Government Speak: A Contra Costa County Podcast

Episode 21: No Next of Kin: How the Public Administrator Steps In

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 17:00:00 -0300

What happens when someone dies with no known family, no will, and no one able to manage their affairs? In this episode, Chief Deputy Public Administrator Amy Elstermeyer talks about how her team steps in during some of life’s most difficult and sensitive moments to locate next of kin, safeguard assets, arrange final services, and why this work matters so deeply for families and communities across Contra Costa County.

Guests: Chief Deputy Public Administrator Amy Elstermeyer, Public Administrator Program Assistant Kylie Frost and Host Kristi Jourdan

Episode 20: Behind the Seal: How Weights & Measures Keeps Commerce Honest

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 17:00:00 -0300

Every day, thousands of transactions happen across Contra Costa—at gas stations, grocery stores, farmers markets, and even online. Every swipe, scan, pound, and gallon counts. But how do we know those pumps, scales, and scanners are accurate? In this episode, we sit down with Deputy Sealer of Weights & Measures Christine Buelna to explore how her team protects consumers, supports businesses, and makes sure Contra Costans get exactly what they pay for.

Guests: Deputy Sealer of Weights and Measures Christine Buelna, Julia Daniels, Christopher Cook, and Host Kristi Jourdan

Episode 19: From Prevention to Prosecution -- How the District Attorney’s Office Protects Public Safety Through Partnership and Prevention

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 17:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Government Speak, Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton explains the role of the District Attorney’s Office, how public safety decisions are made, and how the office works with partners to support victims, promote accountability, and build community trust.

Episode 18: East Contra Costa County Voices: Supervisor Diane Burgis on Representation and Resilience

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 17:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Government Speak, we sit down with Contra Costa County Supervisor Diane Burgis to talk about her work representing East County and her dedication to community service. From her roots as a nonprofit leader to her role on the Board of Supervisors, Diane shares how her passion for protecting open space, strengthening local services, and ensuring all voices are heard continues to guide her leadership. Tune in as we explore the unique challenges and opportunities in East Contra Costa County and hear firsthand how Supervisor Burgis is working to make government more accessible and responsive to the people it serves.

Episode 17: Preparing for an Aging Contra Costa

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 17:00:00 -0400

By 2030, one in four Contra Costa residents will be over the age of 60. In this episode of Government Speak, we explore what it means to grow older in our community and how the County is preparing to support a rapidly aging population.

Guests: Aging & Adult Services Director Tracy Murray, Area Agency on Aging Division Program Manager Alicia Espinoza, and Host Kristi Jourdan

Episode 16: Veterans’ Voices – Serving Those Who Served

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 17:00:00 -0300

In this episode of Government Speak, Contra Costa County Veterans Service Officer Josh Zebley explains how his office supports veterans and their families — from benefits to community resources — ensuring those who served receive the care they’ve earned.

Guests: Veterans Service Officer Josh Zebley and Host Kristi Jourdan

Episode 15: Uncovering the Past: Mapping Prejudice in Contra Costa County

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 17:00:00 -0300

In this episode of Government Speak, we’re digging into the hidden history written into the deeds of homes across Contra Costa County. The Clerk-Recorder’s Office discuss the Mapping Prejudice Project—a powerful nationwide initiative uncovering racially restrictive housing covenants that once shaped who could live where in our communities.

What does it mean to map these covenants today? How does this work help us better understand modern-day housing inequities? And where do we go from here?

Guests: Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Kristin Connelly and Host Kristi Jourdan

Episode 14: Fur Real – Inside Contra Costa County Animal Services

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 17:00:00 -0300

Contra Costa Animal Services is more than just a shelter—it’s where compassion, public safety, and community connection come together. In this episode, we go behind the scenes with the dedicated team that rescues animals, reunites families, and supports safe, healthy neighborhoods. From field officers to adoption counselors, learn how Animal Services protects both people and pets—every day.

Guests: Animal Services Director Ben Winkleblack, Public Information Officer Steve Burdo, and Host Kristi Jourdan

Episode 13: Flight Path – A Conversation with Contra Costa’s Airports Director

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 17:00:00 -0300

From tarmac to takeoff, Director of Airports Greg Baer shares more about how the two County-owned airports boost the local economy and are gateways to growth and innovation in the community.

Guests: Airport Director Greg Baer and Host Kristi Jourdan

Episode 12: Food, Air, and Safety: The Unsung Work of Environmental Health

Wed, 21 May 2025 17:01:21 -0300

From inspecting restaurants and responding to compost odor issues, to making sure our drinking water is safe — Environmental Health is working behind the scenes to keep our communities healthy. In this episode of Government Speak, we sit down with Director Kristian Lucas to talk about the vital, everyday work of Contra Costa County’s Environmental Health Division. Learn how they respond to emerging issues, enforce safety standards, and help build a cleaner, safer future for everyone.

Guests: Environmental Health Director Kristian Lucas and Host Kristi Jourdan

Episode 11: EV-olution: How Contra Costa County is Leading the Charge on Electrification and Energy Management

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 17:00:00 -0300

In this episode, we’re exploring how Contra Costa County is driving change toward a more sustainable future. Energy Manager Brendan Havenar-Daughton joins us to talk about the County’s efforts in energy management, expanding electric vehicle infrastructure, and building a greener tomorrow.

Episode 10: Public Works and Preparing for Storms

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0400

From potholes to sandbags, Public Works Director Warren Lai shares more about how the department helps keep the community safe and running smoothly and what actions residents can take to prepare for stormy weather.

Guests: Public Works Director Warren Lai, Public Works PIO Kelly Kalfsbeek, and Host Kristi Jourdan

Episode 9: How Contra Costa Libraries are Turning the Page on Stereotypes

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 18:05:38 -0400

In this episode, County Librarian Alison McKee talks about how libraries can address the national literacy crisis, serve unhoused populations, and save communities money.

Guests: County Librarian Alison McKee and Host Kristi Jourdan

20-25 minutes

Episode 8: How to Stay Healthy During Winter Cold and Flu Season

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 17:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Contra Costa County’s Health Officer Dr. Ori Tzvieli, shares more about how everyone can stay healthy during winter cold and flu season.

Guests: Dr. Ori Tzvieli and Host Kristi Jourdan

Episode 7: Head Start in Contra Costa County

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 16:20:45 -0400

Since 1965, Contra Costa County has been a Head Start provider, ensuring access to early childhood education, health, and nutrition services to low-income children and their families, as well as parent involvement. A local panel of parental and child development experts will discuss how the program is a lifeline, a stepping stone, and an opportunity for future success for vulnerable children and families in Contra Costa County.

Guests:

Sarah Reich, Community Services Bureau Interim Deputy Director at the Employment & Human Services Department.

Ruth Hunter, Site Supervisor George Miller III Center, Richmond

Juan De Dios Batiz, Parent and Head Start Policy Councilmember
Kristi Jourdan, Host

Episode 6: Confire Highlights How To Stay Safe During Wildfire Season

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 17:00:00 -0300

In this episode, Deputy Chief Chuck Stark discusses how residents can prepare for the ongoing wildfire season and shares more about Confire’s efforts to mitigate the impact of wildfires throughout Contra Costa County

Guests: Confire Deputy Chief Chuck Stark and Host Kristi Jourdan.

Episode 5: A Sit Down with John Kopchik, Director of Conservation & Development

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0300

For almost three decades, John Kopchik has worked on hundreds of projects related to planning for Contra Costa County’s future. In this episode, he shares more about the Department of Conservation & Development’s sustainability, land use, permitting, and code enforcement efforts.

Guests: DCD Director John Kopchik, and Host Kristi Jourdan

Episode 4: A Sit Down with District 1 Supervisor John Gioia

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 13:54:19 -0300

Supervisor John Gioia has spent 26 years serving on the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, making him one of California’s and Contra Costa County’s longest serving Supervisors. In this episode, he shares more about the County’s efforts to achieve greater health and equity for residents and more about what’s going on in District 1, which includes the communities of Richmond, San Pablo, El Cerrito, Pinole, Bayview, East Richmond Heights, El Sobrante, Kensington, Montalvin Manor, Tara Hills, North Richmond, and Rollingwood.

Guests: District 1 Supervisor John Gioia, and Host Kristi Jourdan

Episode 3: A Sit Down with District 4 Supervisor Ken Carlson

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 14:00:00 -0300

As the newest member of the Board of Supervisors, Supervisor Ken Carlson shares more about what’s going on in District 4, which includes the cities of Pleasant Hill, Concord, Walnut Creek, and Clayton, and what he’s prioritizing this year.

Guests: Supervisor Ken Carlson, Kristi Jourdan

Episode 2: A Look at Probation

Wed, 08 May 2024 16:44:39 -0300

Probation Chief Esa Ehmen-Krause discusses how her team serves Contra Costa County residents, her department’s priorities and outreach efforts for the year, and how Probation has been shifting from a compliance to compassion service model.

Government Speak: Elections Preview

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 15:00:30 -0400

Host Kristi Jourdan speaks with Kristin Connelly, the Registrar of Voters, and Dawn Kruger, the Civic Outreach and Engagement Specialist for the Clerk Recorders Office about County Elections. Learn about the elections process and what happens behind the scenes before and after you submit your ballot.