Contra Costa News

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