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 the most frequent and outspoken voices during public comment. Now, instead of speaking to the City Council, he wants a seat on it.

So we had plenty to talk about.

We get into why he’s running, whether public comments should ever be limited, his sometimes adversarial relationship with city staff and council members, and whether he can transition from outspoken critic to collaborative elected official.

We also dive into some of Antioch’s biggest issues:

• The city's budget deficit and how he would have handled it • Police staffing, Flock cameras and public safety • His extensive involvement with HomeKey+ and homelessness issues — including the question people keep asking: is he being paid to advocate, or is this simply something he's passionate about? • Transparency at City Hall and police radio encryption • Economic development and the redevelopment of Deer Valley Plaza • Housing and the coming traffic impacts along Lone Tree Way • The Somersville corridor • Youth programs and whether Antioch is doing enough for young people • The Beede Lumber Yard • El Campanil Theatre • A potential vacancy tax • Antioch's Crisis Response Team • The Amtrak station • The proposed regional transportation tax and eBART • Animal Services • Lone Tree Golf Course and the Water Park • Building better relationships with Contra Costa County, Sacramento and neighboring cities

It’s a wide-ranging conversation with a candidate who certainly hasn't been shy about telling Antioch what he thinks.

Now voters get to hear what Andrew Becker would actually do if he gets a seat at the table.

🎙️ Be Curious Contra Costa Podcast 📍 Antioch City Council District 4 🎤 Candidate Andrew Becker

Watch the interview. Hear his answers. Then decide for yourself.

And for anyone thinking about running for office, Shaw shares some advice for candidates about campaigning, serving the public, and what they should know before putting their name on the ballot. I

t’s a wide-ranging conversation about local government, leadership, community—and what it’s actually like being the person who has to cast the vote.

Be Curious. Ask questions. Learn something.

The Night Market concept began in Pleasant Hill after City Councilmember Belle La pushed an idea to bring more culture, food and community activity to the city while making better use of Chilpancingo Park. The response was strong, and that success eventually helped lead to an expansion into Concord with the launch of the Concord Night Market.

Sunny shares what it took to get the markets off the ground, what he's learned along the way, and where he hopes to take them next.

We also get into Sunny's own journey in the food industry, including operating his food truck, Curry & Gumbo, and how that experience gives him a different perspective when working with vendors.

Sunny explains how vendors are selected, what he looks for when building the right mix of food and businesses, some of the challenges that come with operating a Night Market, and why creating opportunities for small businesses is one of his favorite parts of the job.

Plus, we talk about future plans, potential expansion and what's next for the Night Markets.

It's a conversation about food, entrepreneurship, culture and building community—one Night Market at a time.

We dive into the world of tea—what makes the experience so unique, the different varieties available, and what guests can expect when they book one of The Hen and Drake's signature tea sessions. Erin explains why the experience lasts two to three hours, why slowing down matters in today's fast-paced world, and how tea is designed to be more than a drink—it's an opportunity to disconnect, relax, and reconnect with family and friends.

We also talk about the entrepreneurial journey that brought her here. From hosting backyard tea parties to launching a food truck and eventually opening a brick-and-mortar business, Erin shares the challenges, lessons, and milestones that helped shape The Hen and Drake.

Finally, we discuss why she chose downtown Antioch as the place to plant roots, her vision for the community, and what she hopes guests take away every time they walk through her doors.

Whether you're a lifelong tea enthusiast, a curious first-timer, or someone who enjoys hearing the stories behind local businesses, this is a conversation filled with passion, perseverance, and plenty of tea.

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 perfect for police departments, firehouses, EMS teams, dispatch centers and break rooms while being an affordable option for coffee.

• Refillable bucket
• Airtight Airscape® lid
• Over 12 lbs of freshly roasted coffee
•  Blends + single origin options
• Light, medium, medium-dark & dark roasts
• Start with your bucket for $150.
• Refill it anytime for $120.

Berk’s Beans got started during the pandemic out of his garage before moving to his Concord location. He also now helps other coffee shops by providing not only beans, but helping them grow.

Try Berks Beans for Yourself

Whether you’re a  coffee enthusiast, café owner, or simply looking for a better brew, Berks Beans offers everything from single bags to subscriptions, roasted-to-order and shipped within 24 hours.

Visit the Roastery 1717 Solano Way, Suite 12 Concord, CA 94520

Order Online or Book a Tasting: https://berksbeans.com/shop

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 came to the United States in 2007 where he worked at Home Depot and then Ross, before being hired by Contra Costa County as an entry-level accountant who worked his way up through the office. He became an accountant in 2011, a CPA, and has an MBA in finance. In this episode we talk a little bit about the office and what it does, what he wants to improve on but more importantly, wants the information to be confirmed, factual and accurate. He wants to improve public outreach, make things more transparent and improve technology within the office.

For more on Karumbi, visit him at: https://karumbiforauditor.com/

Hunter is only 19 but racing is starting to click for him in his second “official season”. Hammett, began racing three years ago on the dirt track in Antioch where he has won his last two races, followed by a win in Petaluma. This prompted James Thomson to place a bounty on Hammett which was at $400 and has since grown to $700 + race winnings. Hammett talks about getting into racing, but also about what its really like on the dirt track, the comradery of the drivers, and the atmosphere they are trying to create at the local speedway.

• Instagram: hammettracing55h
• Antioch Speedway Website: https://www.raceantiochspeedway.com/

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 exemptions and calculate changes to supplemental assessments due to construction or sales.

Vince has served as assistant county assessor for the past 2.5 years while receiving a 99% accuracy rate. In the episode, we get into how he is different than Gus Kramer, what he has learned in his current role and how the department continues to modernize.

We also talk Prop 13, its impact, property tax transfers, impacts of certain state laws, and how important the role is for local government. One thing Robb wants to do is improve education and outreach to the public so they are better equipped in decision making, update technology (such as if AI is doable) and other tidbits.

For more information on Vince Robb, visit him at https://vincerobbforassessor.com/

We talk about the impact Claude is having while exploring the dangers, such as an AI Agent using Claude which recently deleted an entire database within seconds. While AI is impactful, one also needs to utilize the human element. This idea that AI can control your cyber security is insane – still going to need companies like Red Box Business Solutions to manage safety and accounts. Government entities are still being targeted.

We also talk data centers and if they are as scary as everyone is making them out to be. We also don’t know what regulations are coming as more cities place moratoriums. We also talk a bit on crypto currency hacks and how 75% of them are coming out of North Korea according to 2026 data.

Finally, Fippin highlights her monthly Biz Con event series in the city of Brentwood – aimed to help local business community. She also announces the Contra Costa Business Conference set to be held September 17-18 which tickets are now on sale.

For more information: https://www.getredbox.com/

We talk electric batteries and how to properly dispose of them – how they start fires – we get into garbage police and Artificial Intelligence and cameras. Properly sorting garbage and how it could lower rates later—sustainability/reuse programs will have a big impact. Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery will also open up their new location in the City of Oakley in June.

Rajan also talks about the challenges we may face in the future while also reacting to new laws that keep coming onto the books.

For more information: https://mdrr.com/

If elected, he would replace Lynn Mackey who opted not to seek re-election.

Eaton has 30 years in education from teacher to principal to superintendent. We talk about a variety of issues from the state budget, special needs, impact of cell phone bans on campus, dealing with mental health and anxiety of students, homelessness and more. We also get into technology, AI, and assisting students who just are not interested in school material. Eaton also highlights how they are currently in a time where education is seeing the most issues at one time he has ever seen. Still, those in education, he advocates that you impact students daily and find ways to relate to students and find ways to give each student an opportunity because you never know if that one opportunity changes a persons life trajectory.

Some of his priorities as County Superintendent include Advance early literacy and early learning, ensure safe schools, promote fiscal responsibility, support mental health, and prepare students for college, career and life. He also wants a better plan for recruiting, developing and retaining educators.

For more on Eaton, visit him on his campaign website: Click Here

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, but for Richmond 2050 and what that would look like, such as developing land for community benefit while revitalizing areas. What a safe city would do for the people and the businesses. We get into his belief that FLOCK cameras should be used and how police should be given tools to do their jobs while simultaneously working with the community and getting to know them. He also talks about non-profits and the need to show progress versus simply handing out dollars. He also urges Richmond to stop being an island and instead work with the rest of Contra Costa County to leverage resources and be a good neighbor. We talk about a lot in this episode.

For more about Johnson, visit him at https://www.johnsonforrichmondmayor.com/

For more on his campaign, visit him at https://www.anderson4richmond.com/ 

For more information about the upcoming fair: https://www.contracostafair.com/

For more on Kevin & Tawnya, visit them online at: https://www.ericksonbayareahomes.com/

Join Michelle on February 1 for a Breathe Better Together – Brentwood, special event. Take a pause, tune into wellness, and reconnect with your breath. Join us for an immersive sound and breath experience designed to calm the mind, heal the body, and uplift the spirit. 

For more information, visit https://www.michellepowellevans.com/

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 Antioch and wanting to see improvements throughout the city, improve the waterfront and raise the quality of life. We talk about the business altering shooting outside of Monica's in July 2023 and the impact it had on her business and how she has overcome the stigma of violence in the city. She is also up for the challenges and work towards a thriving restaurant and community.

For more on Monica's Riverview, visit them at www.visitmonicas.com

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 academy just months before 9/11 and went on to serve on the Joint Terrorism Task Force, where he developed his foundation in decisive action, crisis leadership, and operating with clarity under pressure.

Today, Jack brings that same intensity and practicality to the private sector. As a consultant and advisor, he works with executives, teams, and organizations to overcome hesitation, eliminate operational friction, and build high-performance cultures capable of moving fast and outpacing competitors. His frameworks have helped companies strengthen trust, increase execution speed, and navigate technological disruption with confidence.

Jack is the author of The Reaction to Inaction: How to Outpace Disruption and Lead in the Age of AI, a direct, actionable blueprint for leaders struggling to adapt to rapid change, organizational complexity, and the accelerating impact of artificial intelligence. The book empowers leaders and employees with the tools to make decisions faster, innovate consistently, and create cultures where action—not fear—drives results.

Jack earned his Bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary’s College of California and completed his postgraduate studies at Harvard University in Cambridge, further strengthening his foundation in leadership, strategy, and organizational development.

He continues to speak, consult, and write, helping leaders at every level build the confidence, discipline, and execution muscle needed to thrive in an age of nonstop disruption.

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 courts due to outstanding issues from prior administrations. Now work can begin to shift to community services as directors have been hired. We talk public safety, economic development, bringing the community together and a variety of other topics.

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/

For more information on the El Campanil Theatre, visit them at www.elcampaniltheatre.com

• For more information on Hope Petrow: www.hopepetrow.com
• Purchase: Dating After Divorce: From Heartbreak to Soulmate

For more information: https://vascofhf.org/

For Contra Costa County information on Vasco Road, click here.

For more infomation on the team: https://eastcountyvalkyrie.com/

Scott highlights her expertise  and how that will only help Antioch – she is a systems and process person.  She has public sector experience in areas such as public safety, housing programs and municipal policy administration. While in Seattle, she was the Deputy Inspector General for Public Safety with the City of Seattle. In her role, she ensured consistent policy interpretation across all functions of public safety, including audits, Investigations, Policy and Standards and Compliance. Scott also says if Antioch is going to invest money into things, there must be a return on investment—no more handing out free monies with no checks and balances. Meanwhile, I argue the council needs to get her out into the public more so people can begin building better relationships given her recent presentation with the Downtown Antioch Association. Scott also talks about the importance of building a solid team around her and creating stability within the City of Antioch. Ultimately, it comes down to the budget and once that is decided, the city can begin making moves, which may be unpopular, but must be done.

More on the Brentwood School of Etiquette: click here

As a quick bonus on the episode, her husband Nick Zimmer of Advantage Driving School, also jumps in talking “etiquette” and the roadways. I’ll bring Nick back for a full episode in a few weeks.

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 of personal service you get from Knots + Found.

Knots + Found is located at 701, Escobar Street, Martinez CA and can be visited online at www.knotsandfound.com

For more on the Kings Accountability Program, visit: https://kingsaccountabilitygroup.org/

For more on Foodie Crew & the schedule, visit them at www.foodiecrew.com

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, the process towards opening, early struggles and some upgrades coming soon this summer to the facility. 

For more on Dále Vino, visit them at www.dalevino.com.

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 farming in the State of California. We also talk about the role of Harvest Time in Brentwood and the benefit its providing to the local farming community.

For more on Three Nunns Farm, visit them at: https://threenunns.com/

For more on Harvest Time in Brentwood, visit them at https://harvestforyou.com/

For more information: https://www.sidegatebrewing.com/home

Website: https://www.tntsmoothiebar.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tntsmoothiebar/

Website:  https://blessedtobeablessingministries.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065024558001

To reach out to McCauley, visit him at: https://mccauleyinv.com/

For more information: www.breakfreefitness.com

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 habanero, each sausage is a labor of love—including the amazing blueberry maple which is perfect for breakfast sandwiches. They have also expanded to offering some pretty amazing sandwiches (I recommend the Meatball Sub or Mortadella Brie—but they are all good, and filling). Finally, they are set to launch their own breads in store.

For more info: www.paulosausageco.com

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!!!

For more on Kori, the projects, and where to purchase the books, visit them at www.hometownalphabet.com

For more on Vino Olivo Winery, visit them at www.vinoolivo.com

Dennis Mobley, Senior Wine Maker 

With over a decade of experience in winemaking, Dennis Mobley brings a wealth of expertise and passion to every bottle crafted at Vino Olivo Winery. His journey spans the entire spectrum of the winemaking process—from  grape harvest and cellar operations to fermentation, bottling, and beyond. In 2023, Dennis earned his Certificate in Winemaking from the prestigious UC Davis program, a milestone that coincided with his award-winning successes, including silver medals for his Chardonnay and Zinfandel at major wine competitions, along with additional accolades for a range of other varietals.

Before immersing himself in the art of winemaking, Dennis enjoyed a distinguished career in global investment banking technology. This experience sharpened his attention to detail, communication skills, and collaborative mindset—attributes that now inform his meticulous approach to crafting exceptional wines. His extensive international travel and exposure to world-class dining further refined his palate and deepened his appreciation for the nuanced relationship between food and wine.

A native of Central California, Dennis’s roots in agriculture instilled in him a profound respect for the land and a steadfast work ethic. This unique combination of agricultural heritage, technical proficiency, and genuine passion for winemaking fuels his commitment to producing wines of exceptional quality at Vino Olivo Winery.

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 understand something is not always top dollar, but rather its value is tied to how much someone is willing to pay for an item. Finally, we talk about how to choose a vendor and what items to fill their store with.

For more information: www.rivertowntreasurechest.com

For more information, visit: https://mikebarbanica.com/

We get into a tone of stuff from Antioch being labeled the “new Oakland” to what Antioch HS has specifically done to help a unhoused students. Rocha also talked about the importance of hiring the right city manager, police chief and developing a plan for the city.

For more on Louie Rocha, visit him at https://louierocha.org/

For more information: www.brian4brentwood.com

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 also wants to bring people together and stop with the divisiveness.

For more on Faye Maloney, visit her at www.fayeforbrentwood.com

For more on Gerald Johnson, visit him at www.geraldcjohnson.com

For more information, https://www.oc4oakley.com/

For more information: click here

For more information about Fernando - click here

For more on website, visit him at: www.antwonwebster.com

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 and bringing back neighborhood watch. Freitas advocates for an economic development plan that will address not only the downtown, but Somersville Town Center, Deer Valley Plaza, Slatten Ranch and other parts of the city—including having a house component.

We get into the homeless solution Antioch has moved forward with and if it is working. Accountability and transparency, budget issues and concerns, youth programming, and street safety.

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 ruining of peoples lives. She also recommends changing how and why you use social media--look for gold nuggets, not negativity. She also talks about the role of parenting and accountability.

At Digital4Good, they believe in the power of digital citizenship to create a safer online world. Founded in response to an online attack on a teacher, Digital4Good emerged as a way to fight back against digital negativity. 

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.

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 and others with text messages but text messages involving Antioch Police and Pittsburg Police was okay. We get into why the media has gone hard after Antioch Police but left Pittsburg Police alone even though they have had more officers fired. We also talk context, of how the way police text messages were released were not all of the messages but a small sampling and in some cases edited—only 25 pages of 200+ have been released. At least Pittsburg was smart to let the process play out, Antioch Mayor wanted to hold press conference after press conference and now historically wrong.

We also question why police body camera footage from Tamisha Torres-Walker house has never been released and the legal games playing out—Aiello says it should be released. We get into importance of body camera’s in police department and impacts it has. Should never have taken Councilmember Mike Barbanica 6x to make the request.

Finally, why is no one in the media discussing the grand jury report? Totally bizarre media protects elected officials when they should be reporting on them.

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 work to bring people together, not just play party politics. 

Cities within AD11 include: Vallejo, Fairfield, Vacaville, Oakley, Suisun City, Benicia, Dixon, Discovery Bay, Rio Vista

For more information on David Ennis, visit him at https://ennis2024.org/

Downtown Brentwood Coalition Website

Impact Report - click here

For more information on Very Mulberry, visit them at www.verymulberry.com

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 mom of four with two sons who are autistic and working through the education system.

Assembly District 15 included:  Antioch, Bay Point, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, Crocket, Martinez, Pleasant Hill Pittsburg and some smaller communities.

For more information on Sonia Ledo, visit her at www.sonialedo.com

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

East County Living -- Instagram

Erickson Bay Area Homes -- Website

She also highlights her Spring Fling event on April 14 at Urban Edge in Brentwood.

Her salsa is available at McCaulley Olive, Salt & Fig Marketplace and Urban Edge. Plus the farmers markets in the City of Brentwood and City of Martinez.

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 in sales. Maltbie also shares what he has learned on the way during his journey.

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

For more on the American Red Cross, visit: https://www.redcross.org/local/california/northern-california-coastal.html

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

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

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

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

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

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/

For more on California Gleamin, visit them at: www.californiagleamin.com

For more on Wallis, visit her at www.votewanda.com

For more on Boondoggies, click here

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

For more on Mike Barbanica, visit: www.mikebarbanica.com

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

For more information, visit: https://contracosta.news/

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

For more on the Oakley Chamber of Commerce: https://oakleychamber.org/

For more local news visit:  https://contracosta.news/