By Mike Arata

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. 8 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 scheme — and its 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

Arata is an Executive Board member of the Contra Costa Taxpayers Association.

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.

By Lisa Tucker

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.

Robb is a member of the California Assessors Association and the Government Finance Officers Association.

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.

You can learn more about Robb and his campaign at www.vincerobbforassessor.com.

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.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Says, “This is about raising the standard at the Clerk-Recorder’s Office. This office belongs to you — demand to see inside it.”

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — Business owner and 20-year human resources professional, Pratima Sonavne has officially entered the race for Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder, pledging to transform one of county government’s most vital offices into a model of transparency, efficiency, and public trust.

The Clerk-Recorder’s office touches the lives of nearly every resident — safeguarding public records, overseeing election administration, maintaining accurate voter rolls, and delivering essential services day in and day out. Yet too many residents have little visibility into how the office is performing, where service gaps exist, or how their tax dollars are being put to work.

“The people of Contra Costa County deserve real transparency, measurable results, consistent service, and leadership willing to be held accountable. I will bring performance metrics, public dashboards, service standards and a culture of continuous improvement to the Clerk-Recorder’s office,” said Sonavne.

Campaign Built on Four Core Priorities

• Secure Records — Strengthening the protection, accuracy, and accessibility of public records to ensure residents can always count on reliable, up-to-date information.
• Election Integrity — Supporting fair, transparent, and trusted elections through clear communication, rigorous voter roll maintenance, regular process audits, and consistent poll worker training.
• Engaged Communities — Bringing the office directly to residents through expanded outreach, voter education, community pop-up clinics, and youth engagement programs that build the next generation of civic leaders.
• Efficient Government — Measuring performance, reducing processing delays, improving responsiveness, and ensuring residents receive modern, reliable service.

A Commitment to Public Accountability

As Clerk-Recorder, Sonavne will champion public reporting on key performance areas — records processing times, customer service responsiveness, voter outreach, voter roll maintenance, poll worker training consistency, community engagement, and operational efficiency. Residents will have real tools to track how their office is performing.

“This is about raising the standard at the Clerk-Recorder’s Office,” said Sonavne. “Contra Costa County deserves a Clerk-Recorder who will not just manage this office — but modernize it, measure it and make it work better for every single person who depends on it.”

“This office belongs to you — demand to see inside it,” she added.

Experience & Education

According to her LinkedIn profile, since April 2024, Sonavne has been the owner and operator of Kurious Kubs Family Daycare in Danville. Since July 2023 she has worked as a Senior Consultant for Pink River Analytics/State Projects. Previously, Sonavne worked for a year as a Human Resource Leader for Bloom Energy in San Jose, and as a North America Talent Management Leader for Cognizant Technology Solutions in San Ramon for over seven years.

She earned her MBA, Human Resource Management in 2003 from Sydenhman Institute of Management Studies. In addition, Sonavne earned an Organizational Development Certification in 2012 from the NTL Institute and she earned a Project Management Professional (PMP)® Certification from the Project Management Institute in May 2024.

Sonavne and her husband have two children, and they’ve lived in Contra Costa County for 14 years.

The election will be held on June 2, 2026.

To learn more, visit countonpratima.com.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Experienced finance and accounting leader pledges independent oversight, stronger accountability, and modern financial operations for Contra Costa taxpayers

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — May 10, 2026 — Deepika Naharas, a finance and accounting leader with more than 25 years of experience, announced her campaign for Contra Costa County Auditor-Controller, pledging to protect taxpayer dollars, strengthen accountability, and bring independent oversight to one of the county’s most important financial offices.

“The Auditor-Controller should work for the people,” Naharas said. “Contra Costa taxpayers deserve an independent financial watchdog who will protect public dollars, improve transparency, and make county finances easier for everyone to understand.”

The Auditor-Controller oversees the financial backbone of county government, including public funds, audits, payroll, accounting, and property tax administration. Naharas said the office must do more than balance books; it must build public trust.

Naharas’s call for independence and modernization has already drawn support from former employees of the Auditor-Controller’s Office, who believe the office is ready for fresh leadership, stronger accountability, and a renewed commitment to public service.

A San Ramon resident of 20 years, Naharas has led finance, accounting, compliance, budgeting, controls, and reporting functions for Fortune 500 companies, technology firms, startups, and mission-driven organizations. She holds an MBA in Finance and a BBA in Accounting.

According to her LinkedIn profile, since 2017 Naharas has worked as a Director at KongBasileConsulting, which, according to the company website is headquartered in San Francisco and provides “scalable outsourced operations support, serving as your internal accounting and financial consultants.”

Previously she worked as Treasurer from 2005 to 2020 for Hypertransport Technology Consortium, a non-profit founded by AMD (Advanced Micro Devices).

Since January 2023 Naharas has served as Controller/ Internal Auditor for Lead For Earth which works “To encourage, endorse and empower environmental and sustainability leaders at down ballot races” and “aims to connect communities with decision-makers and grassroots leaders who prioritize climate action, sustainability, and ecosystem protection.”

Her campaign is focused on three urgent priorities:

Protect Taxpayer Dollars – Strengthen audits, internal controls, compliance, and early-warning systems to prevent waste, errors, and mismanagement before they cost residents.

Increase Financial Transparency – Make County finances easier to understand with plain-language updates, clearer property tax explanations, and public tools that show how taxpayer dollars are collected, managed, and spent.

Modernize Financial Operations – Build on the county’s existing technology, assess smart new tools, and improve speed, accuracy, reporting, and service for taxpayers, county departments, and local districts.

“This race is about trust,” Naharas said. “Residents should not need an accounting degree to understand how county money is collected, managed, and spent. My goal is simple: every dollar accounted for, every report understandable, every department held to the same standard, and every taxpayer treated with respect.”

The 2026 election marks the first wide-open race for Contra Costa County Auditor-Controller in decades. Naharas said the moment calls for fresh leadership, not automatic succession.

“Experience matters — but independence matters just as much,” Naharas said. “I bring 25 years of real-world finance and accounting leadership, fresh eyes, and a commitment to serve the people of Contra Costa County with integrity, transparency, and results.”

The election will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. For more information, visit DeepikaNaharas.com.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Paid effort also working before June 6th deadline in 5 Bay Area counties

By Allen D. Payton

On Wednesday, April 22nd, volunteer transit advocates celebrated gathering 46,300 signatures for the regional transit sales tax funding measure to help qualify it for the November ballot.

“’As of today, we’ve surpassed 46,300,’ wrote advocate Cyrus Hall in a celebratory email, according to a report by StreetsBlog SF. The goal was that by now they would ‘collect 45,000 grassroots signatures for Connect Bay Area by today.’”

While the effort must gather a total of the required 186,000 valid signatures of registered voters in the five Bay Area counties of Contra Costa, Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara by June 6, the Connect Bay Area has raised more than $3 million to fund the paid-for effort.

“Insiders told Streetsblog that the larger, paid signature-gathering campaign is also on track, although its exact tabulations are a guarded secret,” the report added.

As previously reported, the proposed half-cent sales tax increase in four of the counties and one cent in San Francisco will last for 14 year duration and would generate about $1 billion per year.

Revenue from the tax measure will benefit multiple transit agencies in the region including Tri Delta Transit, County Connection and WestCat, as well as AC Transit and BART which serve Contra Costa County residents.

Following is a county-by-county breakdown of the County Specific Dollars. It does not include money going to BART, Muni, AC Transit and Caltrain, or to regional improvements that aren’t designated by county, such as coordinated fare programs and accessibility improvements:

County Agencies:

• Contra Costa Transportation Authority (2.5%, $26.51M)
• Alameda County Transportation Commission (1%, $10.26M)
• San Mateo County Transit District (4.7%, $50M)
• Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (25.1%, $264.07M)

Small Operators:

• Contra Costa County small operators (1.5%, $15.75M)
• Alameda County small operators (0.5%, $5.25M)
• SF Bay Ferry (0.7%, $7M)
• Golden Gate Transit (0.1%, $1M)

Without new and sustainable operations funding, the BART Board could shut down two of its five lines, close as many as 15 stations, and reduce service from 4,500 trains per week to just 500, with trains running only hourly and no weekend service. (See related article)

Will focus on economic growth, public safety, community investment & partnerships, fiscal accountability

Hoping third times’ a charm

By Sandra White for City Council campaign

Sandra White, human resources executive, current president of the Antioch Rotary Club and former Antioch Police Crime Prevention Commission Chair, announced her candidacy for Antioch City Council, District 4 during a campaign kick-off on April 18.

As a resident of Antioch, White has seen firsthand the challenges facing local families, small businesses, and public safety resources, and is committed to delivering practical, results-driven solutions.

She also currently serves as a Standby City Council Member for Mayor Ron Bernal. Her volunteer endeavors included serving on the Antioch Unified School District Advisory Board and previously the Contra Costa County Community Corrections Partnership Community Advisory Board, which focused on re-entry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals.

This will be her third attempt at replacing incumbent Monica Wilson, now serving in her fourth term on the council since first being elected in 2012, but who has yet to announce for re-election in November. White ran in both 2020 for the two-year term and 2022 for the current four-year term.

White brings extensive experience in business operations, workforce development and organizational leadership, with a campaign focused on economic growth, public safety and strengthening community investment and partnerships, and fiscal accountability.

“Antioch is at a critical turning point,” said White. “We have an opportunity to build a safer, stronger and more economically vibrant city. I’m running to bring accountable leadership, common-sense solutions and a stronger, safer future for our community.”

White works as Vice President of Human Resources for a multi-state organization, Center for Social Dynamics, providing autism services to children, where she has led initiatives focused on workforce growth, operational efficiency, and building high-performing teams. According to her bio on the organization’s website, “She loves volunteering in her community and racking up airline mileages. Sandra earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from California State University, East Bay, and a Master of Associate degree in Counseling Psychology from John F. Kennedy University.”

Her professional experience is complemented by a strong record of community involvement in Antioch, including efforts supporting public safety, education, and youth development.

White’s Campaign Priorities Include:

• Economic Development: Attract businesses, support small businesses, empower entrepreneurs, and create sustainable local jobs. Strengthen City leadership by hiring department heads and staff with proven economic development experience and measurable results.

• Public Safety: Support full police staffing, reduce response times, and maintain safe neighborhoods and thriving business districts.

• Community Investment & Partnerships: Expand youth programs, strengthen community services, and improve overall quality of life for Antioch residents.

• Fiscal Accountability: Ensure responsible budgeting, transparency and long-term financial stability while protecting taxpayer dollars.

“We cannot spend more than we bring in,” White added. “Antioch needs disciplined financial leadership, transparency and a high-performing team focused on delivering long-term economic success.”

White’s campaign will focus on engaging residents, listening to community concerns, and building practical solutions that reflect the needs of District 4 and the broader Antioch community.

“This campaign is about bringing people together, listening to our community, and making sure every voice in Antioch is heard.”

Residents interested in learning more, volunteering, or supporting the campaign are encouraged to contact Sandra White at sandra.white4antioch@gmail.com or by calling (510) 303-5880, and follow-on social media at Facebook: Sandra White for Antioch, on Instagram: @sandrawhiteforantioch and TikTok: sandrawhiteforantioch.

Her website will be live, soon.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

The dedicated public servant and CPA with an MBA offers 14 years of experienced financial leadership, integrity

By Allen D. Payton

For more than 14 years, Peter Karumbi has proudly served the people of Contra Costa County through his work in the Auditor‑Controller’s Office. His career began as an entry‑level Accountant I, and through hard work, integrity and a deep commitment to public service, Karumbi advanced to his current role as Assistant Auditor‑Controller.

With current Auditor-Controller Joanne Bohren not running for election after being appointed to the position last year, Karumbi is seeking the position with her support.

He is committed to:

• Protecting the fiscal integrity of the County’s financial records;
• Ensuring compliance with the California Constitution, state codes and Board of Supervisors directives;
• Providing accurate, timely financial information to the public and county partners; and
• Supporting county departments, employees, special districts and regional agencies with professionalism and respect.

Karumbi is also endorsed by retired Contra Costa County Auditor-Controller Robert Campbell, Retired Assistant County Auditor-Controller Harjit Nahal and California State Treasurer Fiona Ma.

His journey reflects not only professional growth but also a genuine dedication to strengthening the financial foundation of our county.

“I understand the responsibility that comes with managing public resources, and I have devoted my career to ensuring accuracy, transparency and accountability in county financial operations,” Karumbi said.  “I understand the responsibilities of this office because I’ve spent my career performing them.”

He also has experience in the private sector having worked for four-and-a-half years in Accounts Payable for Ross Stores, Inc. in Pleasanton.

Karumbi earned the designation of Certified Public Accountant in 2015 and earned a Master’s of Business Administration in 2013 from Cal State East Bay’s School of Business & Economics.

The first-time candidate for public office is married to Margaret Ng’ang’a and they have four daughters.

For more information about Karumbi and his campaign visit his LinkedIn profile and website at https://karumbiforauditor.com. The election is Tuesday, June 2nd.

^{Note: Herald publisher Allen Payton is a paid consultant for the Karumbi campaign.}