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Posted in: Community | Comments (0)
Enjoy the competition, sweat, maybe some tears, but no blood Friday, May 29, 2026, in the Antioch High School Gym at 700 W. 18th Street.
Publisher @ May 24, 2026
Posted in: Finance, Government, News, Transportation | Comments (0)
Will invest in roads, bridges, transit, rail transportation and highway and motor carrier safety programs over five years
By Cameron Niven, Communications Director, Office of Congressman John Garamendi
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Friday, May 22, 2026, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08), a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, secured critical wins for California in the bipartisan Building Unrivaled Infrastructure and Long-term Development for America’s 250th Act (BUILD America 250 Act) (H.R.8870). This five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill will invest in America’s roads, bridges, transit, rail transportation and highway and motor carrier safety programs.
“America’s economy is nothing without our infrastructure,” said Rep. Garamendi. “I’m proud to have secured essential provisions in the BUILD America 250 Act that will improve the lives of my constituents as much as the roads they drive, the bridges they cross and the trains they ride. This bipartisan bill will restore our aging bridges and repair crumbling roads to build out safe, accessible transit and bike infrastructure.”
The total funding authorization in the bill is about $580 billion over FY2027–FY2031 and will replace the expiring Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding approved in 2021.
“No legislation of this scope is perfect, and while I am disappointed it does not include all my amendments, I am committed to building on the work that has been done and I am glad that this Committee was able to come to an agreement that will benefit Californians,” Garamendi continued.
The BUILD America 250 Act includes several key provisions authored by Congressman Garamendi:
The “Transportation Emergency Relief Extension Act” with Senator Padilla, Senator Cornyn and the late Congressman LaMalfa (H.R.4847)
Key provisions from his “Transportation Emergency Relief Funds Availability Act” (H.R.3193)
Key provisions from his “Expedited Federal Permitting for California Act” (H.R.4908)
Key provisions from his “Bridge Corrosion Prevention and Repair Act” with Congressman Bost (H.R.4170)
Key provisions from his “Airport TIFIA Certainty Act” (H.R.6168), with Congressman Hurd
An overview of the major provisions in the BUILD America 250 Act is included below:
Investing in Safe, Reliable, Accessible and Affordable Transit
The nation’s transit systems provide a safe, affordable and environmentally friendly means of travel for millions of Americans. Transit agencies are modernizing service to meet the needs of communities post-pandemic; making investments in safer and more reliable systems; and working to ensure accessibility for all. The BUILD America 250 Act continues the federal government’s partnership in these efforts through robust funding, new worker protections, and streamlining provisions to deliver transit projects faster.
Keeping the Focus on Safety
The BUILD America 250 Act seeks to build on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s focus on safety byinvesting in state and local safety projects, addressing the safety of all road users, and insisting on evidence-based strategies to save lives. This bill:
Safe Integration of Autonomous Commercial Motor Vehicles
The BUILD America 250 Act creates the nation’s first-ever regulatory framework for autonomous commercial motor vehicles,harnessing the benefits of innovation without sacrificing safety, jobs, or accountability on our roads.
This legislation directs the Secretary to establish a performance-based safety standard that manufacturers and operators of commercial vehicles equipped with automated driving systems (ADS) must meet in order to operate in interstate commerce.
To ensure this standard is nuanced, rigorous and pro-safety, the bill convenes a broad panel of more than 13 critical stakeholders––including safety organizations, labor unions, industry groups and academic experts––to set the safety standard’s requirements and adapt current Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, ensuring ADS-equipped commercial vehicles are subject to the same safety and performance standards as any other commercial vehicle.
Taken together, this framework is built on three fundamental pillars: Safety, Qualified, and Robust Work Force, and Accountability.
Supporting Local Communities
The BUILD America 250 Act provides nearly$83 billion over five years in Highway Trust Fund highway and multimodal funding to local communities. The bill continues several competitive grant programs for local governments to directly apply for funds; provides Metropolitan Planning organizations with a path to become direct recipients of federal planning funds; and improves the flow of funds to communities of all sizes.
Garamendi represents California’s 8th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives which includes a majority of Solano County and portions of Contra Costa County including portions of Antioch.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Publisher @ May 24, 2026
Posted in: City Council, Finance, Government, News | Comments (0)
Includes not filling 12 sworn police officer vacancies until FY27-28, assistant city manager position, keeping Acting CM until end of June 2027
Will conduct performance evaluations of new city attorney, manager who is currently on paid leave
By Allen D. Payton
During a Special Closed Session Meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, the Antioch City Council will conduct performance evaluations of both the new City Attorney Lori Asuncion, as well as City Manager Bessie Scott, who has been on paid leave since May 6th. The session will begin at 4:00 p.m. That will be followed by another Special Meeting Study Session on the 2026-27 Budget, as well as the 5-Year Capital Improvement Program for 2026-31 at 5:00 p.m. The regular meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. when the city attorney will report out any actions taken during Closed Session.
Performance Evaluations
Asuncion was hired in February and started in her new position on March 2nd. So, the session labeled “1) Public Employee Performance Evaluation…City Attorney” will most likely be the Council’s opportunity to discuss with Asuncion the goals and objectives they want and expect her to accomplish in order to provide her with an annual evaluation next year.
During Closed Session of a special council meeting on Tuesday afternoon, May 5, the City Council, on a 4-0-1 vote, with District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker voting to abstain, placed Scott “on leave of absence effective Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Compensation will continue without disruption,” Asuncion announced.
Budget Study Session, Staff Answers Councilmembers’ Questions
During the Special Meeting Study Session on the 2026-27 Budget Development, staff will provide answers to questions from the City Council posed during their special meeting on May 13th. Plus, the Council will discuss $3,136,398 in additional cuts for a total of $10,485,141 in budget cuts.
According to the staff report, “On May 13, 2026, City Council was provided with the latest budget projections and vacancy updates. As a result of that discussion, and further meetings with the Police Department, some reductions and additional vacancy savings have been built into the Fiscal year 2026-27 draft budget.
There were several follow-up requests from that meeting as well, addressed below are those we are able to provide information for in time for this meeting.
1. Are facility roof replacements included in the FY27 draft budget? No. Estimated unfunded cost by facility are:
a. Antioch Community Center – $540,000
b. Police Department – $1,350,000
c. Maintenance Service Center – $490,000 (would be FY28)
d. City Hall – $345,000 (would be FY28)
2. When does the parks maintenance contract expire? 6130126
3. Can the APOC budget of $75,000 be reduced? There is no training requirement or budget required for APOC in the settlement agreement. Upon review of training the committee could potentially attend, this budget has been reduced to $50,000 in FY26 & FY27.
4. What is the breakdown of current and prior fiscal year “Business Expense” in the City Manager’s budget? See table below.
5. Why was “Business Expense” in non-departmental so much higher last year than current year? Bad debt write off for uncollectible receivables was $378,212 last year. As part of required accounting rules, the City has to write off to an allowance, a certain percentage of aged receivables. Current year budget is only $50,000.
6. What is the breakdown of the Youth Network Services contracts in FY27? Refer to Attachment B.
7. For the Public Safety & Community Resources (PSCR) Housing and Homelessness HomeKey+ FY26 budget, can CDBG be used for the building acquisition? This is the intent, however, the proposal process is being reviewed against HUD guidelines to make sure it meets requirements. At this point, the building acquisition would not happen by 6/30/26 and the $400,000 in the FY26 budget has been removed.
8. For the HomeKey+ project, when would the $1.2M annual commitment start? It would start after the building is purchased, operationalized and residents are being served. As the CDBG commitment is not confirmed, the $1.2M remains in the FY27 draft, which would represent potential building purchase ($750K) and start of annual subsidy ($450K) until the City has further information.
9. For the PCSR Housing and Homelessness Homeless Services budget, what is the $360,000 split for safe parking and resource fairs, and doesn’t CDBG cover safe parking? CDBG and PLHA do provide support for safe parking, however, the funding does not fully cover the annual program operating costs and thus additional support is necessary to sustain the program. Refer to Attachment B for contract detail.
In addition, the City staff report provides a list of additional cuts proposed during the May 13th meeting. They include not filling 12 sworn police officer vacancies previously added to the budget.
Proposed Additional Cuts Include Not Filling 12 Sworn Police Officer Vacancies Until FY 2028
According to the staff report for the item, “Of note, on April 21st, Council consensus was to increase Police Sworn staffing to 117 from 105 in FY27, an addition of 12 Police Officer positions. $631,464 was included in the FY27 draft budget as presented on May 13th, representing the cost of 12 Police Trainees attending the academy for the latter 6 months of the fiscal year. Based on current Police recruitment status and Police Trainees in the pipeline for the academy, the Police Chief has stated that there is no feasible way to get an additional 12 Police Trainees in any academy during FY27 and the soonest they would be able to have academy slots is early in FY28. Thus, the $631,464 has been removed from the FY27 budget. FY28 projections include the cost of the 12 additional trainees for 6 months, recognizing the savings between the cost of 12 full-time Officers during that 6-month period.”
Also Includes No Assistant City Manager, Human Resources Manager, Permanent City Manager Until FY 2028
According to the proposed additional cuts list, the Assistant City Manager position would remain vacant, as would the position of Human Resources Manager, since Ana Cortez was temporarily promoted from that role to Acting City Manager. Finally, the proposal would leave her in the new position until at least the end of June 2027.
The staff report reads, “In addition, the Acting City Manager evaluated the Human Resources Manager vacancy and proposes (as mentioned during the budget session on the 13th) to underfill the Manager position with a promotional Human Resources Analyst and then freeze the Human Resource Specialist spot vacated as a result of the promotion during FY27. FY28 projections include re-establishment of the Manager position.”
City Will Still Face Deficits This Year and Next
With the proposed cuts of $10.5 million, according to the Proposed General Fund Budget Summary for the 2026-27 Fiscal Year, the City will still face a $6,643,141 deficit and $15,793,099 for FY 2027-28. With $5 million annual transfers from the Budget Stabilization Fund, that leaves a $1.64 million deficit for 2026-27 and $10.8 million for FY27-28. Those amounts can be reduced by another $500,000 each year if Litigation Reserve funds are applied. The proposed budgets assume projected Community and Economic Development fee revenue increases of $1.796M in both FY27 and FY28.
The staff report concludes, “Department meetings will continue over the next couple of weeks to further drill down into the budget for any additional reductions that can be made, and a final presentation of the draft budget will be made on June 9th to provide Council one last review of the draft budget for final direction before the budget is presented for adoption on June 23, 2026.”
See the Budget Study Session staff report.
See the complete meeting agenda packet.
Meeting Details
The beginning of the Closed Session as well as the Budget Study Session and regular meetings will be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall at 200 H Street in historic, downtown Rivertown and are broadcast live on Comcast Channel 24, AT&T U-verse Channel 99, and livestreamed online on the City’s website.
Publisher @ May 24, 2026
Posted in: Contra Costa County, Delta & Environment, News, Recreation, Sheriff-Coroner | Comments (0)
By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff
Memorial Day weekend marks the traditional start of boating season on the Delta. The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff is urging all boaters to stay safe while enjoying the water.
“Many boating accidents can be avoided by planning ahead,” said Contra Costa Sheriff David Livingston. “80% of boating fatalities could have been prevented by wearing a life jacket. Fol-lowing the law and these tips could help you stay safe on the water.”
California Boater Card Required – Anyone who operates a motorized vessel must carry a California Boater Card. Learn more at californiaboatercard.com.
Engine Cut-off Switch – Last year, California law required the use of an engine cut-off switch—also known as a kill switch or lanyard—on ves-sels under 26 feet. This safety device must be worn by the operator when at the helm and operating above 5 mph or dis-placement speeds. This law is designed to prevent runaway boat incidents in the event the operator is thrown from the helm, adding another layer of safety to California waterways.
Life Jackets Save Lives – All vessels, including stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), must carry a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person on board. Life jackets must be the correct size for the intended wearer and children under 13 must wear a life jacket at all times aboard a vessel, unless in a fully enclosed cabin. Everyone is strongly encouraged to wear a life jacket at all times on the water.
Boating Under the Influence (B.U.I.) – Operating a vessel under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal and dangerous. Boaters arrested for B.U.I. face similar consequences to D.U.I. drivers, including fines, license suspension, and possible jail.
Safe Navigation Practices – Always operate at safe speeds, especially in narrow channels or areas with limited visibility. Stay to the right side of the waterway. In crossing situations, the vessel to the right has the right of way.
Ski Flags and Observers – While engaged in towing activities, an observer who holds the ski flag, at the minimum age of 12 years old, must display the ski flag when required: a downed skier in the water, a skier in the water preparing to ski, a line is in the water extended from the vessel, and a ski or similar equipment is in the water in the vicinity of the vessel.
Blue Light Law – Boaters must slow to a no-wake speed when approaching/being approached by any law enforcement or emergency vessel displaying an illuminated blue light, whether the patrol vessel is moving or stationary.
Emergency Preparedness – Carry an emergency kit that includes a flashlight, warm clothing, a cell phone, VHF radio, and navigational charts. Before heading out, file a float plan. Learn how to create a float plan at: https://uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/floating-plan.php
Carbon Monoxide Awareness – Be cautious of carbon monoxide buildup, especially when sitting on the swim platform or near the boat’s transom while the engine is running.
Youth Operation Rules – Children ages 12–15 may operate boats with motors over 15 horse-power or sailboats over 30 feet only if directly supervised by an adult (18+) who holds a California Boater Card.
Throwables Required – Boats 16 feet and longer must carry a U.S. Coast Guard-approved throwable flotation device, such as a life ring or square cushion, which must be easily accessible.
Additional Resources – The ABC’s of Boating safety handbook is available at most boating retailers. Visit dbw.ca.gov for more boating laws, safety tips, and California Boater Card information. For questions or non-emergency assistance, contact the Marine Services Unit at (925) 427-8507.
In emergencies, Dial 911 or call Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office Dispatch at (925) 646-2441.
Publisher @ May 24, 2026
Posted in: Community, Sports, Youth | Comments (0)
By Stephanie Wilson
Please help us spread the word by sharing our sponsorship flyer with local businesses, family-owned shops, restaurants, employers and community partners.
Every sponsorship helps support our athletes and provides them with opportunities, resources and memorable experiences throughout the season.
For more information visit Antioch High School Cheer Leading.
Publisher @ May 23, 2026
Posted in: Contra Costa County, Opinion, Politics & Elections, Taxes | Comments (0)
By Mike Arrata
A report on the 2026-27 budget, by a Contra Costa County public information officer, is essentially a tax-promotion advertisement for Measure B’s intended 0.625% sales-tax increase. It omits essential facts to the potential benefit of the County’s already overpaid administrative staff and its 15 highly compensated employee unions. Consider the following:
1. The County’s tentative $7.248 Billion budget for 2026-2027, were it to remain unchanged at the July 1 start of new Fiscal Year 26-27, would still be a massive 60.7% higher than FY20-21’s $4.51 Billion. (See p. 9 at link.) November 2020 was when the County passed Measure X, itself a 0.500% sales tax increase. The Bay Area’s CPI inflation rate, meanwhile, has totaled 18.4% since Measure X’s passage (358.6 /302.9 = 1.184). The County’s spending increase since the end of 2020 is 3.3 x the inflation rate.
2. Measure B, on the June 2nd ballot, would add another 0.625% in new sales taxes, raising every part of the County above the statutory 2% limit on LOCAL sales-tax rates, over and above the existing statewide 7.250% rate. 7.250% + 2.000% = an effective statutory-limit total of 9.250%. If Measure B passes, sales-tax rates in the County will instead range from 9.375% to 10.875%. An additional 0.500% transit sales-tax measure is upcoming on the November ballot.
3. In bypassing the relevant statute, all the County’s tax promoters had to do was to get an on-call legislator to include Contra Costa County in an existing, illegitimate Los Angeles bypass bill (AB1768), say shazam(!) — and poof! No more 2% limit on any local sales-tax rates here. (Actually, Measure X itself took local rates in six Contra Costa municipal jurisdictions above 2%.)
4. As is, the County’s 2026 own union-member employment head count is up 4% over 2025 (slide 10) — 10,308 vs. 9,913. And 9 of the County’s 15 union contracts expire 4 weeks after Election Day. That’s a clue for the likely real purpose of Measure B.
5. As of 2024 (last year available), 4,781 County employees were already above $150,000 in salary plus benefit compensation. 3,056 of those exceeded $200,000. 1,045 of those exceeded $300,000. 278 of those exceeded $400,000, with 78 above $500,000. How many executive-level employees does the County need? How many should we pay for?
6. Measure X presented an urgent, COVID-time focus on healthcare and “life-saving services.” Now, allegedly, “lives will be lost” without Measure B (pages 33-34 of 86 in Voter Guide). In fact, Measure X’s millions have been used for multiple other purposes. And Measure B’s authorizing ordinance, like Measure X’s, again exposes this new tax as “solely for general governmental purposes and not for specific purposes.” County politicians and administrators could spend Measure B’s millions on whatever they consider “governmental” — as they’ve already been doing in Measure X’s first 5 of 20 years. Measure B could facilitate or directly bankroll the next round of employee enrichments.
7. Measure X, the template for Measure B, was supposed to collect $81 Million annually in additional new sales-tax revenues. Instead, it’s taken in over $120 Million annually (page 11 of 16), and Measure X has another 15 years to run. Meanwhile, Measure X has accumulated $263 Million in unspent funds (same page). Those dollars, rather than more new sales-tax revenue, could and should be dedicated to any healthcare deficiency that actually develops.
8. And speaking of excess funds, the County has a General Fund balance of $1.21 Billion, of which the unassigned portion is $585 Million. Both figures are more that 4 times the County’s own announced standard for reserves on hand (pages 18 and 56 of 269).
9. County supervisors tried to get away with an alleged $307 million ANNUAL healthcare budget deficiency, (e.g. here and here) until I and others pointed to figures stated by their own financial advisory firm (itself holding an $8 Million contract). That reality was a potentially CUMULATIVE $307 Million by FY28-29, not an annual one. Their chief financial advisor then returned with a new slide showing larger potential amounts in FY29-30 and FY30-31 — in a new presidential administration and 2 new Congresses from now. As stated in ballot arguments, Measure B is at best premature.
10. Due to some funding restoration already announced, the new budget deficiency projected in an updated County slide was a cumulative $219 Million by FY28-29 (though minutes of the Board of Supervisors’ meeting presented the amount as $239 Million). Even that is speculative; and again, Measure X could cover that amount if needed, under its originally announced purposes. And to begin with, much of the funding problem derives from withdrawal by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services of “federal Medicaid dollars to cover health care for individuals who are in the country illegally” (as “a backdoor pathway to subsidize open borders”).
11. The County’s Measure B propagandists claim elsewhere that “It exempts food, housing, and medical care, so most of the money from this tax will come from corporate or large luxury purchases.” But as the East Bay Times said (among many other factors in opposing Measure B itself), “State data indicates that the average person in the county currently pays at least $1,050 a year in sales tax.” Food/grocery exemptions? Not for prepared foods, soft drinks, beer and wine, ice, many convenience grocery store items, etc. — and not for restaurant bills. Housing exemptions? Not for materials used to build and maintain houses. Exemptions for medical care? Not for over-the-counter medicines.
12. Rather than voting to continue engorging the already vastly over-funded and overcompensated County spending apparatus and apparatchiks: attentive and fair-minded voters will vote NO on Measure B — thereby to leave taxpayers, especially those already struggling with affordability problems, with more of their own money to spend for items THEY see as needs.
Regarding the County’s self-serving Measure B schemers — and their dishonest 2020 predecessor, Measure X: the response now should be “Fool us once, shame on them. Fool us twice, shame on us!”
More information: StopMeasureB.com
Arrata is a member of the Contra Costa Taxpayers Association, but opinions expressed here are his own.
Publisher @ May 23, 2026
Posted in: News, Recreation | Comments (0)
Season opening postponed, closed until further notice
By City of Antioch Recreation Department
The City is pleased to share progress on the ongoing renovation of the Antioch Water Park, a project focused on improving safety, accessibility, and the overall guest experience.
Current work includes the re-plastering of the Lap Pool and Boulder Pool to enhance durability and water quality, as well as concrete repairs throughout the pool deck to address uneven surfaces and eliminate tripping hazards. These upgrades are essential to ensuring a safer environment for all visitors.
In addition, new pool lighting is being installed to improve visibility and extend usability during evening hours. Renovations to the park’s restroom facilities are also underway, bringing updated fixtures and improved accessibility for guests.
To further support accessibility, new ADA-compliant pool lift chairs are being installed at each pool, ensuring that guests of all abilities can safely and comfortably enjoy the facility.
To enhance communication and safety, a new public address (PA) system is also being installed, allowing staff to deliver clear announcements and emergency information throughout the facility.
See video of renovations.
5/22/26 UPDATE: Due to ongoing renovations, the Antioch Water Park is closed until further notice.
We appreciate the community’s patience during this renovation period. Please check our social media pages and website for the latest updates on park status. www.facebook.com/antiochrecreation
www.instagram.com/antiochrec_ca/
www.youtube.com/@AntiochRecreation
Publisher @ May 22, 2026
Posted in: Education, News, Politics & Elections | Comments (0)
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
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 Smith that 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.
Publisher @ May 21, 2026
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