Delta’s Culinary History Revealed, Savored At Contra Costa Event

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — All through the Bay Area, Delta River water mingles with the saltwater of San Francisco Bay, forming the West Coast’s largest estuary—a tapestry of waterways, islands, and communities that influence what Contra Costa eats and how.

These relationships are the focus of an event that explores the waterway's stamp on Contra Costa's historic and modern food culture, thus the title of the program — “Delta as Culinary Journey."

Stories of indigenous food traditions, immigrant kitchens, and agricultural innovation will be paired with a vintage cake tasting Nov. 5 at the The 2026 Delta Heritage Forum in Contra Costa County.

Austin Stevenot, a Northern Sierra Mewuk cultural practitioner and enrolled member of the California Valley Miwok Tribe, will discuss the foodways of the Delta’s original inhabitants. Stevenot serves as director of tribal engagement for River Partners.

Two speakers will describe introducing agricultural enterprises to the region. Rich Collins of California Endive in Rio Vista will discuss introducing Belgian-style endive production.

Ken Beer, president and owner of The Fishery in Galt, will discuss commercial sturgeon and caviar production in the Delta region with Dr. Serge Doroshov, known as the “father of sturgeon aquaculture.”

Fifth-generation Delta farmer Steve Heringer will examine the past, present, and future of family farming. His family has grown pears, corn, sugar beets, tomatoes, and, more recently, wine grapes since 1868.

Dr. Karen Leonard of UC Irvine will discuss the Punjabi-Mexican American community that developed among early 20th-century immigrants in the Delta and Central Valley. Local culinary arts educator Nena Rasul will describe her family’s Punjabi and Mexican food traditions.

Barbara Pagni Denton, author of Sweet Success: How Industry, Immigrants, and Working Women Shaped a Town, will share stories of Crockett’s experience as a C&H Sugar company town during the 20th century. Samples from vintage cake recipes will be available.

Stuart Walthall, chair of the Locke Foundation, will explain the community garden’s role in the lives of Locke’s Chinese residents. He will also describe the town’s present-day demonstration garden, with vegetables, fruits, and herbs that were grown by the first Chinese residents.

Diane Burgis, chair of the Delta Protection Commission, will open the forum. Darrell Corti, president of Corti Brothers, will speak on “Delta as Food Source and Inspiration.” Elizabeth Patterson, chair of the National Heritage Area Advisory Committee, will deliver closing remarks.

The annual forum celebrates Delta stories and encourages collaboration and new initiatives among the region’s heritage community.

The program runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Brentwood Community Center.Event details and tickets are available on Eventbrite.