Commissioner and his background. We debunk a ton of the social media chatter going on by explaining his stance on development/housing, DEI and zoos. We talk about the need for civility, raising the bar and helping everyone. He encourages the City Council to take care of staff and get their contracts done, the need to get the 5th Brentwood Police beat up and running as quickly as possible, the budget is questionable given all the future project funding needs, while also being more business friendly. We also talk Zoom and 5-minute public comments and homeless.
For more on Gerald Johnson, visit him at www.geraldcjohnson.com

38: Oleksii Chuiko Runs for Oakley City Council

On this episode, a chat with Oleksii Chuiko who is running for Oakley City Council, District 5. Chuiko serves as an Oakley Planning Commissioner and is currently the president of the Oakley Chamber of Commerce. We get into why he is running and talk his priorities which include public safety, economic growth and working towards a regional cooperative on many topics.
For more information, https://www.oc4oakley.com/

37: Cristina Pena Langley Runs for Oakley City Council

On this episode, I chat with Cristina Pena Langley who is running for Oakley City Council, District 5. Too nice for elected office? Possibly. That is the question as she is a teacher in Oakley, Girl Scout Leader, and an executive leader within the Teachers Association ofOakley. We get into why she is running for city council with top priorities of public safety, ensuring Oakley remains clean, develops more social activities for residents, while also ensuring the budget remains healthy, has a solid economic development plan. We also get into a variety of other topics.
For more information: click here

36: Fernando Sandoval Talks Contra Costa Community College District

On this episode, I chat with Fernando Sandoval who is running for re-election on the Contra Costa Community College District Board (Ward 5). We get into what is new with the District, finally appears to be stability within the District. I question whether 4-year college is a scam and people should just go towards trades. We talk high cost of college compounded with high cost of living, opportunities for students of all ages. We also talk a bit about fiscal accountability and impacts of the governors budget, equity, community partnerships and more.
For more information about Fernando - click here

35: Antwon Webster Runs for Antioch City Council District 3

On this episode, I chat with Antwon Webster who is running for Antioch City Council, District 3. We get into a variety of topics including him working with services groups to in an effort to improve the city as a whole. We touch on the tone of the most recent council meeting and then get into topics such as public safety, economic development and staffing levels. We get into the budget, youth services, and the Amtrak. We close with Webster stating despite the rhetoric, he is not a “plant” for the mayor and is running to improve Antioch.
 
For more on website, visit him at: www.antwonwebster.com

34: Don Freitas Runs for Antioch City Council District 3

On this episode, I chat with Don Freitas who is running for Antioch City Council in District 3. He is the former mayor having served from 2000 to 2008, previously on the city council and served on the Water District.
 
We talk about why he is coming back now and what has changed for him within the City of Antioch. The importance of bringing back civility, increasing staffing levels and creating an environment where people want to live, work and play in the city.  We talk Antioch Police and staffing levels, text messages by police, code enforcement needs and bringing back neighborhood watch. Freitas advocates for an economic development plan that will address not only the downtown, but Somersville Town Center, Deer Valley Plaza, Slatten Ranch and other parts of the city—including having a house component.
 
We get into the homeless solution Antioch has moved forward with and if it is working. Accountability and transparency, budget issues and concerns, youth programming, and street safety.

33: Kim Karr Talks Social Media For Good Given State of Online Commentary

On this episode, I chat with Kim Karr of #ICANHELP and Digital4Good. The conversation comes a day after negative social media commentary hit the contracosta.news social media pages.
While we discuss the work they do for youth, we get into a variety of topics around social media form folks producing content simply for clicks and addiction to play off emotions. How to combat that. Strategies to identify pots, trolls and tension seekers. Potential laws that might be a good idea or even just improving accountability for online usages which has led to suicide and the ruining of peoples lives. She also recommends changing how and why you use social media--look for gold nuggets, not negativity. She also talks about the role of parenting and accountability.
At Digital4Good, they believe in the power of digital citizenship to create a safer online world. Founded in response to an online attack on a teacher, Digital4Good emerged as a way to fight back against digital negativity. 

32: Rakesh Kumar Christian Runs for Mayor of Antioch

On this episode, Rakesh Kumar Christian runs for Mayor of Antioch citing he wants change.  
He faces off against Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe and Ron Bernal who he says are both part of the problem of why Antioch is where it is today. We get into what he says is mismanagement, budgeting issues. We talk public safety, economic development, improving city services, civility in government and transportation.

31: Retired Police Sgt Steve Aiello Talks Antioch Police Department

On this episode, we recap what has been going on with the Antioch Police Department and City of Antioch. I am joined by former Antioch Police Sergeant Steve Aiello and Ken Turnage to highlight history and provide more context of what has gone on.
We talk staffing levels, why police officers are leaving, the negative impact the Antioch City Council has had – specifically Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe, Tamisha Torres-Walker and Monica Wilson on staffing levels. How hard it is for Antioch Police to hire.
We discuss how a Share Order was off limits involving Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe and others with text messages but text messages involving Antioch Police and Pittsburg Police was okay. We get into why the media has gone hard after Antioch Police but left Pittsburg Police alone even though they have had more officers fired. We also talk context, of how the way police text messages were released were not all of the messages but a small sampling and in some cases edited—only 25 pages of 200+ have been released. At least Pittsburg was smart to let the process play out, Antioch Mayor wanted to hold press conference after press conference and now historically wrong.
We also question why police body camera footage from Tamisha Torres-Walker house has never been released and the legal games playing out—Aiello says it should be released. We get into importance of body camera’s in police department and impacts it has. Should never have taken Councilmember Mike Barbanica 6x to make the request.
Finally, why is no one in the media discussing the grand jury report? Totally bizarre media protects elected officials when they should be reporting on them.

30: Dave Ennis Runs for State Assembly District 11

On this episode, I chat with Dave Ennis for State Assembly in District 11. He considers himself a fiscal conservative while being moderate on social issues. He has taken the slogan of build things right the first time and getting back to basics such as providing a good education, helping small business stay in business and creating jobs.
We touch on a variety of topics from crime along with Prop 47 impacts, homelessness to housing issues. Impact of poor infrastructure and this wealth exodus out of California. He also opposes the Delta Conveyance Project. If elected, he wants to work to bring people together, not just play party politics. 
Cities within AD11 include: Vallejo, Fairfield, Vacaville, Oakley, Suisun City, Benicia, Dixon, Discovery Bay, Rio Vista
For more information on David Ennis, visit him at https://ennis2024.org/

29: Ken Turnage Responds to “Bully Boss” Accusations

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. We then get into the placement of the desk on the roof, printers, to other comments made such as from the union.  We touch on Board Member Antonio Hernandez calling for the superintendent resign or being fired ahead of even being debriefed on the accusations and findings. Turnage says he looks forward to returning to work once everything is completed.

28: Amy Tilley Talks Downtown Brentwood Coalition

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 collaboration. We also get into the benefits and how many cities should mimic the model and invest in their downtown's.
Downtown Brentwood Coalition Website
Impact Report - click here

27:Julie Craft Talks Very Mulberry U-Pick and More

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 to demand, online reservations will be required for Saturday & Sunday U-Pick. We get into the nutrition benefits, recipes, farmers markets and impact of Harvest Time in Brentwood.
For more information on Very Mulberry, visit them at www.verymulberry.com

26: Sonia Ledo Runs for Assembly District 15

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 unintended consequences.
Ledo, who is a real estate professional and a business owner. We get into her life and how her parents came to the US from Cuba and Nicaragua and the lessons she learned from that experience. To being a mom of four with two sons who are autistic and working through the education system.
Assembly District 15 included:  Antioch, Bay Point, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, Crocket, Martinez, Pleasant Hill Pittsburg and some smaller communities.
For more information on Sonia Ledo, visit her at www.sonialedo.com

25: Bryan and Michele of Serendipity Cellars

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.
Upcoming Events
June 21 – Jessica Lynn & Double Shot
June 15 – Celebrate Dad w/picnic
June 29 – Wine & Line Dancing w/Toree McGee
July 27 – Inaugural Luau
Purchase Tickets - click here
 

24: Kevin and Tawnya Talk East County Living and Other Shenanigans

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 more—basically, a F— it Friday type of discussion. If you make it to the end of the episode, there is a special code word to use.
East County Living -- Instagram
Erickson Bay Area Homes -- Website

23: Norma Talks Wicked Salsas

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, ingredients, and how owning a business impacts marriage to needing a circle of friends around you who are supportive.
She also highlights her Spring Fling event on April 14 at Urban Edge in Brentwood.
Her salsa is available at McCaulley Olive, Salt & Fig Marketplace and Urban Edge. Plus the farmers markets in the City of Brentwood and City of Martinez.

22: CEO Ryan Maltbie Talks BBQGrills.com Journey

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 he was an overnight success, he experienced growing pains, ups and downs, anxiety and depression, but with the support of his wife and family, he got through it and re-focused to build his company to over $80 million in sales. Maltbie also shares what he has learned on the way during his journey.

21: Tamara Steiner Talks Clayton Craziness

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 trolling going on and wonder who would even want to work in that environment.

20: Mary Knox Talks Domestic Violence

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 victims may stay with abusers, touch on the mental aspect, what law enforcement role is, dealing with a narcissist person, what really happens if someone doesn’t follow a restraining order,  what to do if you think someone is being abused and can abusers change? We also share resources available.
 
Contra Costa County Resources
Your local Police Department or emergency- 911
STAND! For Families Free of Violence: 888-215-5555
Family Justice Center: 925-281-0970
Community Violence Solutions: 800-670-7273
District Attorney’s Office Victim of Crime Services: 925-957-8650
Bay Area Legal Aid: 800-551-5554
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE

19: Hanna Malak of the American Red Cross

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 program, response to major incidents, working with local schools and impact on youth. We also talk about CPR and the importance to learn it. We touch on several other public safety topics from fires, to flooding to hurricanes. March has been named Red Cross Month since the 1940’s.   
For more on the American Red Cross, visit: https://www.redcross.org/local/california/northern-california-coastal.html