Government Speak: A Contra Costa County Podcast

Episode 10: Public Works and Preparing for Storms

From potholes to sandbags, Public Works Director Warren Lai shares more about how the department helps keep the community safe and running smoothly and what actions residents can take to prepare for stormy weather.
 
Guests: Public Works Director Warren Lai, Public Works PIO Kelly Kalfsbeek, and Host Kristi Jourdan

Episode 9: How Contra Costa Libraries are Turning the Page on Stereotypes

In this episode, County Librarian Alison McKee talks about how libraries can address the national literacy crisis, serve unhoused populations, and save communities money.
 
Guests: County Librarian Alison McKee and Host Kristi Jourdan
 
20-25 minutes

Episode 8: How to Stay Healthy During Winter Cold and Flu Season

In this episode, Contra Costa County’s Health Officer Dr. Ori Tzvieli, shares more about how everyone can stay healthy during winter cold and flu season.
 
Guests: Dr. Ori Tzvieli and Host Kristi Jourdan

Episode 7: Head Start in Contra Costa County

Since 1965, Contra Costa County has been a Head Start provider, ensuring access to early childhood education, health, and nutrition services to low-income children and their families, as well as parent involvement. A local panel of parental and child development experts will discuss how the program is a lifeline, a stepping stone, and an opportunity for future success for vulnerable children and families in Contra Costa County.
 
Guests:
Sarah Reich, Community Services Bureau Interim Deputy Director at the Employment & Human Services Department.
Ruth Hunter, Site Supervisor George Miller III Center, Richmond
Juan De Dios Batiz, Parent and Head Start Policy CouncilmemberKristi Jourdan, Host

Episode 6: Confire Highlights How To Stay Safe During Wildfire Season

In this episode, Deputy Chief Chuck Stark discusses how residents can prepare for the ongoing wildfire season and shares more about Confire’s efforts to mitigate the impact of wildfires throughout Contra Costa County
 
Guests: Confire Deputy Chief Chuck Stark and Host Kristi Jourdan.

Episode 5: A Sit Down with John Kopchik, Director of Conservation & Development

For almost three decades, John Kopchik has worked on hundreds of projects related to planning for Contra Costa County’s future. In this episode, he shares more about the Department of Conservation & Development’s sustainability, land use, permitting, and code enforcement efforts.
Guests: DCD Director John Kopchik, and Host Kristi Jourdan

Episode 4: A Sit Down with District 1 Supervisor John Gioia

Supervisor John Gioia has spent 26 years serving on the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, making him one of California’s and Contra Costa County’s longest serving Supervisors. In this episode, he shares more about the County’s efforts to achieve greater health and equity for residents and more about what’s going on in District 1, which includes the communities of Richmond, San Pablo, El Cerrito, Pinole, Bayview, East Richmond Heights, El Sobrante, Kensington, Montalvin Manor, Tara Hills, North Richmond, and Rollingwood.
Guests: District 1 Supervisor John Gioia, and Host Kristi Jourdan

Episode 3: A Sit Down with District 4 Supervisor Ken Carlson

As the newest member of the Board of Supervisors, Supervisor Ken Carlson shares more about what’s going on in District 4, which includes the cities of Pleasant Hill, Concord, Walnut Creek, and Clayton, and what he’s prioritizing this year. Guests: Supervisor Ken Carlson, Kristi Jourdan