Thursday, July 2 | Volume 40 No.16

WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER

City of San Bernardino Issues Statement Remembering the Life of Former Mayor Judith Valles

Formor Late Mayor Judith Valles

SAN BERNARDINO, CA---- The City of San Bernardino proudly remembers the extraordi- nary legacy of former Mayor Judith Valles, who the city has learned has passed away. Dr. Valles was a public servant, pioneering edu- cator, and community leader whose lifelong dedication left an enduring mark on our city. A native of San Bernardino and the daughter of Mexican immigrants, she made history as the first Hispanic elected Mayor of the City of San Bernardino, serving two successful terms through 2006. Her election represented a mile- stone not only for San Bernardino, but for communities throughout California, reflecting the City's diversity and the opportunities avail- able through public service.

"Mayor Valles was a trailblazer and a change maker,” said San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran. "Her passion, tenacity and refusal to take no for an answer helped get so many things done to improve San Bernardino and her many other endeavors."

As mayor, Dr. Valles championed neighbor- hood revitalization, economic development, historic preservation, youth programs, and public safety. She successfully restructured the city's Economic Development Agency, which greatly reduced the city's debt, established a swimming pool at Nunez Park on the west side of the city to provide accessible recreation for local families, spearheaded initiatives to reno- vate historic areas across the city, and signifi- cantly increased the number of neighborhood associations to encourage civic engagement.

Throughout her career, Dr. Valles demonstrat- ed that leadership is rooted in service. Wheth- er as a mayor, educator, college president, or community advocate, she has remained com- mitted to creating opportunities for others through education, integrity, and civic engage- ment. Her legacy continues to inspire resi- dents, students, and public servants across San Bernardino and beyond.

The City of San Bernardino is grateful for Dr. Judith Valles' decades of leadership and ser- vice. Her vision, compassion, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others remain an enduring part of our city's history. She will be missed.

Community Leaders Gather in the High Desert to Build Momentum for Dr. Gwen Dowdy-Rodgers' Campaign were:

Hesperia, CA Community members, edu- cators, elected officials, and civic leaders came together Thursday evening for "Building the Future Together," a community fundraiser supporting

Dr. Gwen Dowdy-Rodgers' campaign for San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools. Hosted by Superintendent Dr. Derek King, the event reflected the growing coalition of leaders committed to strengthening educa- tional opportunities for every student across San Bernardino County.

Held in the High Desert, the evening focused on collaboration, community engagement, and the shared belief that every child deserves ac- cess to exceptional educational opportunities, regardless of where they live.

Among the distinguished guests in attendance

• Sheriff Shannon Dicus, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department

• Dr. Derek King, Superintendent, Victor Valley Union High School District

Ryan McEachron, Trustee, San Bernardino

County Board of Education

Amanda Buchanan, Trustee, Apple Valley Unified School District Board of Education

• Dr. Tasha Owens, Co-Founder, NextGen Pre- school

• See "Community Leader..." page 8
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