Contra Costa News

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

18: Ron Bernal Runs for Mayor of Antioch

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 have a strong city manager that can help hire and retain staff do the work for the community. We get into a variety of other topics from homelessness and blight to what could be done on Wilbur and support economic development and local businesses in the city.
I also ask Ron Bernal if he is too nice for the job and how he would better work with the school district and improve on youth services. He also is a fan of transparency and addresses the “bloggers”.
For more on his campaign, visit him at www.ronbernal.org

17: Instant Reaction to California Primary With Allen Payton

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 Supervisor which should be a nice race. We talk Assembly District 15 with a runoff between Sonia Ledo and Anamarie Avila Farias. We question whether Lori Wilson can be beat in Assembly District 11. In Senate District 3, Thom Bogue takes on Christopher Cabaldon. We also touch on Proposition 1 which is only separated by 14,000 votes as of Tuesday morning.
As for the fall, we touch on several city races in Contra Costa County where major change could come in the City of Antioch with Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe already having a challenger in Ron Bernal. City of Brentwood has the mayors seat open along with two council seats. Meanwhile, Concord, Martinez and Walnut Creek could be interesting. Payton also thinks the Joe Biden and Donald Trump race will surprise people, along with the Adam Schiff vs. Steve Garvey race. Could California move more to the center should a Prop 47 repeal/amendment occur?
For local results, click here

16: Marisol Rubio Runs for State Senate District 9

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 pragmatic approach to multiple issues from healthcare, crime and safety, environmental issues, homelessness, the budget and a variety of other issues such as advocating for women and reproductive rights and freedoms.
With both Rubio and Assemblyman Tim Grayson automatically moving onto the General Election, this interview was an introduction into who Rubio is, her background, and thoughts on many topics.
District includes: Antioch, Brentwood, Concord, San Ramon, Pittsburg, Martinez, Pleasant Hill, into Alameda County – Castro Valley, San Leandro, San Lorenzo.
 
For more on Rubio: www.marisolforca.com

15: Shanelle Scales-Preston Runs for Contra Costa County Board of Supervisor

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 her time on the Pittsburg City Council, youth programs, community engagement and get into crime and Prop 47. We also get into the need of bringing services to East Contra Costa County, including youth, homelessness and seniors. We touch on Measure X, the Keller Canyon Mitigation Fund and the Northern Waterfront.
For more on Shanelle Scales-Preston, visit her at: www.shanelle4supervisor.org

14: Christopher Cabaldon Runs for Senate District 3

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 safety, crime, whether schools should be armed with police, seniors, civil rights and plenty of other topics in this hour chat.
State Senate District 3 includes the entire Counties of Napa, Solano, Yolo, and portions of Contra Costa, Sacramento, and Sonoma Counties. It also includes the whole Cities of American Canyon, Benicia, Brentwood, Calistoga, Cotati, Davis, Dixon, Fairfield, Isleton, Napa, Oakley, Rio Vista, Rohnert Park, St. Helena, Sonoma, Suisun City, Vacaville, Vallejo, West Sacramento, Winters, Woodland, and Yountville.
For more on Christopher Cabaldon, visit him at: www.cabaldonforsenate.com

13: Kevin Wilk Talks Antisemitic Speech During Walnut Creek City Council Meeting

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 neighboring cities having similar issues. We get into public comments and zoom bombing with hate speech. Should the Jewish community speak out and add oxygen to the topic or ignore it. What can people do to stop spreading hate speech. We talk about the importance of Bay Area Network of Jewish Officials (BANJO). Meanwhile, Wilk gives his perspective on several other items in hopes of working to bring people together.
For more information on what has transpired in the City of Walnut Creek: https://contracosta.news/2024/02/21/walnut-creek-city-council-subjected-to-antisemitic-rant/

12: A Chat With California Gleamin

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: Teeth Whitening, Tooth Gems, Spray Tanning, Foot Detoxes, Yoni Steams, HyloPen Sessions, Infrared Sauna Blanket, Wood Therapy, and Body Contouring and piercings. We also talk about Downtown Brentwood, and some advice for future business owners.
 
For more on California Gleamin, visit them at: www.californiagleamin.com

11: Wanda Wallis Runs for State Assembly District 11

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 values and get into Reparations. We also talk some of the bills her opponent, Assemblymember Lori Wilson,  has supported which is why Wallis is running.
For more on Wallis, visit her at www.votewanda.com

10: Vivian Shares her Boondoggies Journey

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 also shares the importance of putting in the work, accepting feedback and working with the Downtown Brentwood Coalition.  
For more on Boondoggies, click here

09: Karen Mitchoff Runs for California State Assembly

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 services getting the short end of the stick and health needs, the issues in education. We debate climate change, water storage and protecting the Delta. We also talk 2nd Amendment and jobs/economy.
We also get into the dynamics of the race and the bizarre support in endorsements. This episode tackles a lot of topics that are challenging California. District 15 includes all of the following cities; Antioch, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, Martinez, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill and a portion of Walnut Creek. It also includes the communities of Bay Point, Clyde, Crockett, Pacheco, Port Costa, and Vine Hill.
For more on Karen Mitchoff, visit her at www.karenmitchoff.com

08: Mike Barbanica Runs for Contra Costa County Board of Supervisor

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 within the City of Antioch, but get into helping small business, the Northern Waterfront and more. We also talk a little bit about Antioch and attempting to accomplish things from outside a council majority. Barbanica also advocates for policy that protects personal freedoms.
 
For more on Mike Barbanica, visit: www.mikebarbanica.com

07: Jelani Killings Runs for Contra Costa County Board of Supervisor

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 illness. We get into infrastructure, Measure X spending and much more.
To learn more about Jelani Killings, visit him at www.jelanikillings.com

06: Dirk Zeigler On Why California Insurance Rates Are Skyrocketing

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 many complex issues. Companies have already issued 10-20% rate increases while others are requesting 20%+ on auto and home insurance. We get into companies no longer wanting to write policy in California and leaving, cancelling policies, Prop 103, what state insurance commissioner Ricardo Lara is doing. Impact of state laws, natural disasters, miles driven, crime, under insurance. Even renters insurance is increasing. Zeigler also provides tips on how to save money and drops information on what to ask your agent. For more information on Zeigler insurance, visit: https://www.zeiglerinsurance.com/

05: Sean McCauley Gives Project Status Updates and More

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 Club House. We touch on working with the City of Pittsburg to many other things. We also get into Ron Bernal running for Mayor of the City of Antioch to farming and the potential for Harvest Time in Brentwood.
 
For more information, visit: https://contracosta.news/

04: The Speakeasy Baking Co Heads to Food Network

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 Christmas”
As hosts Ree Drummond and Eddie Jackson know, Christmas in the country is just different than anywhere else, so they task four countrified cookie makers with creating two different cowboy Christmas designs.
After they're done, one cookie maker will have to leave the ranch while the cookie maker who "cowboys up" the best batch will gain an advantage for the next round.
Then, the three remaining bakers create cookie versions of ceramic farmhouse cookie jars that must be fully functional while their displays incorporate country desserts like sweet potato pie, peach cobbler, pecan pie or pineapple upside down cake.
One cowpoke cookie maker will ride off into the sunset with $10,000 and the Golden Ornament.
Follow The Speakeasy Baking Co on Instagram -- click here

03: Oakley Chamber of Commerce Relaunched

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 membership participation and the COVID-19 pandemic. We also talk about the opportunity in Oakley under the new city manager, a business friendly chamber and many other tidbits.
For more on the Oakley Chamber of Commerce: https://oakleychamber.org/
For more local news visit:  https://contracosta.news/

02: Too Much Bad Real Estate Advice Floating Around

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. Impact of 3% to 8% interest rates. And if people are being intentionally priced out of the market. For more local news visit:  https://contracosta.news/

01: Goodbye WTF California Hello Contra Costa News Podcast

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.contracosta.news