Contra Costa News

On 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 inves...

On 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 ...

On 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...

On 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/pic...

On 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 epis...

On 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 friend...

On 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 ...

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, d...

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...

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 com...

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 So...

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...

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 i...

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...

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...

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 ...

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, Assemblymem...

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 wit...