Former San Bernardino mayor dies

Judith Valles, San Bernardino’s first elected Hispanic mayor, has died.

A San Bernardino native, Valles served two four-terms, from 1998 through 2006, according to a statement on the city’s website.

She was 93 years old.

“Whether as a mayor, educator, college president, or community advocate, she has remained committed to creating opportunities for others through education, integrity, and civic engagement. Her legacy continues to inspire residents, students, and public servants across San Bernardino and beyond.

“Mayor Valles was a trailblazer,” said San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran in the statement. “Her passion, tenacity and refusal to take no for an answer helped get so many things done to improve San Bernardino.”

Valles helped overhaul the Economic Development Agency, which cut the city’s debt, and she helped build a swimming pool at Nunez Park. Valles also led efforts to renovate historic areas, and she backed efforts to increase the number of neighborhood associations to increase civic participation, according to the statement.

In addition to her political career, Valles was a faculty member at San Bernardino Valley College, and president of Golden West College and Los Angeles Mission College, according to reports.

Cause of death was not released.