Southern California candidates debate classroom artificial intelligence, housing affordability and economic policies.

David Pan’s proposed $16,000 annual payment would consist of $1,000 a month deposited directly into each eligible person’s bank account and $4,000 a year paid into a health savings account. He said people 37 and older could keep their Social Security benefits, while those under 37 would begin receiving the payment.
Joe Alvanez said public land, subsidies and other incentives for development should be tied to clear public benefits, including affordable housing and good local jobs.
Erika Zamora said a school board should review data and listen to students, employees, families and the community, while ensuring district employees have the resources, support and working conditions needed to serve students.
Perla Ibarra argued that students should be encouraged to debate and stand up for their beliefs, while learning to listen to opposing views with respect and empathy.
Southern California candidates running for school boards in 2026 disagree sharply on how to handle artificial intelligence in classrooms, with some pushing hard limits and others backing measured use for tutoring and language support San Bernardino Sun. All candidates stress that boards should set policy, oversee budgets, and hold superintendents accountable—but leave daily teaching to educators Redlands Daily Facts.
Beyond schools, a congressional candidate proposed replacing many federal benefit programs with a $16,000 annual universal payment—$1,000 monthly plus $4,000 yearly into health savings accounts—while a Fontana city-clerk hopeful called for affordable housing tied to existing infrastructure and developer contributions to public needs San Bernardino Sun.
Candidates offered competing visions for artificial intelligence in schools. Some favor removing or strictly limiting AI use San Bernardino Sun. Others support guarded applications: tutoring students, creating personalized practice exercises, helping non-English speakers, and reducing teachers' workload on administrative tasks San Bernardino Sun. The debate reflects broader uncertainty about technology's role in education.
Candidates emphasize student-centered choices and community involvement. Erika Zamora said school boards must review data while listening to students, employees, families and the broader community San Bernardino Sun. Perla Ibarra stressed that students should debate and defend their beliefs while learning to hear opposing views with respect and empathy San Bernardino Sun. Both called for boards to ensure staff have the support and resources needed to serve students effectively.
David Pan identified affordability as the central issue facing Southern California. His plan replaces many benefit programs with $16,000 yearly per adult: $1,000 deposited monthly plus $4,000 added to health savings accounts San Bernardino Sun. People 37 and older keep Social Security; those under 37 would begin receiving the payment. Pan also proposed reducing federal debt and changing capital-gains rules as additional housing measures.
A Fontana city-clerk candidate argued that public land, subsidies and other development incentives must be linked to clear public benefits San Bernardino Sun. Joe Alvanez called for affordable housing and good local jobs as conditions San Bernardino Sun. The approach aims to prevent displacement and ensure transparent decisions that serve community needs rather than developer profits alone.
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