Moreno Valley Mayor Pro Tem Victoria Baca was honored recently as a Woman of Achievement in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties for her work to improve people's lives. The recognition was bestowed upon eight distinguished women at a special dinner by Librería del Pueblo, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides immigrants with a wide range of services and educational programs to help them transition into American society.
“We chose Mayor Pro Tem Baca for this award in recognition of her many years of service as an advocate for the community, both as a public official and in her personal life,” explained Librería del Pueblo, Inc., Executive Director Danny Morales. “She exemplifies for people across southern California the qualities of a servant leader, and she has helped many find their way to a better life.”
Dr. Yxstian Gutierrez, Mayor of Moreno Valley, agreed and said Baca is tireless in her advocacy for the employment, education and civil rights of under-served populations. "She's a soft-spoken leader with a spine of steel and a fierce determination to stand up for people who are struggling on the margins of society," Mayor Gutierrez said.
Mayor Pro Tem Baca, a native of Los Angeles, has lived in Moreno Valley since 1990. She bears the distinction of being the first Latina elected to both the Moreno Valley Unified School District Board of Education and the Moreno Valley City Council. As a Council member, she represents the City's District 1.