PODCAST · news
Contra Costa News
by ContraCostaNews
A podcast talking everything Contra Costa County and the greater San Francisco Bay Area. From local happenings, to the people, to supporting local business and upcoming events.
Episodes
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100: Contra Costa County Supervisor Diane Burgis
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…
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99: Amy Callaghan, Clayton City Council Candidate
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...
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98: Dena Acosta-Beere, Concord City Council Candidate
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...
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97: Ahmad Anderson, Richmond Mayoral Candidate
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...
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96: Maria Bagley, Concord City Council Candidate
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....
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95: Oxsana Pajoluk, Candidate for Brentwood School Board
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…
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94: Dionne Adams, Mayor of the City of Pittsburg
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...
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93: Aeysha Corio, Concord City Council Candidate
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…
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92: Nakenya Allen, Martinez City Council Candidate
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...
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91: Tammy Zickuhr, Brentwood City Council Candidate
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…
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90: Monica Wilson, Antioch City Councilmember and Candidate
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...
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89: Tamisha Torres-Walker, Antioch City Councilmember and Candidate
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…
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88: Joy Motts, Antioch City Council Candidate
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...
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87: Sandra White, Antioch City Council Candidate
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.…
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86: Pauline Johnson, Pittsburg City Council Candidate
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...
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85: Arlene Kobata, Pittsburg City Council Candidate
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...
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84: Holley Bishop-Mello, Brentwood City Council Candidate
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...
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83: Sheree Shannon, Candidate for Brentwood City Council
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...
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82: Vinoy Mereddy, Brentwood City Council Candidate
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....
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81: Wolfgang Croskey, Pittsburg City Council Candidate
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…
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80: Sean McCauley
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...
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79: Andrew Becker, Candidate for Antioch City Council D4
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…
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#78: Shannon Shaw, Oakley City Council
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…
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77: Concord and Pleasant Hill Night Markets With Sunny
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...
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76: Erin Green-Astone Talks Tea
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…
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75: Talking Coffee With Berks Beans
On this episode, Greg Berkowtiz of Berk’s Beans Coffee drops in to share his new promotion for first responders, a tub of coffee! While we get into his love of coffee, how he got started roasting and helping others, we talk about his First Responders Coffee Bucket, also refillable, which is…
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74: Peter Karumbi, Candidate for Auditor-Controller
On this episode of Be Curious Contra Costa, a chat with Peter Karumbi. He is a candidate running for Contra Costa County Auditor-Controller. He has spent the last 14 years in the auditor-controllers office and most recently as the assistant auditor-controller. Karumbi is originally from Kenya and...
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73: Hunter Hammett Talks Racing and Bounty
On this episode of Be Curious Contra Costa, a chat with Hunter Hammett after a bounty has been placed on him after he has won three consecutive speed races (Antioch & Petaluma). The bounty race is set for May 30, 2026. Hunter is only 19 but racing is starting to click for him in his second...
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72: Vince Robb, Candidate for Contra Costa County Assessor
On this episode, a chat with Vince Robb, candidate for Contra Costa County Assessor. So what does the assessor even do? They determine the taxable values of all real estate and business personal property, produce the assessment roll by July 1 and manage ownership records, process property tax...
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71: Seana Fippin Talks Tech
On this episode of Be Curious Contra Costa, a tech chat with Seana Fippin of Red Box Business Solution. We get into Artificial Intelligence (AI), data centers and cybersecurity. We talk about the impact Claude is having while exploring the dangers, such as an AI Agent using Claude which recently...
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70: Kish Rajan, CEO of Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery
On this episode of Be Curious Contra Costa, a chat with Kish Rajan, CEO of Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery. Rajan shares the latest updates at MDRR including being awarded the Solid Waste Environmental Excellence Performance (SWEEP) Platinum Certification—the highest level of recognition offered by...
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69: Dana Eaton, Candidate for County Superintendent
On this episode of Be Curious Contra Costa, a chat with Dana Eaton, Superintendent of the Brentwood Union School District who is now running for County Superintendent of Schools in Contra Costa County. If elected, he would replace Lynn Mackey who opted not to seek re-election. Eaton has 30 years…
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68: Demnlus Johnson III, Richmond Mayoral Candidate
On this episode of Be Curious Contra Costa, a chat with City of Richmond Mayoral candidate Demnlus Johnson III. He is a former city councilmember running for mayor. He is a fun guy with big ideas and wants to bring people together. We talk about his thoughts on a city not only planning for today,...
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67: Ahmad Anderson, Richmond Mayoral Candidate
On this episode of Be Curious Contra Costa, a chat with Richmond Mayoral Candidate Ahmad Anderson. Richmond is a city that now has a primary system for all council positions and there are five candidates running for mayor. In this episode, we talk about what leadership looks like to Anderson? We...
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66: Cheyenne Erickson, CEO of Contra Costa County Fair
On this episode, a chat with Cheyenne Erickson who is the new CEO of the Contra Costa County Fair. We talk about the upcoming fair on May 14-17, 2026. We talk about the theme, “Wild About the Fair” and what new attractions are coming. Cheyenne shares here background, what she hopes the changes...
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65: Lenna Billeci on Entrepreneurship and Community
On this episode of Be Curious Contra Costa, a chat with Lenna Billeci who owns and operates two businesses in downtown Brentwood. She is the owner of Socialyte Boutique and Salt & Fig Marketplace and recently purchased her first building. We talk about her journey from a love of fashion to...
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64: Pratima Sonavne, Candidate for Contra Costa Clerk-Recorder
On this episode, a chat with Pratima Sonavne, candidate for Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder. Sonavne is a resident of Danville and founder of Kurious Kids childcare center. She also has 20-years of experience in human resources. We get into why she is running for this position, including...
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63: Erin Kerr Summit Talks Lending and Brentwood Rotary Club
On this episode of the ContraCosta.news Podcast, Erin Kerr Summit was kind enough to be my first guest on the video version of the podcast. She talks about upcoming Brentwood Rotary events including a poker tournament, bingo, whiskey walk and a golf tournament. We then get into real life, where…
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62: Whats Up With The Contra Costa County Real Estate Market
On this episode, a chat with Kevin and Tawnya Erickson on what the heck is going on with real estate in Contra Costa County. We get into what has changed in the past month or so and the impact its having on selling and buying homes. We get into some housing markets from Antioch, Brentwood…
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61: The Reverse Interview with Seana Fippin
As the podcast is returning after a short break, a quick reversal interview where Seana Fippin of Red Box Business Solutions flips the script and interviews me as in a guest interviews the host episode. We touch on a couple things with ContraCosta.news for 2026.
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60: Michelle Powell Evans Talks Breath Better Wellness
On this episode, a chat with Michelle Powell Evans of Breath Better Wellness and Tawnya Erickson. In a 2026 that has started off pretty wild, we discuss breathing techniques to help calm anxiety and stress. We get into what sound baths are and what they help with—including crystal bowls and other...
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59: Monica Barajas of Monicas Riverview
On 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....
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58: 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…
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57: Antioch City Manager Bessie M. Scott Gives 1-Year Update
On 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…
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56: Kathy Cabrera Talks K911 Animal Rescue Adoption Goals
On 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...
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55: El Campanil Theatre Could Shut Down by December
On 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...
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54: Dating After Divorce with Hope Petrow
On 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...
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53: Vasco Forever Helping Families Seek Safer Vasco Road
On 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...
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52: 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...
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51: Antioch City Manager Bessie M. Scott
On 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…
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Contra Costa News have?
Contra Costa News currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Contra Costa News about?
A podcast talking everything Contra Costa County and the greater San Francisco Bay Area. From local happenings, to the people, to supporting local business and upcoming events.
How often does Contra Costa News release new episodes?
Contra Costa News has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Contra Costa News?
You can listen to Contra Costa News on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Contra Costa News?
Contra Costa News is created and hosted by ContraCostaNews.
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