Shows
Contra Costa News59: Monica Barajas of Monicas RiverviewOn 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...
2025-12-221h 03Contra Costa News58: 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 a...
2025-12-111h 27Contra Costa News57: Antioch City Manager Bessie M. Scott Gives 1-Year UpdateOn 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 cou...
2025-11-121h 13Contra Costa News56: Kathy Cabrera Talks K911 Animal Rescue Adoption GoalsOn 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/
2025-11-0441 minContra Costa News55: El Campanil Theatre Could Shut Down by DecemberOn 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
2025-07-1531 minContra Costa News54: Dating After Divorce with Hope PetrowOn 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, re...
2025-05-2846 minContra Costa News53: Vasco Forever Helping Families Seek Safer Vasco RoadOn 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...
2025-05-191h 33Contra Costa News52: 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/
2025-05-1331 minContra Costa News51: Antioch City Manager Bessie M. ScottOn 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...
2025-05-051h 19Contra Costa News50: Lindsay Zimmer Talks EtiquetteOn 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 episod...
2025-04-281h 23Contra Costa News49: Wendy of Knots + Found Talks PlantsOn 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...
2025-04-241h 11Contra Costa News58: Tirrell Muhammad Talks Kings Accountability ProgramOn this episode, Tirrell Muhammad joins me to talk about his efforts with the Kings Accountability Group and the work being done in the City of Richmond and other parts of the Bay Area. He shares how it started as just four men talking weekly to hold each other accountable, which morphed into a non-profit. Muhammad shares his journey of how a Big Brother program in San Francisco changed his trajectory. He shared the importance of how the Antioch Rotary Club and giving back led him to his new endeavors of being community focused, but also the importance of...
2025-04-141h 50Contra Costa News57: Adam Gross Talks Foodie CrewOn this episode, I chat with Foodie Crew creator Adam Gross about everything food trucks and what is coming in Contra Costa County this year. Launched in 2017 in the City of Antioch, we get into how Adam got into food, then owning a food truck to launching Foodie Crew where they are weekly in Antioch, Brentwood and soon in Pittsburg—while Oakley is monthly. We talk about the industry, some data, myths what the future may hold for the industry.
For more on Foodie Crew & the schedule, visit them at www.foodiecrew.com
2025-04-071h 04Contra Costa News56: Tara D. Sanders of Dále VinoOn this episode, a chat with Tara D. Sanders of Dále Vino-- the first wine bar in Pittsburg. Her love of wine first began while in South Africa. But her journey started while in High School when she became Miss Black Ca USA, Miss Teenage Ca, and Miss Teen of the Nation, Tara used her title funds to complete her BA and master’s degrees--along with the influence of her parents.
She is a big believer in education, providing tools to help others be successful and building community. We get into the idea behind Dále Vino...
2025-03-311h 26Contra Costa News55: Sam Gives Update on Three Nunns FarmOn this episode, a chat with Sam Nunn of Three Nunns Farm who gives an update on the upcoming strawberry u-pick season and soon to be cherry season.
Located at 550 Walnut Blvd in the City of Brentwood, Three Nunn Farms offers a variety of activities throughout the year between u-pick seasons (strawberry, cherry, peach and pumpkins) to a giant corn maze in the fall—along with many other amenities such as a roller coaster, and pumpkin launcher. Sam shares how he knew he wanted to farm for a living, what Brentwood means to him and the impact of...
2025-03-271h 16Contra Costa News54: Talking Beer With Side Gate BreweryA chat with Paul Culbertson and Kevin Wilson of Side Gate Brewery in Concord, CA. We talk about how they went from being in finance to launching a brewery and their love of beer. The two share their journey from concept to reality of how Side Gate Brewery was born and what went into the transformation in downtown Concord—and how they ended up in Concord. Obviously, we talk beer, what they make and what goes into each beer launch—but also how they raise up other home brewers up by holding homebrew competitions.
For more...
2025-03-241h 19Contra Costa News53: Trevel Talks TNT Smoothie & Juice Bar in Downtown AntiochOn this episode, a chat with Trevel Adanandus of TNT Smoothie & Juice Bar located in downtown Antioch. While waiting to become a longshoreman, he opened in October of 2022 after talking with his dad (owner of Tease Southern Kitchen) where he offers healthy options from Acai bowls (superfood bowls), smoothies, juices to many other items. We get into how he came up with the concept, early challenges, why he chose the City of Antioch and shares how downtown has changed in the past couple of years. He sees positive changes coming to the downtown and believes the area will soon...
2025-03-1751 minContra Costa News52: Sylvia Green Talks Food Pantry Non-ProfitOn this episode, at chat with Sylvia Green of Blessed to be a Blessing Ministries who are a local non-profit food pantry in Contra Costa County serving families. They are helping fight hunger by serving families in Antioch, Bay Point, Brentwood and Oakley where they provide food via delivery every other Saturday. The food pantry started 4-years ago and serves 30-35 families while being all donation and volunteer based. We talk about how the non-profit started, its early challenges and the need in Contra Costa County—including donations, financial, volunteers and more.
Website: https://blessedtobeablessingministries.org/
2025-03-1055 minContra Costa News51: Sean McCauley Talks Antioch, Brentwood and Pittsburg HappeningsOn this episode, a chat with Sean McCauley who shares some exciting news of 7 restaurants opening in the next 6 months. These will happen in the City of Antioch, City of Brentwood and City of Pittsburg. We get into downtown Antioch and what is transpiring down there. What cities can do to better help business. Get into chicken and goats, Harvest Time and Agriculture. Touch on the Urban Limit Line which is coming quickly. Meanwhile, some advice to business owners on how to navigate the national and state politic climate. Plus, much more!
To reach out to McCauley, v...
2025-03-051h 10Contra Costa News50: Lauren Huffmaster of Adventure Therapy FoundationOn this episode, I chat with Lauren Huffmaster, founder of Adventure Therapy Foundation, a nonprofit that exists to break the destructive cycles created by the isolation, fear and broken identity in families impacted by cancer. Through programs that are designed to teach individuals and families how to face each side effect and learn how to break through it. Lauren shares her story, how the foundation was created and how she woke up one day and decided she wasn’t going to be “good at dying” and instead start living through adventure. She now wants to help others. She is an aut...
2025-02-2755 minContra Costa News49: Bri and Joseph Drake Talk Break Free FitnessOn this episode, I chat with Bri and Joseph Drake who are launching Break Free Fitness in Brentwood with an open house on March 2 and will open next week. Bri shares her credentials from the fitness world to nutrition and what she hopes to achieve with this facility--focusing on women's health. She hopes to build community with small group and semi-private fitness classes where one can work out, stay motivated and achieve their goals. We get into a ton of stuff from nutrition, health fads, Ozempic to achieving success one goal at a time. The goal is always to...
2025-02-2555 minContra Costa News48: Photojournalist Art RayOn this episode, I chat with photojournalist Art Ray who shoots local news stories with a camera. We talk about what he does, how he got started and how no one would hire a African American man to shoot news in Chicago. Ray shares his journey to California and ended up in Contra Costa County and many of the videos on local news channels are from Ray. We get into several other issues from socioeconomic to racism to how politics ruins everything. We touch on Contra Costa County news and what the lack of news the public is getting...
2025-02-112h 00Contra Costa News#47: Paulo Sausage CompanyOn this episode, I chat with Ronnie and Jena of the Paulo Sausage Company who have expanded their business over the last few years, including a storefront in the City of Pittsburg.
We talk about how they started, taking the concept from idea to reality and the growth trajectory and even tackle some of their challenges. A lot of fun goodies they share including navigating a work-life balance.
Launched in 2021, the Paulo Sausage Company produces some of the best sausage around with a variety of flavors from hot Italian to sweet ha...
2025-02-031h 00Contra Costa News46: Kori Barton Talks Hometown Highlights Alphabet SeriesOn this episode, a chat Kori Barton about her Hometown Highlights Alphabet Series. This is a husband-and-wife team illustrating their way across Contra Costa County with a series of children’s books.
To date, books have been released on the City of Clayton, City of Concord, City of Brentwood and City of Walnut Creek – with the City of Martinez in progress. The goal is to bring to light the beauty and unique aspects of Bay Area cities.
We talk about the importance of community pride, art, putting together the projects and ultimate goals. Plus, much more...
2025-01-1733 minContra Costa News45: Dennis Mobley New Winemaker at Vino Olivo WineryOn this episode, a chat with Dennis Mobley, who is the new head winemaker at Vino Olivo Winery in Brentwood. This Sunday, they release the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon as they host a wine tasting at McCauley Estate Vineyards in Brentwood. We chat about Mobley’s background, where his passion came from and his style of wine making. Plus, cover a bunch of other stuff of how Contra Costa County is primed to see great things from the wine industry going forward.
For more on Vino Olivo Winery, visit them at www.vinoolivo.com
Dennis Mob...
2025-01-1050 minContra Costa News44: Rivertown Treasure Chest in AntiochOn this episode, a chat with Debbie Blaisure and Toni Lincks of the Rivertown Treasure Chest in downtown Antioch.
They share their growth from starting out in a co-op to launching their own store with growth from Oddly Unique to Rivertown Treasure Chest.
We talk “flip game” as the idea is to buy low, sell high, but its not as easy as it seams and products could sit for years. Blaisure and Lincks talk about the industry and impact of EBAY and Facebook Marketplace. We get into the “myths” within the industry and how folks do not un...
2024-12-311h 07Contra Costa News43: Mike Barbanica Talks Contra Costa CountyOn 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 an...
2024-10-0447 minContra Costa News42: Louie Rocha Runs for Antioch City CouncilOn 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 b...
2024-09-301h 40Contra Costa News41: Brian Oftedal Runs for Brentwood City Council District 3On 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...
2024-09-191h 49Contra Costa News40: Faye Maloney Runs for Brentwood City CouncilOn 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...
2024-09-161h 02Contra Costa News39: Gerald Johnson Runs for Mayor of BrentwoodOn 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...
2024-09-121h 27Contra Costa News38: Oleksii Chuiko Runs for Oakley City CouncilOn 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/
2024-09-091h 14Contra Costa News37: Cristina Pena Langley Runs for Oakley City CouncilOn 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 of
Oakley. 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...
2024-09-0657 minContra Costa News36: Fernando Sandoval Talks Contra Costa Community College DistrictOn 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...
2024-09-041h 04Contra Costa News35: Antwon Webster Runs for Antioch City Council District 3On 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.
2024-08-291h 35Contra Costa News34: Don Freitas Runs for Antioch City Council District 3On 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 an...
2024-08-281h 24Contra Costa News33: Kim Karr Talks Social Media For Good Given State of Online CommentaryOn 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...
2024-08-281h 19Contra Costa News32: Rakesh Kumar Christian Runs for Mayor of AntiochOn 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.
2024-08-2754 minContra Costa News31: Retired Police Sgt Steve Aiello Talks Antioch Police DepartmentOn 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 an...
2024-08-201h 15Contra Costa News30: Dave Ennis Runs for State Assembly District 11On 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...
2024-08-121h 26Contra Costa News29: Ken Turnage Responds to “Bully Boss” AccusationsOn 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 findi...
2024-05-171h 14Contra Costa News28: Amy Tilley Talks Downtown Brentwood CoalitionOn 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
2024-05-031h 02Contra Costa News27:Julie Craft Talks Very Mulberry U-Pick and MoreOn 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...
2024-04-2242 minContra Costa News26: Sonia Ledo Runs for Assembly District 15On 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...
2024-04-151h 25Contra Costa News25: Bryan and Michele of Serendipity CellarsOn 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
2024-04-111h 19Contra Costa News24: Kevin and Tawnya Talk East County Living and Other ShenanigansOn 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 Home...
2024-04-051h 31Contra Costa News23: Norma Talks Wicked SalsasOn 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....
2024-04-031h 01Contra Costa News22: CEO Ryan Maltbie Talks BBQGrills.com JourneyOn 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...
2024-03-291h 34Contra Costa News21: Tamara Steiner Talks Clayton CrazinessOn 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.
2024-03-211h 10Contra Costa News20: Mary Knox Talks Domestic ViolenceOn 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 abuse...
2024-03-1458 minContra Costa News19: Hanna Malak of the American Red CrossOn 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...
2024-03-121h 00Contra Costa News18: Ron Bernal Runs for Mayor of AntiochOn 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...
2024-03-111h 13Contra Costa News17: Instant Reaction to California Primary With Allen PaytonOn 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...
2024-03-0647 minContra Costa News16: Marisol Rubio Runs for State Senate District 9On 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...
2024-02-271h 32Contra Costa News15: Shanelle Scales-Preston Runs for Contra Costa County Board of SupervisorOn 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 C...
2024-02-2639 minContra Costa News14: Christopher Cabaldon Runs for Senate District 3On 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 C...
2024-02-241h 12Contra Costa News13: Kevin Wilk Talks Antisemitic Speech During Walnut Creek City Council MeetingOn 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 abou...
2024-02-2150 minContra Costa News12: A Chat With California GleaminOn 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, vis...
2024-02-131h 04Contra Costa News11: Wanda Wallis Runs for State Assembly District 11On 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
2024-02-091h 12Contra Costa News10: Vivian Shares her Boondoggies JourneyOn 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
2024-02-0747 minContra Costa News09: Karen Mitchoff Runs for California State AssemblyOn 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...
2024-02-061h 37Contra Costa News08: Mike Barbanica Runs for Contra Costa County Board of SupervisorOn 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...
2024-02-051h 11Contra Costa News07: Jelani Killings Runs for Contra Costa County Board of SupervisorOn 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
2024-02-011h 23Contra Costa News06: Dirk Zeigler On Why California Insurance Rates Are SkyrocketingOn 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...
2024-01-231h 09Contra Costa News05: Sean McCauley Gives Project Status Updates and MoreOn 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.
2024-01-161h 19Contra Costa News04: The Speakeasy Baking Co Heads to Food NetworkOn 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 the...
2023-12-0542 minContra Costa News03: Oakley Chamber of Commerce RelaunchedOn 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...
2023-11-1355 minContra Costa News02: Too Much Bad Real Estate Advice Floating AroundOn 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/
2023-11-081h 02Contra Costa News01: Goodbye WTF California Hello Contra Costa News PodcastOn 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
2023-10-2848 min