In celebration of Women’s History Month, Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown (D-San Bernardino) honored San Bernardino City Councilwoman and CSUSB alumna Virginia Marquez for her outstanding efforts to help victims of the Dec. 2 tragedy in San Bernardino.
Marquez was also acknowledged for combating homelessness in the city by creating a new resource center to assist them.
“I’m very proud to announce that Councilwoman Virginia Marquez is the 2016 Woman of the Year for the 47th Assembly District,” said Brown, who honored Marquez during the March 14 Assembly session “for her commitment to the families that suffered during the recent December 2 tragedy in San Bernardino. On the day of the attack, Councilwoman Marquez and city staff were instrumental in coordinating disaster relief efforts at the Rudy Hernández Community Center to provide resources, encouragement and prayers to the families of the victims.
“Additionally, in an effort to address homelessness, she co-authored the Homeless Action Plan, which offers emergency housing services for the homeless of San Bernardino. Although her vision was heavily criticized, she didn’t give up,” Brown said. Councilwoman Marquez “continued her lobbying efforts and ultimately secured $600,000 in Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds to construct the Homeless Access Center in San Bernardino. Her efforts have made a difference in our city.”
Marquez, born and raised on the Westside of San Bernardino, has a bachelor’s degree in sociology from CSUSB. She was elected to represent San Bernardino’s First Ward on Nov. 4, 2009, and re-elected in 2013. During her tenure, she has been appointed Mayor Pro Tempore twice, and serves on the following council committees: Inland Valley Development Agency, San Bernardino International Airport Authority, Community Development Block Grant Committee and the Education Bridge Committee. She is also chair of the Hometown Heroes Military Banner Committee, which she formed with former Councilmember Rikke Van Johnson. Since its inception, she has recognized 64 veterans for their service to our country.
Recently, she led a partnership with the Center for Employment Opportunities, which was adopted by the council to augment right-of-way cleanup efforts. She also played an integral part in establishing the Quality of Life Team, which focuses on fighting blight throughout the city.
She is a member of the California Correctional Peace Officers Association, Parole Agents Associations of California, California Narcotics Officers Association, Women's Club of San Bernardino and Native Sons of The Golden West. She is also a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.
For more information, contact Ashley Jones at (909) 381-3238.
Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown represents the 47th Assembly District, which includes Colton, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Rialto, San Bernardino, and the unincorporated communities of Bloomington and Muscoy.