For generations, Mayor Judith Valles represented the very best in public service. As an educator, trailblazer, and the first Hispanic elected Mayor of the City of San Bernardino, she dedicated her life to expanding opportunities for others while inspiring future leaders through her example.

Article/Commentary by
Richard Sandoval

er influence extended well beyond City Hall. She believed in education, invested in people, and demonstrated that leadership is rooted in character, service, and a genuine commitment to improving the lives of others.

Those who knew her admired her accomplishments.

Those who met her remembered her presence.

A Leader Who Left an Impression

My first introduction to Judith Valles came long before Hispanic Lifestyle existed.

A newly made friend, Raven Workman Lopez, encouraged me to attend a political fundraiser for Esther Estrada, who was running for office in the City of San Bernardino.

She offered one simple piece of advice:

“Look for Mary Figueroa. She’s good people and she’ll take care of you.”

She was right.

That evening became one of the pivotal moments in my career.

Around that table I met people like Mary Figueroa, who would later become President of the Riverside Community College District Board of Trustees, and Andres Soto, then President of the Greater Riverside Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. More importantly, I found myself surrounded by people who believed community leadership wasn’t simply a title—it was a responsibility.

Among them was Judith Valles.

At the time, she was already an accomplished educator and academic leader.

What I remember most wasn’t her title.

It was her presence.

She possessed a quiet confidence.

She spoke with clarity and purpose.

She carried herself with grace, dignity, and professionalism.

She didn’t need to command the room.

The room naturally listened.

Breaking Barriers

Born in 1933 in San Bernardino, California, to Mexican immigrant parents, Judith Valles believed deeply in the transformative power of education.

Her career began in the classroom before advancing into educational leadership, eventually becoming President of Golden West College, where she made history as the first Latina to lead a California community college.

In 1998, she again broke new ground when she was elected the first Hispanic Mayor of the City of San Bernardino.

Throughout two terms in office, she championed education, neighborhood revitalization, youth development, economic opportunity, and civic engagement.

Whether serving students or residents, she believed strong communities are built by investing in people.

Supporting a Vision

Years later, as Inland Empire Hispanic Lifestyle Magazine was beginning to take shape, I invited Judith to join an informal advisory board made up of community leaders whose judgment and experience I respected.

She graciously accepted.

When she was elected mayor, she stepped away from the advisory board to focus on serving the City of San Bernardino, but she remained supportive of our mission.

Looking back, I realize she was one of the earliest people who affirmed the vision behind Hispanic Lifestyle.

She helped me believe that the stories of community leaders deserved to be documented not because of who they were, but because of the difference they made.

She later became one of the earliest recipients of our Inland Empire Latina of Influence recognition and returned as a featured speaker during our inaugural Inland Empire Latina Conference.

 Judith Is My Homegirl

One story has stayed with me for decades.

During one of our advisory meetings, Judith mentioned that Stater Bros. Markets Chairman Jack H. Brown had Latino roots.

Some time later I had the opportunity to briefly meet Mr. Brown and shared what Judith had told me.

He smiled and simply replied:

“Judith is my homegirl.”
— Jack H. Brown, Chairman, Stater Bros. Markets

Those four words said everything.

They reflected the genuine respect and affection Judith Valles earned throughout her lifetime.

EDITORIAL NOTES 

Today, as HL begins a new chapter, this article also marks the beginning of HL | Milestone Legacy our commitment to preserving the stories of leaders whose lives have shaped our communities and inspired future generations.

Our responsibility is not to define our community.

It is to document its history, celebrate its achievements, and ensure that the lives of people like Mayor Judith Valles are remembered long after today’s headlines have faded.

Because today’s milestones become tomorrow’s history.

 Richard Sandoval, Founder & Publisher, HL