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

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 episode, there is a special code word to use.

East County Living -- Instagram

Erickson Bay Area Homes -- Website

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 friends around you who are supportive.

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.

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 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.

On this episode, I chat with Tamara Steiner of The Clayton Pioneer on what in the world is going on with the City of Clayton which has become a total clown show. A city manager has left, other staff not far behind, they sabotaged the Clayton Business & Community Association, and refuse to place some items on the agenda. We also get into the trolling going on and wonder who would even want to work in that environment.

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, dealing with a narcissist person, what really happens if someone doesn’t follow a restraining order,  what to do if you think someone is being abused and can abusers change? We also share resources available.

Contra Costa County Resources

• Your local Police Department or emergency- 911

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 also talk about CPR and the importance to learn it. We touch on several other public safety topics from fires, to flooding to hurricanes. March has been named Red Cross Month since the 1940’s.   

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

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 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

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 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

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 issues, homelessness, the budget and a variety of other issues such as advocating for women and reproductive rights and freedoms.

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