Overview: Judith Valles, the first Hispanic elected Mayor of San Bernardino, has passed away. She served two successful terms and championed neighborhood revitalization, economic development, historic preservation, youth programs, and public safety. Her legacy continues to inspire residents, students, and public servants across San Bernardino and beyond.
Ellen Perrault
The City of San Bernardino remembers the extraordinary legacy of former Mayor Judith Valles, who the city recently learned has passed away.
Dr. Valles was a public servant, pioneering educator, 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 milestone not only for San Bernardino, but for communities throughout California, reflecting the City’s diversity and the opportunities available 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 neighborhood 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 renovate historic areas across the city, and significantly increased the number of neighborhood associations to encourage civic engagement.
Throughout her career, Dr. Valles demonstrated that leadership is rooted in service. 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.
The City of San Bernardino is grateful for Dr. Judith Valles’ decades of leadership and service. Her vision, compassion, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others remain an enduring part of our City’s history.