By Dianne Anderson

Anyone who has opened a laptop or turned on a TV lately has already seen the endless ads and knows that Election Day is around the corner.

Voters should keep their supersized ballot guide handy for a deep dive into the races, not forgetting or ignoring the many polling place signs along the way.

Across the Inland Empire, candidates are reaching out to voters about the importance of the vote in the fight for services and how this election could affect daily life.

Dr. Corey Jackson for California State Assembly, District 60

Families are being squeezed from all directions, and Assemblymember Corey A. Jackson points to rising costs, access to affordable childcare and seniors’ quality of life as his district’s biggest challenges.

Jackson said federal economic policies have added pressure to household budgets. In response, he has worked through the state budget process to boost California’s social safety net and help offset cuts in federal funding.

“Affordable childcare is another major concern, particularly for working families who commute to work. I introduced AB 2083 to establish a childcare special district in Assembly District 60, and I secured $2 million to advance this effort. If reelected, I will continue working to make quality childcare more accessible and affordable,” said Dr. Jackson, whose district includes Moreno Valley and other Riverside County communities.

Jackson said he secured $5 million for a Senior Universal Basic Income program to assist seniors in need. With rising costs putting pressure on seniors living on fixed incomes, he wants to continue protecting access to essential services and support policies that help seniors maintain financial security and age with dignity.

He has also authored AB 1578, which Gov. Gavin Newsom signed in September as part of a statewide anti-hate legislative package. Starting Jan. 1, 2028, the law will require state elected officials and elected local agency officials to complete training on responding to hate, de-escalation and confronting hate speech, his office said.

That legislation was spurred by findings from the Commission on the State of Hate and a year of investigation by the Assembly Select Committee on Racism, Hate and Xenophobia, which Jackson chairs.

“This bill takes the findings of the Commission on the State of Hate and turns them into action. We cannot claim to value equality while ignoring the systems that allow hate to persist,” Jackson said in the release.

The package also includes AB 1803, authored by Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal, which requires California employers with five or more employees to incorporate anti-hate speech training into existing workplace sexual-harassment prevention programs beginning Jan. 1, 2028, according to Jackson’s office.

Of his time in office, Jackson said experience has taught him that progress requires consistent advocacy and follow-through. He has championed work advancing Electric Vehicle Opportunity Zones intended to bring high-paying jobs to the region, pushing for improvements to I-215 and supporting the expansion of Ramona Expressway.

“From strengthening our communities and expanding economic opportunity to improving transportation and access to essential services, this work is ongoing. If reelected, I look forward to building on that progress and continuing to deliver results for the people of Assembly District 60,” he said.

Tiffanie Tate for State Senate, District 32

A former Navy doctor, an OB-GYN, an author, radio host and mother. And now, Dr. Tiffanie Tate is running for state Senate.

If elected, she wants to bring that experience to Sacramento to tackle rising costs, access to homeowners insurance and underfunded schools and hospitals. High-wage jobs and economic growth, affordable housing and healthcare, and improving quality of life are her top priorities.

“We need new leadership in Sacramento. California is less affordable. Many homeowners do not have access to homeowner insurance anymore, and for those who do have insurance, prices are skyrocketing,” she wrote in her candidate statement. “Our local schools and hospitals are underfunded; education and healthcare are paying the price.”

Dr. Tate describes herself as a local resident who understands those challenges, and draws on her background in military medicine, work at local hospitals and involvement in community organizations.

Tate wrote that she served seven years in the Navy as a general medical officer, earned the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and received a Captain’s Letter of Appreciation.

“After my military service, I worked as an OB/GYN at local hospitals. I might have even delivered you or your child!” she wrote.

As a medical doctor and educator, she also emphasizes her commitment to public service through involvement in multiple community organizations.

“Through my work, I have talked to thousands of voters, and I want to bring our voices to Sacramento,” she wrote.

Acquanetta Warren for Fontana Mayor

Seeking re-election this November, Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren is campaigning on her record in public safety, economic development, housing and neighborhood infrastructure.

“I understand families are paying too much for housing, healthcare, utilities, groceries, and transportation. While City Hall can’t control every price, I’ve cut through the red tape to reduce unnecessary fees, support local businesses, build more affordable housing for working families, and made our city live within its means,” Warren wrote in her candidate statement.

She also cites improvements to streets, parks and neighborhood services, saying she has responded to graffiti-removal requests, resolved constituent issues and demanded greater accountability from city departments. She highlights miles of streets resurfaced, dozens of abandoned vehicles removed, more police patrols funded and new state-of-the-art sports fields built for children and families to enjoy.

On homelessness, Warren says she has cleared street encampments and connected unhoused residents with mental health services and substance-use treatment.

She also highlights bringing sustainable development to the city, including new shopping centers, and says she has kept Fontana’s sales tax among the lowest in the region, helping working families keep more of what they earn.

“That’s why I’m proud to be endorsed by local police officers, firefighters, and community leaders,” she wrote.

Warren is asking voters to return her to office to continue that work.

“And I’m not finished. I’ll never stop fighting to deliver results for our community,” she wrote.

Sarah Shabazz for Victor Valley Union High School District, Trustee Area 4

With more than 30 years in education, Dr. Sarah Shabazz is seeking a seat on the Victor Valley Union High School District Board of Trustees to represent Area 4.

A college professor with a Ph.D. in education, Shabazz has worked as a special education teacher, educational leader and mentor to future educators. She has taught students from kindergarten through doctoral programs.

A wife, mother of 11, grandmother of 17, small business owner and longtime High Desert resident, Shabazz says she has dedicated her life to serving students, families and the community.

On the board, Shabazz wants to improve academic achievement, expand career technical education and college pathways, and promote safe, respectful schools. She also says she will manage taxpayer dollars responsibly and encourage open communication with families, staff and the community.

She said that every student deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed in a supportive environment that prepares them for college, careers, and life.

“Throughout my career, I have remained committed to preparing students, supporting educators, and advancing academic excellence,” she wrote in her candidate statement. “I believe strong schools build strong communities.”

Dr. Terrance L. Stone for Snowline Joint Unified School District, Trustee Area 4

For more than 25 years, Dr. Terrance L. Stone has worked with young people through education, mentoring, workforce development, mental health support and community partnerships. He hopes to bring that experience to the Snowline Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees to represent Area 4.

Stone, founder and CEO of Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy, says the organization has served more than 200,000 youth and families. He says he has helped thousands of young people overcome challenges and build successful futures.

Improving academic achievement, addressing student mental health and chronic absenteeism, and expanding access to opportunities are some key challenges he sees for the district. Stone is calling for stronger communication with families, expanded student support services, career technical education and greater accountability.

“If elected, I would focus on accountability, expanding student support services, strengthening career and technical education, and ensuring our resources are reaching the students who need them most,” he said in an email response.

Stone says he would bring a hands-on approach to the board, emphasizing listening, being visible and putting students first. He also pledges fiscal responsibility, transparency and support for teachers and staff.

“I will work to strengthen partnerships between schools, families, businesses, and community organizations to expand opportunities in career technical education, leadership development, mental health resources, and student support services,” he wrote in his candidate statement.

Stone says he is optimistic about students’ potential and wants to help build a district where students feel supported, parents are heard and graduates are prepared for college, careers or other paths they choose.

“It’s about our children, their future, and making sure we don’t leave any student behind,” he said.

For Candidate websites, and resources, see:

Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson www.coreyajackson.net

Mayor Acquanetta Warren at https://www.acquanetta.org/

Dr. Tiffanie Tate at www.votedrtate.com.

Dr. Sarah Shabazz at https://www.drsarahshabazz.com/

Terrance Stone at https://www.yvyla-ie.org/about

Where to Vote and Track Your Ballot

• California Voter Status: https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/
• San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters: https://www.sbcountyelections.com/
• Riverside County Registrar of Voters: https://www.voteinfo.net/
• California Online Voter Registration: https://registertovote.ca.gov/
• California Secretary of State Elections: https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections