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May 2026

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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.

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60 recent

May 30, 2026Episode 8445 min

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/

May 19, 2026Episode 8340 min

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/

May 12, 2026Episode 8249 min

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/

May 6, 2026Episode 8130 min

71: Seana Fippin Talks Tech

On this episode of Be Curious Contra Costa, a tech chat with Seana Fippin of Red Box Business Solution. We get into Artificial Intelligence (AI), data centers and cybersecurity. We talk about the impact Claude is having while exploring the dangers, such as an AI Agent using Claude which recently deleted an entire database within seconds. While AI is impactful, one also needs to utilize the human element. This idea that AI can control your cyber security is insane – still going to need companies like Red Box Business Solutions to manage safety and accounts. Government entities are still being targeted. We also talk data centers and if they are as scary as everyone is making them out to be. We also don’t know what regulations are coming as more cities place moratoriums. We also talk a bit on crypto currency hacks and how 75% of them are coming out of North Korea according to 2026 data. Finally, Fippin highlights her monthly Biz Con event series in the city of Brentwood – aimed to help local business community. She also announces the Contra Costa Business Conference set to be held September 17-18 which tickets are now on sale. For more information: https://www.getredbox.com/

May 4, 2026Episode 8056 min

70: Kish Rajan, CEO of Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery

On this episode of Be Curious Contra Costa, a chat with Kish Rajan, CEO of Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery. Rajan shares the latest updates at MDRR including being awarded the Solid Waste Environmental Excellence Performance (SWEEP) Platinum Certification—the highest level of recognition offered by the SWEEP Standard. We talk electric batteries and how to properly dispose of them – how they start fires – we get into garbage police and Artificial Intelligence and cameras. Properly sorting garbage and how it could lower rates later—sustainability/reuse programs will have a big impact. Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery will also open up their new location in the City of Oakley in June. Rajan also talks about the challenges we may face in the future while also reacting to new laws that keep coming onto the books. For more information: https://mdrr.com/

April 29, 2026Episode 791 hr 17 min

69: Dana Eaton, Candidate for County Superintendent

On this episode of Be Curious Contra Costa, a chat with Dana Eaton, Superintendent of the Brentwood Union School District who is now running for County Superintendent of Schools in Contra Costa County. If elected, he would replace Lynn Mackey who opted not to seek re-election. Eaton has 30 years in education from teacher to principal to superintendent. We talk about a variety of issues from the state budget, special needs, impact of cell phone bans on campus, dealing with mental health and anxiety of students, homelessness and more. We also get into technology, AI, and assisting students who just are not interested in school material. Eaton also highlights how they are currently in a time where education is seeing the most issues at one time he has ever seen. Still, those in education, he advocates that you impact students daily and find ways to relate to students and find ways to give each student an opportunity because you never know if that one opportunity changes a persons life trajectory. Some of his priorities as County Superintendent include Advance early literacy and early learning, ensure safe schools, promote fiscal responsibility, support mental health, and prepare students for college, career and life. He also wants a better plan for recruiting, developing and retaining educators. For more on Eaton, visit him on his campaign website: Click Here

April 27, 2026Episode 781 hr 20 min

68: Demnlus Johnson III, Richmond Mayoral Candidate

On this episode of Be Curious Contra Costa, a chat with City of Richmond Mayoral candidate Demnlus Johnson III. He is a former city councilmember running for mayor. He is a fun guy with big ideas and wants to bring people together. We talk about his thoughts on a city not only planning for today, but for Richmond 2050 and what that would look like, such as developing land for community benefit while revitalizing areas. What a safe city would do for the people and the businesses. We get into his belief that FLOCK cameras should be used and how police should be given tools to do their jobs while simultaneously working with the community and getting to know them. He also talks about non-profits and the need to show progress versus simply handing out dollars. He also urges Richmond to stop being an island and instead work with the rest of Contra Costa County to leverage resources and be a good neighbor. We talk about a lot in this episode. For more about Johnson, visit him at https://www.johnsonforrichmondmayor.com/

April 22, 2026Episode 771 hr 9 min

67: Ahmad Anderson, Richmond Mayoral Candidate

On this episode of Be Curious Contra Costa, a chat with Richmond Mayoral Candidate Ahmad Anderson. Richmond is a city that now has a primary system for all council positions and there are five candidates running for mayor. In this episode, we talk about what leadership looks like to Anderson? We talk about his vision for Richmond and how it can be a good neighbor to the rest of Contra Costa County. We touch on the Richmond Police Department, public safety, FLOCK cameras, blight, economic development and more. Anderson talks about the history of Richmond and why its important. How he would bring people together and how the city should look at the $550 million payday from Chevron. We also touch on the much more. For more on his campaign, visit him at https://www.anderson4richmond.com/

April 20, 2026Episode 761 hr 2 min

66: Cheyenne Erickson, CEO of Contra Costa County Fair

On this episode, a chat with Cheyenne Erickson who is the new CEO of the Contra Costa County Fair. We talk about the upcoming fair on May 14-17, 2026. We talk about the theme, “Wild About the Fair” and what new attractions are coming. Cheyenne shares here background, what she hopes the changes bring for the community and how they hope the fair will reach all of Contra Costa County—including bringing a rodeo, pig races, wiener dog & corgi races, exotic live animals and a new music lineup, including other day promotions. She also talks about the exhibitors, food, livestock and livestock auction. For more information about the upcoming fair: https://www.contracostafair.com/

April 15, 2026Episode 751 hr 3 min

65: Lenna Billeci on Entrepreneurship and Community

On this episode of Be Curious Contra Costa, a chat with Lenna Billeci who owns and operates two businesses in downtown Brentwood. She is the owner of Socialyte Boutique and Salt & Fig Marketplace and recently purchased her first building. We talk about her journey from a love of fashion to investing just $2k into handbags which grew into a clothing store followed by a local gift shop for the foodie and the host who loves to play entertainer. Billeci shares career advice, her battle with anxiety, offers tips and tricks, and what her ultimate goals are in business.