Contra Costa News

Contra Costa Supervisor Diane Burgis Reflects on Life, Leadership and Kindness 
For the 100th episode of the Be Curious Contra Costa podcast, Contra Costa County Supervisor Diane Burgis joined us for a conversation that went well beyond politics.
Rather than focusing on county government, elections or the latest political controversies, the milestone episode took a more personal approach, exploring Burgis' childhood, life experiences, leadership philosophy, the challenges of social media and why she believes society needs more kindness, curiosity and critical thinking.
Burgis, who previously served on the Oakley City Council and East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors, also played an important role in encouraging host Mike Burkholder to launch the podcast in the first place.
Burkholder acknowledged that Burgis spent nearly two years encouraging him to start a podcast before he finally agreed. Now, 100 episodes later, the two reflected on how the show has evolved and the importance of giving people an opportunity to share their experiences and perspectives.

Clayton City Council candidate Amy Callaghan joined the Be Curious Contra Costa podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about the city’s financial challenges, ongoing political divisions, public safety, economic development and her vision for restoring the small-town atmosphere that has historically defined Clayton.
During the hour-long interview, Callaghan discussed why she decided to enter the race, her concerns with the current City Council, the future of Concerts in the Grove, the proposed Olivia housing development, wildfire preparedness and the need for greater community involvement in local government.
Callaghan said she had considered running for City Council for more than a decade but ultimately decided to enter the race after years of feeling that residents were not being heard.

Concord City Council District 3 candidate Dena Acosta-Beere joined the Be Curious Contra Costa podcast to discuss her campaign, community involvement and vision for the city, including housing affordability, economic development, public safety, transportation and the future of the Concord Naval Weapons Station.
Unlike candidates who have spent years in elected office or political circles, Acosta-Beere comes from a background in real estate and community volunteering. She says her decision to run for office began four years ago when she wrote her own name on her ballot as a personal commitment to seek a council seat in the future.
With incumbent Councilmember and Vice Mayor Dominic Aliano not seeking reelection, Acosta-Beere believes the opportunity has arrived to bring a different perspective to City Hall.

Richmond mayoral candidate Ahmad Anderson returned to the Be Curious Contra Costa podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about the city's future, touching on public safety, economic development, the $550 million Chevron settlement, housing, political division and the need for stronger leadership at City Hall.
Anderson, who last appeared on the podcast in April 2026, has since advanced through the primary election and is now campaigning in the November 3 general election.
Throughout the conversation, Anderson emphasized that Richmond has tremendous potential but needs to move beyond political disagreements and begin delivering measurable results for residents.

Concord City Council District 1 candidate Maria Bagley says it's time for a new perspective at City Hall, arguing that her background in finance, local government and small business ownership would bring a different approach to economic development, government spending and community engagement.
During a nearly hour-long interview on the Be Curious Contra Costa podcast, Bagley discussed her campaign against longtime incumbent Laura Hoffmeister, who has served on the Concord City Council for approximately 30 years.
The conversation covered a wide range of issues, including Concord's budget deficit, business regulations, the Concord Naval Weapons Station redevelopment, housing affordability, homelessness, public safety and the need for greater communication between elected officials and residents.

Brentwood Union School District candidate Oxsana Pajoluk joined the Be Curious Contra Costa podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about her childhood in the Soviet Union, her family's experiences with religious persecution, her introduction to Brentwood politics and why she is now seeking a seat on the school board.
During the 76-minute interview, Pajoluk discussed school district transparency, education funding, parental involvement, bullying, student safety, academic performance and the importance of returning to the fundamentals of reading, writing and mathematics.
However, much of the conversation focused on her personal journey and how a woman who grew up in a country where speaking against the government could carry serious consequences eventually found herself speaking publicly at Brentwood City Council meetings.
For more on her campaign, visit: www.oxsanapajoluk.com

Pittsburg Mayor Dionne Adams joined the Be Curious Contra Costa Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation that covered everything from the controversial data center project and heated City Council meetings to the city budget, economic development, homelessness, public safety, transportation and her vision for Pittsburg over the next decade.
Adams, who was born and raised in Pittsburg, opened the conversation by reflecting on how much the city has changed. She recalled growing up in a smaller industrial community of roughly 49,000 people where neighbors knew one another and the community often operated like an extended family. Today, Pittsburg has grown to more than 70,000 residents and become increasingly diverse.
For Adams, the challenge is continuing that growth without losing the community identity that has long defined Pittsburg.
She described what locals sometimes call “Pittsburg love”—a culture where longtime residents look out for one another and where generations of families remain connected to the city.

The race for Concord City Council is heating up, and Aeysha Corio, a candidate for District 5, joins the Be Curious Contra Costa Podcast to discuss her campaign, her vision for Concord and the issues facing one of Contra Costa County's largest cities.
From economic development and public safety to housing, city finances and the future of Concord, we'll explore what Corio believes the city should prioritize and what she would bring to the City Council.
We also discuss what motivated her to run, how she would approach working with fellow councilmembers and what she believes Concord needs to do to attract businesses, support its existing neighborhoods and plan for future growth.

Martinez City Council District 1 candidate Nakenya Allen joined the Be Curious Contra Costa Podcast to discuss her second campaign for office, her community advocacy and her vision for addressing the city's financial challenges, economic development and public safety.
Allen, who is once again challenging incumbent Jay Howard, reflected on her first campaign four years ago and how she has spent the intervening years expanding her involvement in Martinez and throughout Contra Costa County.
Rather than stepping away from public service following her previous election loss, Allen said she focused on organizing cultural events, advocating for community funding and serving on county commissions. She currently serves as vice president of the county's women's commission and represents District 5.
During the nearly hour-long conversation, Allen emphasized the importance of listening to residents, involving neighborhoods in city decisions and developing a broader vision for Martinez beyond its downtown.

Brentwood City Council District 2 candidate Tammy Zickuhr joined the Be Curious Contra Costa Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about her personal experiences, support for police and firefighters, challenges facing small businesses, and what she would like to see change at Brentwood City Hall.
During the interview with ContraCosta.news publisher Mike Burkholder, Zickuhr discussed the loss of her 16-year-old daughter, Michaela, in a 2009 traffic collision and how that tragedy shaped her family's appreciation for first responders and commitment to roadway safety.
The conversation also covered Brentwood's ongoing fire station projects, the proposed Contra Costa County administrative building, the city's planning and permitting processes, and the importance of working collaboratively with other elected officials.

Antioch City Councilmember Monica Wilson joins the Be Curious Contra Costa Podcast for a conversation about her years in public office, the challenges facing Antioch, and her vision for the city's future.
From economic development and revitalizing downtown to public safety, city finances and the direction of City Hall, we dive into the issues facing Antioch and the decisions that will shape its future.
But this conversation isn't just about where Wilson stands on the issues. It's about understanding how she makes decisions, what she's learned during her time on the City Council, what she believes the city has accomplished and where she sees opportunities for improvement.

Be Curious Contra Costa, where we sit down with the people shaping our communities, ask questions, and give you an opportunity to hear directly from them.
On this episode of Be Curious Contra Costa, a chat with Antioch City Councilmember Tamisha Torres-Walker, who is seeking re-election in District 1.
Antioch has no shortage of challenges, from public safety and economic development to the city's budget, homelessness and the future of its downtown. As an incumbent, Torres-Walker has a voting record, decisions to explain and a vision for where she believes Antioch should go next. First elected in 2020 and re-elected in 2022 in a race decided by just four votes, she's now facing former Councilmember Joy Motts.
Today, we'll discuss what she's learned during her time on the council, the decisions she stands behind, what she might do differently and why she believes voters should give her another four years. This isn't about gotcha questions or telling you how to vote. It's about understanding the person behind the decisions, the thought process and the vision.

Antioch City Council District 1 candidate Joy Motts joined the Be Curious Contra Costa podcast for a wide-ranging conversation on the city’s finances, economic development, public safety, homelessness, downtown revitalization and the future of the El Campanil Theatre.
Motts, a former Antioch City Councilmember and Antioch Unified School District trustee, is seeking a return to the council after losing her 2022 reelection bid by just four votes.
During the interview, Motts reflected on that razor-thin election, saying the recount process was difficult, expensive and ultimately something she wishes she had handled differently.

On this episode of Be Curious Contra Costa, we sit down with Sandra White, a candidate for Antioch City Council, District 4. Antioch has no shortage of challenges — from public safety and the city budget to economic development, homelessness, staffing, downtown and rebuilding trust in City Hall. So why does White want the job, and what would she do differently? We get into her background, why she decided to run, what she believes Antioch needs from its next City Council, and how she approaches some of the biggest decisions facing the city.

On this episode of Be Curious Contra Costa, Pittsburg City Council candidate Pauline Johnson discussed her entry into local politics, opposition to the proposed data center, city transparency, the budget, economic development, public safety and her desire to lower the political temperature in the community.
Johnson is one of the candidates seeking one of three seats on the Pittsburg City Council in the November 3 election. The City of Pittsburg lists Johnson as a qualified candidate for the race.

Pittsburg City Councilmember Arlene Kobata says she wants voters to look beyond the controversy surrounding the proposed data center and consider the broader challenges facing the city, including economic development, a projected budget deficit, public safety, youth programs and revitalizing downtown.
Kobata joined the Be Curious Contra Costa podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about her background, appointment to the City Council, the data center debate and why she is now seeking a full term.
Kobata said she moved to Pittsburg in 1988, raised her two children in the city and has worked in the grocery industry for nearly 40 years. Her community involvement grew through the “Pittsburg Proud” social media group, which she created as a more positive, resource-oriented community page.
That eventually led Kobata to the Community Advisory Commission, followed by the Planning Commission. She was appointed to the City Council in 2025 after Shanelle Scales-Preston was elected to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors.

Brentwood City Council District 4 candidate Holley Bishop-Mello joined the Be Curious Contra Costa podcast for a wide-ranging conversation that covered her background, public safety, economic development, downtown businesses, fire stations, affordable housing and what she says needs to change at Brentwood City Hall.
Bishop-Mello, who was born in Brentwood, described herself first as a mother of three, along with being a farmer and small business owner. She spent approximately 25 years working in human resources before being laid off from a Fortune 200 company and turning her beekeeping hobby into Holley’s Honey.

On this episode of Be Curious Contra Costa, we sit down with Sheree Shannon, candidate for Brentwood City Council District 4, for a wide-ranging conversation about where Brentwood is today — and where she believes it needs to go.
We start with Shannon’s background, why she decided to run and her assessment of how the city is currently being managed. That includes leadership and staffing at City Hall, the City Manager, Assistant City Manager and City Attorney positions, and whether Brentwood has become too divided and polarized.
From there, we get into economic development and whether City Hall is actually helping businesses succeed — or making it harder through permits, fees, fines and regulations. Are the rules being applied equally, or do certain people get a different set of rules?
We also discuss the loss of Brentwood’s downtown ice rink and the city’s new winter market plans, along with whether personalities and politics got in the way of keeping the rink.
Then it’s onto some of the biggest issues facing Brentwood:
Fire stations: When aesthetics and public safety collide, which should win?
County Administration Building: Does Shannon have concerns with the project?
City grants: Is Brentwood’s current grant process fair and transparent?
American Avenue: What should happen next?
Planning Commission: Is the current process working?
Public safety: Is Brentwood still a safe community, and what should the city be doing about police staffing, a potential fifth beat, e-bikes and Flock cameras?
Plenty to unpack in this one.
Be Curious Contra Costa — because voters should know more about the people asking for their vote than what fits on a campaign mailer.

On this episode of the Be Curious Contra Costa Podcast, we sit down with Vinoy Mereddy, a candidate for Brentwood City Council, District 2.
We talk about why he decided to run, what he believes Brentwood is doing well, where the city needs to improve, and what he would bring to the City Council.
The conversation covers the issues facing Brentwood today, economic development, growth, public safety, City Hall, community priorities, and what District 2 residents should expect from their next councilmember.

On the next episode of the Be Curious Contra Costa Podcast, Pittsburg City Council candidate Wolfgang Croskey joins me for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of Pittsburg.
And yes, we talk about the data center. There is really no way around it.
But Pittsburg voters better wake up to one reality: you can't judge whether someone will make a good council member based on one issue. A council member has to deal with budgets, police, roads, businesses, homelessness, downtown, BART, development, public safety and everything else that comes through City Hall.
So that's where this conversation goes.
Croskey is also CEO of the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce, so we start with the business community. How difficult was the decision to cancel the Seafood Festival? How difficult is it right now for businesses to survive in Pittsburg? Why are there so many empty storefronts, and what could the city be doing differently when it comes to business education, outreach and marketing?
We also get into the city's economic development strategy — including my frustration with throwing money at food influencers while local businesses continue to struggle.
We talk grocery stores, including what it means for Pittsburg to finally attract new options such as Sprouts and Cielo Supermarket.
Then we get into politics.
Croskey talks about "the purple" and why the red-versus-blue mentality isn't helping local government. Why does he believe Pittsburg City Hall hasn't been working together? And was bringing in a city manager from outside the organization the right move?
Of course, we tackle the Pittsburg data center. Croskey was raising concerns before the issue exploded publicly months later. What was he trying to warn people about, and where does he stand today?
We also talk about the increasingly wild political rhetoric in Pittsburg. Why does it sometimes seem like having an opinion outside the majority immediately puts a target on your back? Where does that defensiveness come from, and how does a council member help change that culture?
Then comes the budget.
For years, I questioned whether Pittsburg's numbers were as healthy as advertised. Now the city is dealing with a roughly $5 million deficit. What does Croskey think went wrong? What does he make of the City Council's November 2025 decision to increase council compensation from roughly $500 to $1,600 while the city was heading toward a deficit?
We discuss the Dream Courts situation, budget impacts on Pittsburg Police, and the future of public safety.
Croskey also explains why he jumped into the debate over a proposed Contra Costa County Fire station in Brentwood, suggesting that if Brentwood continues fumbling the project, the station should potentially move to Antioch or Oakley. Why should Pittsburg residents care? Because fire resources moving east from Antioch can have consequences for Pittsburg and Bay Point.
We hit downtown Pittsburg and the California Theatre. Is the city getting everything it should out of that asset? Could better programming and marketing help generate more activity throughout downtown?
We revisit Pittsburg's roads, an issue Croskey highlighted during his previous council campaign, and ask whether conditions have actually improved.
Then it's homelessness: the potential impact Antioch's proposed HomeKey+ project could have had on Century Plaza, whether Pittsburg leaders should have spoken louder, and Croskey's thoughts on Delta Landing and its impacts.
Could a vacancy tax help Pittsburg deal with properties sitting empty?
Are downtown events becoming too dependent on the same formula of cars and music? How can Pittsburg create a wider variety of events that attract different parts of the community?
We even get into the Pittsburg Farmers Market — which I love, even if the hours are a little unusual — and whether it can become an even bigger downtown draw.
Finally, we talk BART, the proposed regional transit tax, possible station impacts and Highway 4.
Data centers may be getting the headlines, but Pittsburg has a lot more going on than one development project.
This conversation is about whether Wolfgang Croskey has the ideas, temperament and range to help lead the entire city.

ANTIOCH, CA — On the latest episode of the Be Curious Contra Costa podcast, local businessman and entrepreneur Sean McCauley jumped in for a wide-ranging conversation that bounced from local elections and economic development to the future of downtown Antioch, the El Campanil Theatre, Brentwood agriculture and artificial intelligence.
McCauley, who has business and real estate interests throughout East Contra Costa County, described himself simply as a “local guy” who cares about the region and credited his team for the projects they have been able to complete.
“I just love this community,” McCauley said, pointing to communities across East Contra Costa, “I think it’s just a great area to grow up and continue to improve.”
Advice to City Council Candidates
With the November election approaching, McCauley said candidates need to understand not only the issues facing their individual cities, but how municipal government actually operates.
He argued that people seeking council seats would benefit from having a stronger background in government and business before taking office.
“I think a lot of people don’t understand how cities run and how they operate,” McCauley said, adding that he believes candidates should have some type of education in government and business before seeking a council seat.
McCauley compared a city government to a corporation, with the city council serving as its board of directors, the city manager operating much like a CEO and residents and businesses functioning as its customers.
That led to one of the central themes of the podcast: economic development needs to become a higher priority.
McCauley argued that cities cannot continuously expand programs or address social issues without first creating the revenue needed to pay for them.
“You can’t give what you don’t have,” he said, arguing that cities need fiscally responsible budgets and a strong pipeline of revenue before they can sustainably fund other priorities.
The conversation also touched on the challenges businesses and developers face navigating city permitting and approval processes. McCauley pointed to the recent controversy involving the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District and its proposed Brentwood fire station as an example of how difficult government processes can become.
He said entrepreneurs often experience similar frustrations without the leverage or resources available to a public agency.
McCauley Says He Made Offer for El Campanil Theatre
The conversation then shifted to the City of Antioch and the future of the El Campanil Theatre.
McCauley confirmed that he previously attempted to purchase the historic theater.
According to McCauley, he was approached in 2023 about purchasing El Campanil and submitted an offer based on what he was told the seller needed for the property. He said another buyer subsequently came in approximately $25,000 higher.
McCauley said he wasn't particularly interested in owning a theater, but was willing to invest because he believed keeping the property operating as a theater was important to the success of downtown Antioch.
He said he later approached the current ownership about what he would be willing to pay to keep the property operating as a theater, but the owner was not interested at that price.
The discussion came amid ongoing community debate over a potential sale of the property for use as a church.
McCauley said that regardless of what ultimately happens with El Campanil, he remains optimistic about downtown Antioch.
“I am still bullish on downtown Antioch,” he said.
However, he argued that the controversy illustrates why Antioch needs a much clearer vision for what it wants its downtown to become.
Call for an Antioch Downtown Specific Plan
McCauley pointed to Brentwood's Downtown Specific Plan as an example Antioch could follow.
He said Brentwood deliberately identified the types of businesses and uses it wanted within its downtown corridors and established restrictions on other uses. McCauley argued that approach helped create the downtown Brentwood residents see today.
McCauley, who is participating in Antioch's General Plan update process, said one of his priorities will be pushing for a Downtown Specific Plan.
“We just need a downtown specific plan implemented and what we want this future to look like down here,” McCauley said, pointing to Brentwood and Pittsburg as examples Antioch could study.
He also advocated for reducing red tape for businesses and development.
The discussion wasn't limited to Antioch. McCauley cautioned Brentwood against becoming complacent about its own success, arguing that cities can hurt themselves when they become too difficult for new businesses and entrepreneurs to enter.
He said downtown Brentwood should continue evolving as a family-friendly social and entertainment district rather than assuming its current success will continue automatically.
McCauley Supports Antioch Vacancy Tax
McCauley also reiterated his support for a vacancy tax in Antioch aimed at property owners who allow buildings to remain vacant and deteriorate.
He said generational properties sitting empty and poorly maintained are holding back portions of the city, particularly downtown.
McCauley acknowledged that such a tax could potentially affect his own properties, but said he supports it anyway.
He argued that property owners need an incentive to maintain their buildings, fill vacancies and participate in improving surrounding neighborhoods.
“Do a vacancy tax or do some kind of implement something to get these landlords to clean up their mess,” McCauley said.
He also praised recent code enforcement efforts and said enforcement, private investment, city policy and residents taking greater pride in their own properties all have to work together.
New Business Investment in Antioch
Despite much of the negative discussion surrounding Antioch, McCauley said there are positive developments occurring throughout the city.
He highlighted new and expanding businesses, including a larger Cafecito location planned for the A Street and Railroad Avenue corridor, while its existing downtown location remains open.
McCauley said the goal was to transform a former laundromat into a gathering place offering coffee, food and room for people to work and socialize.
He also discussed other investments, including the Family Justice Center's relocation into office space on Deer Valley Road and ongoing businesses in downtown Antioch.
His message was that revitalization rarely happens through one giant project.
Instead, communities have to keep accumulating “base hits.”
Harvest Time Celebrates 50 Years
The podcast also turned toward Brentwood agriculture and the 50th anniversary of Harvest Time.
McCauley, who said he has served on the Harvest Time board for more than two decades, called agriculture one of Brentwood's defining assets.
He said the area's farms and U-pick operations draw approximately 650,000 visitors into Brentwood and argued agriculture remains a major economic engine for the community.
McCauley said he has also been encouraged by a younger generation of farming families expanding agritourism and creating new experiences around traditional agriculture.
“They are making big moves in farming and big moves in agritourism,” he said.
Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Business
The final portion of the conversation turned toward artificial intelligence and what business owners should be watching over the next several years.
McCauley said he believes an AI investment bubble has formed that could eventually experience a correction similar to the dot-com era. At the same time, he stressed that the underlying technology itself isn't going away.
He said businesses are already seeing AI dramatically reduce the time required to complete certain tasks and believes its impact on employment will continue growing.
“The tools are powerful. They’re real, and they’re good,” McCauley said.
For anyone considering launching a business during the next 12 to 24 months, his advice was straightforward: understand AI and think carefully about whether the business can survive both technological disruption and an economic downturn.
“Understand AI. Understand that that is not going to change,” McCauley said. He encouraged entrepreneurs to look toward recession-resistant businesses with recurring customers that are difficult for artificial intelligence to replace.
He pointed toward skilled trades and service industries—including plumbing, HVAC, mechanics, fencing and pest control—as examples of businesses he believes will remain in demand.
McCauley predicted blue-collar businesses could become an increasingly significant source of wealth as AI transforms more traditional white-collar professions.
The more than hour-long conversation ultimately returned to where it started: local government, business and the direction of East Contra Costa County.
For Antioch, the takeaway was a push for a Downtown Specific Plan, stronger protections against long-term vacancies and a greater focus on economic development. For Brentwood, it was a warning against complacency while continuing to protect agriculture and encourage quality businesses.
And for entrepreneurs, McCauley's message was to pay attention to what is happening with artificial intelligence now rather than waiting until it disrupts their industry.
As the episode wrapped up, Burkholder congratulated Harvest Time on 50 years and urged Antioch to move forward with a downtown plan and vacancy protections while encouraging voters to pay close attention to the candidates seeking office this fall.

Mr. Public Comment is now a candidate.
On this episode of the Be Curious Contra Costa Podcast, we sit down with Antioch City Council District 4 candidate Andrew Becker — although if you watch Antioch City Council meetings regularly, you probably already know who he is.
Becker has become one of the most frequent and outspoken voices during public comment. Now, instead of speaking to the City Council, he wants a seat on it.
So we had plenty to talk about.
We get into why he’s running, whether public comments should ever be limited, his sometimes adversarial relationship with city staff and council members, and whether he can transition from outspoken critic to collaborative elected official.
We also dive into some of Antioch’s biggest issues:
The city's budget deficit and how he would have handled it• Police staffing, Flock cameras and public safety• His extensive involvement with HomeKey+ and homelessness issues — including the question people keep asking: is he being paid to advocate, or is this simply something he's passionate about?• Transparency at City Hall and police radio encryption• Economic development and the redevelopment of Deer Valley Plaza• Housing and the coming traffic impacts along Lone Tree Way• The Somersville corridor• Youth programs and whether Antioch is doing enough for young people• The Beede Lumber Yard• El Campanil Theatre• A potential vacancy tax• Antioch's Crisis Response Team• The Amtrak station• The proposed regional transportation tax and eBART• Animal Services• Lone Tree Golf Course and the Water Park• Building better relationships with Contra Costa County, Sacramento and neighboring cities
It’s a wide-ranging conversation with a candidate who certainly hasn't been shy about telling Antioch what he thinks.
Now voters get to hear what Andrew Becker would actually do if he gets a seat at the table.
🎙️ Be Curious Contra Costa Podcast📍 Antioch City Council District 4🎤 Candidate Andrew Becker
Watch the interview. Hear his answers. Then decide for yourself.

On this episode of Be Curious Contra Costa, I sit down with Oakley City Councilmember Shannon Shaw, who was recently appointed to another term after running unopposed—for the second time. We talk about what she learned during her first term, why she got involved in city politics in the first place, and even get into some of her favorite things outside City Hall. But we also tackle the tougher stuff: the infamous “Doomsday McDonald’s” vote, the debate over data centers, growth in Oakley, and some of the goals she still wants to accomplish on the council. We also dive into social media—the good, the bad, and the impact it can have on mental health and public officials.
And for anyone thinking about running for office, Shaw shares some advice for candidates about campaigning, serving the public, and what they should know before putting their name on the ballot. I
t’s a wide-ranging conversation about local government, leadership, community—and what it’s actually like being the person who has to cast the vote.
Be Curious. Ask questions. Learn something.

On this episode of Be Curious Contra Costa, a sit down with Sunny Pannu, operator of the Concord Night Market and Pleasant Hill Night Market, to talk food, culture, community—and how a simple idea turned into two successful local events.
The Night Market concept began in Pleasant Hill after City Councilmember Belle La pushed an idea to bring more culture, food and community activity to the city while making better use of Chilpancingo Park. The response was strong, and that success eventually helped lead to an expansion into Concord with the launch of the Concord Night Market.
Sunny shares what it took to get the markets off the ground, what he's learned along the way, and where he hopes to take them next.
We also get into Sunny's own journey in the food industry, including operating his food truck, Curry & Gumbo, and how that experience gives him a different perspective when working with vendors.
Sunny explains how vendors are selected, what he looks for when building the right mix of food and businesses, some of the challenges that come with operating a Night Market, and why creating opportunities for small businesses is one of his favorite parts of the job.
Plus, we talk about future plans, potential expansion and what's next for the Night Markets.
It's a conversation about food, entrepreneurship, culture and building community—one Night Market at a time.

On this episode, we sit down with Erin Green-Astone, owner of The Hen and Drake Modern Tea Room in downtown Antioch, for a conversation that goes far beyond a cup of tea.
We dive into the world of tea—what makes the experience so unique, the different varieties available, and what guests can expect when they book one of The Hen and Drake's signature tea sessions. Erin explains why the experience lasts two to three hours, why slowing down matters in today's fast-paced world, and how tea is designed to be more than a drink—it's an opportunity to disconnect, relax, and reconnect with family and friends.
We also talk about the entrepreneurial journey that brought her here. From hosting backyard tea parties to launching a food truck and eventually opening a brick-and-mortar business, Erin shares the challenges, lessons, and milestones that helped shape The Hen and Drake.
Finally, we discuss why she chose downtown Antioch as the place to plant roots, her vision for the community, and what she hopes guests take away every time they walk through her doors.
Whether you're a lifelong tea enthusiast, a curious first-timer, or someone who enjoys hearing the stories behind local businesses, this is a conversation filled with passion, perseverance, and plenty of tea.