Government Speak: A Contra Costa County Podcast

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...

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, a...

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 gu...

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 t...

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.   Gues...

From tarmac to takeoff, Director of Airports Greg Baer shares more about how the two County-owned airports boost the local economy and are gateways to growth and innovation in the community.   Guests: Airport Director Greg Baer and Host Kristi Jourdan

From inspecting restaurants and responding to compost odor issues, to making sure our drinking water is safe — Environmental Health is working behind the scenes to keep our communities healthy. In this episode of Government Speak, we sit down with Director Kristian Lucas to talk about the vital, everyday work of Contra Costa County’s Environmental Health Division. Learn how they respond to emergin...

In this episode, we’re exploring how Contra Costa County is driving change toward a more sustainable future. Energy Manager Brendan Havenar-Daughton joins us to talk about the County’s efforts in energy management, expanding electric vehicle infrastructure, and building a greener tomorrow.

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

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

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

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 f...

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.

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

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 Ce...

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

Probation Chief Esa Ehmen-Krause discusses how her team serves Contra Costa County residents, her department’s priorities and outreach efforts for the year, and how Probation has been shifting from a compliance to compassion service model.

Host Kristi Jourdan speaks with Kristin Connelly, the Registrar of Voters, and Dawn Kruger, the Civic Outreach and Engagement Specialist for the Clerk Recorders Office about County Elections. Learn about the elections process and what happens behind the scenes before and after you submit your ballot.