Contra Costa News

75: Talking Coffee With Berks Beans

On this episode, Greg Berkowtiz of Berk’s Beans Coffee drops in to share his new promotion for first responders, a tub of coffee! While we get into his love of coffee, how he got started roasting and helping others, we talk about his First Responders Coffee Bucket, also refillable, which is perfect for police departments, firehouses, EMS teams, dispatch centers and break rooms while being an affordable option for coffee. Berk’s Beans First Responders Coffee Bucket: * Refillable bucket * Airtight Airscape® lid * Over 12 lbs of freshly roasted coffee *  Blends + single origin options * Light, medium, medium-dark & dark roasts * Start with your bucket for $150. * Refill it anytime for $120. Berk’s Beans got started during the pandemic out of his garage before moving to his Concord location. He also now helps other coffee shops by providing not only beans, but helping them grow.   Try Berks Beans for Yourself Whether you’re a  coffee enthusiast, café owner, or simply looking for a better brew, Berks Beans offers everything from single bags to subscriptions, roasted-to-order and shipped within 24 hours. Visit the Roastery 1717 Solano Way, Suite 12 Concord, CA 94520 Order Online or Book a Tasting: https://berksbeans.com/shop [https://berksbeans.com/shop]

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/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa1o4SG15OWFscTRnMU01ZmtZWGtWNGZFTjRwUXxBQ3Jtc0trWHczX0Z6TExhV0FLS0pUalNVanpyTHJ4dHRteXJscGh0dFIzMUdKbXBqb1FaOUpwN0ZVdEkxWkI5XzNyN2cxcF9RTzlvcXdQTmM3c2hfZFc3VDJSQWNtWXdOOVN4Z0VVSTFZOVBVMl9hUTBoYXNxaw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fkarumbiforauditor.com%2F&v=fN0P_IR2N2U]

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/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmJGVGwzbWtJekpUVzZ2dFRFWEgxVURWRHlFUXxBQ3Jtc0trcGc2eC10dWNFemZneUhvVGtvYS13bWV5YnNSS2hrUEo2MGd3bHZmZldCcFFwbEpkRU5zeW1DYVVPYlFRNXZJMkZhT0JSNDJEMERseVBCeUZMbWtoTHBSc1lTZURNaWlnMWhLWFplSHAwTzJrbmxQcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.raceantiochspeedway.com%2F&v=axem7dYfIzk]

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/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGZrM2dxd3dENEFEenY5NDBxZEwyaHhpVHhZd3xBQ3Jtc0trS1B5WXJ0UGloSEllNEdPeXRQeThLMXlQZzZxLVlCSWpTSzRkZml4V3FsZ0ZnQXlOLUJxbnJuUDlBaE9GYkVHb1dSNWxpcUVJcktSTGNKN05XYk43dXpLNGVCQWMxeDNIcmNxc3NhQi1XdzhuTHk0dw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fvincerobbforassessor.com%2F&v=ld6vo5v2D84]

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/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbEFsamxvT3UyUlhCcFJYSjNZejRFcUtSbDNGUXxBQ3Jtc0trd1hVMVZTMFF3SzEtSTZERXhTUW53cGRNa0luWWhKVVlQWWZZdTZYOGdKbHIwbnloSE5aRVB5bUVPd19xSmdXZzhKcF9zN0F6U0M5VHNMcHNPWWpFS0Zjdlc2RWpNdzYwN1B6RTF6V0tjQXNYaVNSdw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.getredbox.com%2F&v=iPvg6fp_tA8]