Cobos Smith text to Lathan rescinding her endorsement on April 19, 2026, and Lathan’s campaign Facebook page post on May 19, 2026, showing Cobos Smith (in yellow circle) included. Source: Olga Cobos Smith
School board disagreements spill over into campaign
“This is literally the unilateral decision making that has frustrated me for months now.” – Antioch Trustee Olga Cobos Smith
By Allen D. Payton
In a post on her official Facebook page on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, Antioch School Board Area 4 Trustee Olga Cobos Smith complained about the use of her photo in a Facebook post promoting the campaign of her colleague, Board President and Area 2 Trustee Dr. Jag Lathan, who is running for Contra Costa County Superintendent of Public Instruction. The post of Lathan’s endorsements was shared on her campaign Facebook page, earlier that day, according to Cobos Smith but has since been removed.
Screenshots of Cobos Smith’s Facebook post on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, which includes Lathan’s post from earlier in the day.
It read, “Dr. Jag has built a coalition of educators, families, students, and elected officials across the State and County who care deeply about the education and wellness of our students and the educators that serve them. This multigenerational, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious rich coalition of leaders demonstrate her gift to bring people together for one purpose: our children.”
Her post also showed photos of 14 people, including Cobos Smith, Contra Costa DA Diana Becton and District 5 Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston who Lathan claims have endorsed her campaign, including three superintendents from other counties.
In response, Cobos Smith shared screenshots of both Lathan’s post and text messages between the two and wrote, “Today I was notified of an image dated today (5/19/2026) circulating with my likeness on it promoting the campaign of Dr. Jag Lathan, AUSD Board Member, Area 2. I was deeply offended by the lack of respect it took to post my picture in campaign materials as I explicitly asked on April 19, 2026 for my image to be removed from all such materials. This is literally the unilateral decision making that has frustrated me for months now.”
Screenshot of Lathan’s response post on her official Facebook page on May 19, 2026.
Later in the day, Lathan responded in a post on her official Facebook page. It included a photo of Cobos Smith, Lathan and a man taken inside Cobos Smith’s bookstore in Antioch with Lathan holding her campaign sign. The candidate wrote, “I’m sorry to hear that you were upset by the image showing your support of my candidacy. You were one of the very first people to host an event for my campaign, and I have always appreciated your support and valued the relationship we have shared as colleagues. It was never my intention to cause harm or disrespect you.
“More importantly, I sincerely wish you healing, strength, and peace during this time, and I will continue to keep you in my prayers.
“I also believe that, as board members, our focus must remain on working together to continue improving our district and supporting the students, staff, and families we serve. Our students deserve nothing less.”
Screenshot of Lathan’s response on Cobos Smith’s official Facebook page on May 19, 2026.
That comment has since been removed. But Lathan then posted the same comment on Cobos Smith’s Facebook page below the post about the matter and again, included the photo inside Cobos Smith’s bookstore.
Screenshot of announcement of Cobos Smith’s endorsement of Lathan posted on the candidate’s campaign Facebook page on March 20, 2026.
Endorsement Announced March 20th, Rescinded April 19th
On March 20, Lathan announced Cobos Smith’s endorsement in a campaign Facebook post, which was still up as of Tuesday, May 19, 2026. That post reads, “We’re proud to share that Olga Cabos Smith, School Board Trustee for Antioch Unified School District, has endorsed Dr. Jag Lathan for Contra Costa County Superintendent.”
But on April 19th, Cobos Smith sent a text to Lathan writing, “Good morning. (Smiley face emoji) I have an ask: if my name, image, or likeness is on any of your campaign imagery please pull it. I am rescinding any endorsement of your campaign. I am now undecided.”
Cobos Smith Offers Reasons for Rescinding Endorsement, Takes Swipes at Lathan’s Leadership
When reached for comment about the matter Cobos Smith said on Tuesday, “I didn’t want to make a spectacle of it. At first, I assumed it was something old. I was told it was posted a few hours ago.”
Asked why she rescinded her endorsement and if it’s due to the recent challenges on the Antioch School Board, the first term trustee said, “There are challenges with all of us. The leadership is obvious. I literally asked her, ‘could we please work as a team?’ As board president, she should be working to coalesce us as a team. I don’t feel like I’m getting the answers to my questions. We bring things up we want to discuss. Mary said it the other day, ‘I don’t know what I have to do to get these numbers out of you.’”
“If I can’t trust somebody’s leadership at this point, how can I endorse them for an even more intense leadership position?” Cobos Smith asked rhetorically. “I was not trying to put my thumb on the scale. I did not say I was endorsing Dana Eaton. But I have to say, I’ve watched some videos of him and I’m impressed.”
“This shows me the lack of respect for my boundaries and personhood,” she stated. “I shouldn’t have had to make a public statement.”
“You can’t even unify your five-member board. How are you going to unify the community?” Cobos Smith asked, again rhetorically.
Lathan Does Not Answer Questions
Multiple efforts to reach Lathan were unsuccessful prior to publication time. She was asked if the endorsement announcement posted on her campaign Facebook page was a flier printed before April 19th, if she saw the text from Cobos Smiththat day, if she was aware Cobos Smith’s original endorsement post was still up and why Lathan still used her photo a month after her colleague rescinded the endorsement.
She was also asked what she meant by, “I sincerely wish you healing, strength, and peace during this time.”
Lathan faces one opponent in the race, Brentwood Union School District Superintendent Dana Eaton. Whichever candidate gets a majority of votes in the June 2nd Primary will be elected.
Please check back later for any updates to this report.
Join us as we celebrate the official re-opening of the Antioch Skate Park and showcase the incredible local artists whose work is now featured throughout the park on Friday, May 22nd.
Painters Angel Ruiz (left) and Hugo Garcia (right) volunteer their time to create murals at the Antioch Skate Park on March 30, 2026,as local skaters celebrate in anticipation of its re-opening. Photos by Allen D. Payton
Local artists donated their time to paint the murals including Hugo Garcia, Angel Ruiz, Maxwell Shaver, Roman Nunez, Jamar Hopkins, Melissa McFarlane and Eric Rosales. Angel said he grew up skating at the park.
The skate park was built and opened in 2000 following a public fundraising campaign entitled, “Give 8 So the Kids Can Skate” in which $1,000 was raised in amounts of $8 and more to pressure the city council to approve the park.
Skaters will enjoy new murals at the Antioch Skate Park. Photos: Antioch Recreation Dept.
Whether you skate, roll, ride, or just want to support the community come be part of this exciting moment with us!
The Antioch Skate Park is located behind the Antioch Water Park in Prewett Community Park at 4701 Lone Tree Way, Antioch.
Photos by Allen D. Payton
The Re-Opening will be held Friday, May 22, 2026, from 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM.
Winners of the GFWC Woman’s Club of Antioch 2026 Writing Contest are (Left to Right) Natalia Saucedo (5th grade/Kimball) 3rd place; Marcus Hamilton (4th grade/Orchard Park) 2nd place; Aissatu Diallo (5th grade/Mno Grant) 2nd place; Madeline Cortes (4th grade/Fremont) 1st place; Hayley Corado (4th grade/Marsh) 3rd place and Alyssa Bennett (5th grade/Mno Grant) 1st place. Photo: GFWC WCA
Theme: Antioch Through My Eyes
By Terri Hamilton, GFWC Woman’s Club of Antioch
The GFWC Woman’s Club of Antioch hosted an award ceremony and ice cream social on May 7, 2026, recognizing the winners of the “Antioch Through My Eyes” writing contest.
The district-wide contest invited all fourth and fifth grade students in Antioch Unified School District to share their perspectives, creativity, and voices through writing. The program was designed to support local schools while giving students a meaningful opportunity to express themselves and write with purpose.
Winners were selected in each grade level, with first ($100), second ($50), and third ($25) place awards presented to top essays. In addition, one student from each participating class was recognized with a special “Top of the Class” ($10) award.
The ceremony was held at the Woman’s Clubhouse and brought together students, their families, teachers, principals, board members to celebrate the young writers’ achievements. The event concluded with an ice cream social in honor of all participants.
In 1902, 11 of the 15 ladies founded the Woman’s Club of Antioch and pledged: “To improve and beautify the town, to do any business which shall promote the educational industrial benevolent, social or political welfare of its members or the community at large.” For m ore information visit www.gfwcwomansclubofantioch.org.
During National Click It or Ticket campaign May 18–31
By Jaime Coffee, Director of Communications, CHP Office of Media Relations
SACRAMENTO— Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, bringing increased traffic on roads across California as families travel to destinations and gatherings.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is preparing for the holiday weekend by launching a Holiday Enforcement Period (HEP) from Friday, May 22, at 6 p.m., through Monday, May 25, at 11:59 p.m. During this period, CHP officers will conduct targeted enforcement to identify reckless drivers and emphasize proper seat belt use for drivers and passengers.
While the national seatbelt usage rate remains above 90%, 2024 data shows that not wearing a seat belt continues to contribute to preventable deaths on California’s roads.
A seat belt can be the difference between walking away from a crash and never making it home.
From May 18–31, the California Highway Patrol will participate in the national Click It or Ticket campaign with increased seat belt enforcement. Officers will be stopping drivers and passengers who are not properly buckled up.
Too many lives are lost each year because someone chose not to wear a seat belt. In a crash, being ejected from a vehicle is often deadly, and airbags alone are not enough to protect you.
“Wearing a seat belt remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to save lives. Crashes are unpredictable, and taking a moment to buckle up before every trip can mean the difference between life and death.” CHPCommissioner Sean Duryee
Source: NHTSA
CLICK IN. DRIVE SAFE
Whether traveling on highways or local streets, wearing a seat belt is essential to reaching your destination safely.
In a crash, seat belts can significantly reduce the risk of fatal injury by preventing vehicle occupants from being ejected. Preliminary data from 2024 and 2025 show that over 13,000 crashes statewide involved an unrestrained occupant, resulting in more than 1,300 fatalities, according to the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System.
During last year’s Memorial Day HEP, which covered the same 78-hour period from Friday, May 23, to Monday, May 27, 2025, CHP officers investigated 22 fatal crashes within its jurisdiction. Of the 21 vehicle occupants who died, nine were not wearing seat belts. During that period, CHP officers made more than 1,100 DUI arrests statewide.
The CHP’s Memorial Day HEP coincides with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Click it or Ticket” initiative. The campaign highlights the lifesaving importance of seat belts and urges the public to take responsibility for their safety by buckling up on every trip.
SMALL PASSENGERS, BIG RESPONSIBILITY
Properly securing a child in the appropriate car seat or booster seat is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect them during a crash.
California law sets requirements for child passenger safety based on age, weight, and height. Choosing and properly using the correct car seat is essential for protecting young passengers traveling in a car.
The CHP’s Child Passenger Safety Program is dedicated to helping protect California’s youngest passengers through education, outreach and hands-on assistance for parents and caregivers. To connect with a car seat technician or have your car seat inspected, contact your local CHP office.
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service,and Security.
Burglary suspect Candace Danielle Ternes was arrested by Antioch Police on Monday, May 18, 2026. Photos: Left from 2025 courtesy of Candace Ternes. Right by Antioch PD
20th arrest since 2014, already out of custody
Suspect says she was doing laundry at vacant house with permission from a friend who was remodeling it
By Allen D. Payton
According to the Antioch Police Department, Officer Alejandro Loroño investigated a burglary case earlier this week involving a family with three children and identified the suspect using surveillance video. During proactive enforcement efforts in the Sycamore Corridor, Officer Marcos Molina located the suspect vehicle and conducted a traffic stop at the corner of Banyan Way and Sycamore Drive. The driver, who was identified as the burglary suspect, confessed to the crime.
Officers also recovered bolt cutters believed to have been used during the burglary. The investigation and apprehension were the result of collaborative work between Officers Loroño and Molina.
Photos: Antioch PD
According to Antioch PD CitizenRIMS, the suspect’s name is Candace Danielle Ternes, age 41, White, five-feet, two inches tall and 135 pounds. Her hair is brown and eyes are hazel colored. She was arrested on Monday May 18, 2026, at 12:00 PM.
Ternes faces a charge of 459 Pc: Burglary: second degree – burglary/breaking and entering (Felony). Case Number: 26-4523.
Ternes Gives Her Side of the Story
UPDATE: Ternes contacted the Herald and offered her side of the story, denying she committed burglary.
“The home was vacant that my friend, who lives four doors down, was remodeling. He said I could do laundry there because I have a court date this week. They have surveillance video of me leaving and I didn’t have anything in my hands,” Ternes said when reached for comment. “I even talked to a neighbor when walking out. So, he’s a witness that all I had in my hands was my purse.”
“I parked right in front of the house,” she added. “I spoke to the neighbors and gave them my name. But I noticed one neighbor was calling the cops on me, so, I wasn’t able to do my laundry.”
“There was nothing to burglarize. The house was empty,” Ternes stated.
“About the bolt cutters, I have many tools in my toolbox that are just there,” she explained. “I use them if I have to replace a section of the chain link fence at the Methodist Church where I’m the groundskeeper.”
According to localcrimenews.com, Ternes has a history of 20 arrests dating back to 2014 by multiple agencies for crimes including burglary, petty theft, shoplifting, receiving or concealing stolen property, taking a vehicle without owner’s consent, drug possession and driving with license suspended for drunk driving.
“I’ve been clean and sober for 10 years. The arrest in 2023 was for a warrant from 2014 that caught up to me because it was under my maiden name. But I fought that and won,” Ternes added.
A Facebook post by the Concord Police Department on March 7, 2017, reads, “Recently, a family had their home burglarized in the Northern District of Concord. The suspects stole several sentimental items including ashes from a deceased relative, a wedding ring, WWII memorabilia, and the family car. As you can imagine the victims were sick over it. Later that day, officers found the stolen vehicle and arrested Seyyed Mirlohi and Candace Ternes.
“Financial Crimes Detectives discovered the suspects had a storage shed in a neighboring city and did a probation search on the shed. Detectives located all of the stolen property and returned the items back to the victim.
“Mirlohi is facing charges for 10851-VC and 496(a)-PC and Ternes is facing charges for 459-PC, 10851-VC, 11364-HS, and 11377-HS. We are thankful that we were able to get these irreplaceable items returned to the family and we appreciate the wonderful partnership we have with this community.”
The budget reflects the Board’s continued commitment to delivering essential public services amid the growing challenges counties face as federal and state funding shifts. The projected revenue represents a 1.79% decrease from the current year revised budget. Budgeted expenditures are projected to decrease by 1.70% or $125.63M to $7.25B in FY2027.
“Contra Costa County is preparing thoughtfully and responsibly for what lies ahead,” said Board Chair Diane Burgis, District 3 Supervisor. “As we navigate continued fiscal uncertainty, our priority remains protecting essential services, supporting vulnerable residents, and maintaining long-term fiscal stability. Community input during budget discussions will help guide the County’s priorities and decisions in the coming year and beyond.”
The budget is balanced using a combination of ongoing revenues and one-time departmental funds, as departments respond to increasing costs and evolving policy changes.
Contra Costa County’s Health Services and Employment and Human Services departments are among the most affected and will rely on one-time fund balances to maintain services in the near term. Approximately 53 percent of the County’s budget is funded by state and federal sources.
The budget includes 11,261 full-time equivalent positions, with continued efforts to manage vacancies, control costs, and align staffing with service needs.
Source: Contra Costa County
Fiscal Outlook and Community Impact
While balanced for the coming fiscal year, the budget reflects ongoing fiscal pressures, including:
Uncertainty in federal and state funding and implementation of H.R. 1;
Rising labor and operational costs; and
Slower growth in local revenues.
To help address these challenges, the Board of Supervisors has placed a five-year, 5/8-cent general-purpose sales tax measure on the June ballot. If approved by voters and authorized by the state, the measure is projected to generate approximately $150 million annually to help stabilize services during this period of transition.
Regardless of the outcome, the County anticipates future budget adjustments to ensure ongoing revenues match expenditures.
Additional information on the County’s strategic plan, General Purpose Revenue allocations, budgeted positions, and key budget issues are available in the FY26-27 Recommended Budget book.
PACHECO – Assistant County Assessor Vince Robb is campaigning for Contra Costa County Assessor in this year’s election. “I am running for County Assessor to ensure the fair and accurate assessment of every residential, commercial and business property in Contra Costa County,” he stated.
Robb is the current Assistant County Assessor, bringing a unique skillset, special technical knowledge and the legally required state certification needed to serve on day one. He has worked in the Assessor’s Office for almost 21 years, either in or has overseen the operation of every division. In that time, the office has had near-perfect evaluations for accuracy from the State of California. He also leads the valuation teams in assessment appeal cases before the County’s Assessment Appeals Board.
“I have the insight and experience to continue to modernize daily operations, keep records secure, and steward your tax dollars responsibly and fairly,” said Robb.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Robb is a lifelong resident of Contra Costa County and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Business and Economics from Saint Mary’s College of California in 2004.
He serves as Chair of the Pacheco Municipal Advisory Council, and as a volunteer youth baseball and soccer coach for his three children.
The election is Tuesday, June 2nd in which he faces two opponents. If no candidate receives 50 percent plus one vote, the top two vote-getters will face off in the General Election in November.
