Contra Costa News

On this episode, a chat with Mike Barbanica, candidate for Contra Costa County Board of Supervisor in District 5. He provides an update on the campaign, where he is at on several issues. With he and his opponent pretty close on most topics, the race will likely come down to public safety and ensuring people are held accountable—and impact of Proposition 36. We touch on the bizarre EB Times endorsement. The race also has an opportunity to bring Contra Costa County back more to the middle, or could continue down the same path. We get into both City of Antioch and City of Pittsburg issues, as well as needs in communities like Bay Point and Rodeo. Ultimately, Barbanica urges the community to watch both debates and make the choice that is best for them.   For more information, visit: https://mikebarbanica.com/

On this episode, I chat with Louie Rocha who is running for Antioch City Council, District 2.  He is a retired principal of Antioch High School who is seeking to bring back stability and civility back to the Antioch City Council will looking to focus on not only public safety, but better improve services for residents in the city of Antioch. He also wants to bridge the communication and partnership with the Antioch Unified School District and work on solutions for not only the youth, but seniors and unhoused. 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/

On this episode, I chat with Brian Oftedal, candidate for Brentwood City Council District 3. We address not only why he is running, but some of the goofy online rhetoric being stated about him. We get into his experience on the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District Board of Directors, work with the American Red Cross and Ronn Nunn Elementary. We get into several items relating to the city of Brentwood from public safety, staff retention, smart growth, civility, road safety, homelessness and emergency preparedness. Episode may be long, but we cover a lot of items. For more information: www.brian4brentwood.com

On this episode, I chat with Faye Maloney who is running for Brentwood City Council in District 1. We talk about what she has been up to in serving on a county role with the Contra Costa Commission on Women and Girls and how they serve the community. We get into her background where as a child it created her "why" in terms of living her life and serving the community. 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

On this episode, I chat with Gerald Johnson who is running for Mayor of the City of Brentwood. We get into his time as president of the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce, serving as a Brentwood Planning Commissioner and his background. We debunk a ton of the social media chatter going on by explaining his stance on development/housing, DEI and zoos. We talk about the need for civility, raising the bar and helping everyone. He encourages the City Council to take care of staff and get their contracts done, the need to get the 5th Brentwood Police beat up and running as quickly as possible, the budget is questionable given all the future project funding needs, while also being more business friendly. We also talk Zoom and 5-minute public comments and homeless. For more on Gerald Johnson, visit him at www.geraldcjohnson.com

On this episode, a chat with Oleksii Chuiko who is running for Oakley City Council, District 5. Chuiko serves as an Oakley Planning Commissioner and is currently the president of the Oakley Chamber of Commerce. We get into why he is running and talk his priorities which include public safety, economic growth and working towards a regional cooperative on many topics. For more information, https://www.oc4oakley.com/

On this episode, I chat with Cristina Pena Langley who is running for Oakley City Council, District 5. Too nice for elected office? Possibly. That is the question as she is a teacher in Oakley, Girl Scout Leader, and an executive leader within the Teachers Association of Oakley. We get into why she is running for city council with top priorities of public safety, ensuring Oakley remains clean, develops more social activities for residents, while also ensuring the budget remains healthy, has a solid economic development plan. We also get into a variety of other topics. For more information: click here

On this episode, I chat with Fernando Sandoval who is running for re-election on the Contra Costa Community College District Board (Ward 5). We get into what is new with the District, finally appears to be stability within the District. I question whether 4-year college is a scam and people should just go towards trades. We talk high cost of college compounded with high cost of living, opportunities for students of all ages. We also talk a bit about fiscal accountability and impacts of the governors budget, equity, community partnerships and more. For more information about Fernando - click here

On this episode, I chat with Antwon Webster who is running for Antioch City Council, District 3. We get into a variety of topics including him working with services groups to in an effort to improve the city as a whole. We touch on the tone of the most recent council meeting and then get into topics such as public safety, economic development and staffing levels. We get into the budget, youth services, and the Amtrak. We close with Webster stating despite the rhetoric, he is not a “plant” for the mayor and is running to improve Antioch.   For more on website, visit him at: www.antwonwebster.com

On this episode, I chat with Don Freitas who is running for Antioch City Council in District 3. He is the former mayor having served from 2000 to 2008, previously on the city council and served on the Water District.   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.