City of Moreno Valley Remembers the Life of
Mayor Pro Tem Victoria Baca
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On Wednesday, October 6, 2021, Mayor Pro Tem Victoria Baca, passed away after battling a long illness. In this special edition of Moreno Valley at Work the City celebrates the life and service of Mayor Pro Tem Victoria Baca.
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Service to Moreno Valley
Mayor Pro Tem Baca made history in 2012 as the first Latina elected to the Moreno Valley City Council. A year later, she was voted by her fellow Council Members to be Mayor Pro Tem, and was re-elected to represent District 1 in 2016 and 2020.
While in office Mayor Pro Tem Victoria Baca played an instrumental role in achieving the following accomplishments:
- MoVal 2040 - Moreno Valley's General Plan
- Momentum MoVal - City's Strategic Plan
- Homeless to Work Program
- Moreno Valley's recognition as one of the most fiscally strong cites in the nation
- S.A.F.E.R.—Residential fire alarm giveaway program
- Forward MoVal—a small business grant program to help local businesses during the pandemic
- MoVal Meals—a grocery assistance program for residents struggling during the pandemic
- Senior Eats—a meal delivery service for local seniors during the pandemic
- Supported the expansion of the Moreno Valley Public Library system and dedicated the newest Iris Plaza Branch
- Approved and oversaw the construction and opening of the Civic Center Amphitheater, which has played host to the Fourth of July FunFest, El Grito, MoVal Rocks Concert Series and MoVal Movies
- Oversaw the expansion of the Business and Employment Resource Center (BERC), as well as the MoVal Vendor Preference (MVP) Program
- Brought Fortune 500 and international companies to District 1, including the Residence Inn, the Fairfield Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn Express, Floor and Décor, and Country Kitchen, as well as future businesses such as Sprouts Farmer's Market and Raising Cane's
- The commencement of the SR60/Moreno Beach Drive bridge project—the largest public works project in Moreno Valley history
- The continued expansion of staff and resources for the Moreno Valley Police Department and the Moreno Valley Fire Department
- The growth of the City's Animal Shelter
- Invested in the expansion of the City's 33 parks and trails
- Helen Putnam Award - Think Together After School Program
Mayor Pro Tem Baca also received these awards and recognitions due to her tireless commitment to Moreno Valley:
- Women of Excellence, Community Advocate Award from the National Latina Business Women Association, Inland Empire
- Citizen of Achievement Award from the League of Women Voters
- 2019 Legacy of Service - Women of Achievement Award from Libreria del Pueblo
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Community Honors the Memory of Mayor Pro Tem Victoria Baca at City Memorial
The Moreno Valley community continues to pay their respects to Mayor Pro Tem Baca at the City Memorial set up in her honor. The memorial features a framed photograph of Mayor Pro Tem Baca and a custom floral arrangement surrounding the City Seal at Moreno Valley City Hall. Friends, family members, colleagues, and residents have visited the memorial to leave flowers and say farewell. The memorial is located at 14177 Frederick Street, and will be available to mourners until Monday, October 11 at 5 p.m.
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About Mayor Pro Tem Baca
Mayor Pro Tem Baca was a tireless advocate for public education. She was the owner and operator of an education consulting firm, and in 2006 she was the first Latina elected to serve as a member of the Moreno Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees. She credited her mother's strong belief in the power of public education as inspiration to pursue her own career as an education consultant.
Her community involvement in Moreno Valley was unparalleled. She was one of the founding members of the Moreno Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the first Latina to serve on the March Joint Powers Commission. She was also a member of the Library Commission, the School District/City Joint Task Force, a member of the Inland Empire GI Forum, a former director of the Inland Empire Regional Mexican American Political Association, and a member of the Western Regional Council of Governments (WRCOG).
Originally a Los Angeles native, Mayor Pro Tem Baca earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from California State University, San Bernardino, a Master's degree from Chapman University, and a Master's in Governance from the California School Boards Association.
Mayor Pro Tem Baca leaves behind a daughter, three grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Her family has requested privacy at this time.
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Mayor & City Council Memorial Remarks
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Dr. Yxstian Gutierrez, Mayor of Moreno Valley
"Victoria Baca exemplified what it meant to be a true public servant. She brought knowledge, compassion, enthusiasm, and a genuine love for the community to the City Council. As she battled her illness, she continued to connect with and serve the residents of District 1. It was a testament to her unwavering dedication to Moreno Valley. It's an incredible loss for the City, and I will miss her not only as a colleague, but also as a friend."
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David Marquez, Council Member - District 3
“Victoria Baca was a true leader on the City Council. Despite our differences on the dais, I always respected her fierce commitment to the causes she held dear and the district she represented. She was a champion of Moreno Valley, and her passing is a huge loss not only for the community, but for all the Inland Empire.”
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Ulises Cabrera, Council Member - District 4
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of Mayor Pro Tem Victoria Baca. Victoria was a dedicated public servant who cared deeply for the residents she represented. She will be missed, and on behalf of my family and everyone in District 4, we are sending our prayers and condolences to the entire Baca family."
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