Contra Costa News

ContraCostaNews
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Be Curious Contra Costa is 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.

  1. 4h ago

    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 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.

  2. Aug 25

    #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 place, and even get into some of her favorite things outside City Hall. But we also tackle the tougher stuff: the infamous “Doomsday McDonald’s” vote, the debate over data centers, growth in Oakley, and some of the goals she still wants to accomplish on the council. We also dive into social media—the good, the bad, and the impact it can have on mental health and public officials. 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.

  3. Aug 12

    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 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.

  4. Jul 22

    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 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.

  5. Jun 25

    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 perfect for police departments, firehouses, EMS teams, dispatch centers and break rooms while being an affordable option for coffee. Berk’s Beans First Responders Coffee Bucket: 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

  6. May 30

    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 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/

  7. May 19

    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 “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/

  8. May 12

    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 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/

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About

Be Curious Contra Costa is 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.

Information

  • Creator
    ContraCostaNews
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    88
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Contra Costa News