Moreno Valley City Councilwoman Victoria E. Baca died Wednesday after succumbing to an undisclosed illness.
She was 62.
According to the Moreno Valley Office of the City Manager, the three-term councilwoman had been battling medical challenges for an extended period, though no other details were provided.
“Victoria Baca exemplified what it meant to be a true public servant,” Mayor Yxstian Gutierrez said. “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,” he said.
Baca was first elected to the City Council in 2012 after serving on the Moreno Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees. She was the first Hispanic woman to serve on the board and council, officials said.
She was appointed mayor pro tem during her first term and was re-elected to represent District 1 in 2016 and 2020.
Baca operated an education consulting firm and served on the boards of multiple public and private organizations, including the Inland Empire Regional Mexican American Political Association, the March Joint Powers Authority and the Moreno Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
“She credited her mother’s strong belief in the power of public education as inspiration to pursue her own career,” according to a city statement.
Baca leaves behind a daughter, three grandchildren and a great grandchild. Her family has asked for privacy and has not yet planned funeral services, according to officials.