Government Speak: A Contra Costa County Podcast

The Public Works Purchasing Division is a team that most residents may never meet, but whose work touches nearly every County service—from maintaining roads and flood control infrastructure to purchasing equipment, contracts, and materials that help departments serve the public. We're pulling back the curtain on what public purchasing really is, why transparency matters, and how taxpayer dollars are responsibly managed.

What happens when an emergency strikes and people need to know how to protect themselves? In this episode, the Community Warning System team—Lorena Herrera, Leslie Monroy, and Richard Beeson—explains how Contra Costa County's Community Warning System delivers timely, lifesaving information to the public. They discuss what goes on behind the scenes before an alert is sent, who has the authority to issue emergency notifications, how agencies work together during incidents, and why being prepared before an emergency happens can make all the difference.

Guests: CWS Manager Lorena Herrera, Senior Emergency Planners Richard Beeson, Leslie Monroy, and Host Kristi Jourdan

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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