During the City Council meeting on Tuesday, January 7, the Moreno Valley City Council unanimously appointed District 1 Council Member Elena Baca-Santa Cruz as the City's next Mayor Pro Tem.
"Elena Baca-Santa Cruz has been a member of the City Council for a number of years, bringing experience and commitment to her work," said Mayor Ulises Cabrera. "I’m glad to see her take on the role of Mayor Pro Tem and look forward to continuing our work together in the coming year."
"It is with great honor and gratitude that I accept the role of Mayor Pro Tem, and extend my heartfelt thanks to the City Council and the citizens of Moreno Valley for trusting me with this responsibility," said Mayor Pro Tem Baca-Santa Cruz. "I am committed to serving our beloved city and will collaborate closely with my fellow council members to foster growth and prosperity for all."
Mayor Pro Tem Baca-Santa Cruz has represented District 1 since her election to the Moreno Valley City Council in November 2022. She currently serves on multiple City committees, including the Environmental & Historical Preservation Board, Utilities Commission, Joint Task Force, and represents the City at the Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG).
ABOUT MAYOR PRO TEM BACA-SANTA CRUZ
Elected to the Moreno Valley City Council in 2022 to represent District 1, Mayor Pro Tem Baca-Santa Cruz is dedicated to advocating for local jobs, increased public safety, community engagement and diversity within District 1 and across Moreno Valley.
Mayor Pro Tem Baca-Santa Cruz has worked in public education for more than a decade and has served as an officer of the California School Employees Association Chapter 535 for over 10 years.
Raised with a deep commitment to diversity and inclusion, Mayor Pro Tem Baca-Santa Cruz inherited her mother’s passion for community activism. She campaigned and assisted her mother when she was a member of the City Council and became deeply aware of the concerns and needs of the people of Moreno Valley.
A fervent advocate for local jobs, Mayor Pro Tem Baca-Santa Cruz was a member of a team of residents who collected over 10,000 signatures Citywide to bring Skechers to Moreno Valley. Additionally, as a bilingual speaker, she has been able to personally speak with thousands of City residents in her door-to-door campaign work to help better Moreno Valley.
Mayor Pro Tem Baca-Santa Cruz is also a dedicated volunteer. She has been involved with the Moreno Valley Public Library Commission, Palm Middle School PTA, Vista Heights PTA, Canyon Springs Little League, and the Moreno Valley Parents’ Association. She is the recipient of the 2008 Community Service Award by the Moreno Valley Unified School District Board of Education.
Mayor Pro Tem Baca-Santa Cruz is a mother to three adult children and has one grandchild. She resides in District 1 and continues the Baca tradition of public service by taking the Council seat that her late mother, Mayor Pro Team Victoria Baca, held for many years.