Jurupa Valley Residents Advocate for Healthy, Community-Centered Policy and Government

Daylight hasn't yet spilled over the rooftops of Jurupa Valley, Calif., but the smell of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of crowing roosters have already spread through its nine distinct communities. As the city comes to life, so does the office of Reach Out Jurupa Valley. 

Among the Reach Out staff is Josie Gaytan, who embodies Jurupa Valley’s spirit of connection and growth. A longtime resident since 1981, Josie has lived all across the city—from Rubidoux to Mira Loma—raising four children, who made her a grandmother to nine granddaughters. 

What first brought Josie to Jurupa Valley wasn’t a job—it was the chance to build a life. In the early 1980s, she and her husband were looking for a place where they could afford to buy a home and raise their family. Jurupa Valley, with its lower housing costs, felt like a place within their reach. But it wasn’t just the price—it was the sense of safety and the rural charm that sealed their decision. It felt like the right place to grow roots.

Today, two of Josie’s children still live in Jurupa Valley, raising families of their own. “They love the community,” she said. “They love that they have their friends. Their kids are now growing up here and going to the same schools that they went to.” One of her daughters lives around the corner from where Josie now lives—something she cherishes. “I love walking to my daughter’s house. I love that,” she said with a smile.

For Josie, Jurupa Valley isn’t just where she lives—it's the place where she raised a family, built a career, and continues to help others feel at home. She brings that bone-deep passion for her community and the kind of life it has afforded her and her family to all that she does with Reach Out. 

Reach Out operates like a resource center motherboard—the invisible circuitry connecting people, resources, and ideas to keep the community thriving through community health initiatives that address barriers to educational achievement, economic opportunity, and safety. The organization is also a key partner with Jurupa Valley’s nascent city government, working to ensure local voices are incorporated into its systems.  

“More than anything else, Reach Out serves as a convener,” shared Diana Fox, Reach Out’s executive director. “Yes, we provide direct services, but much of the work that’s less visible is the collaboration—bringing together residents, city leaders, nonprofits, businesses, and institutions to move the community forward together.”

The city of Jurupa Valley is located in a region known as the “Inland Empire,” just east of Los Angeles, where large warehouse and distribution operations funnel purchased goods from the western ports to the rest of the United States. Until recently, Jurupa Valley was part of an unincorporated stretch of Riverside County—which included the nine communities of Belltown, Crestmore Heights, Glen Avon, Indian Hills, Jurupa Hills, Pedley, Rubidoux, Sunnyslope, and Mira Loma. 

As an unincorporated area, Jurupa Valley residents didn’t have the government infrastructure or decisionmaking power to support transformation or uphold local rights. They didn’t even have a seat at the table. Without the power of a city council and local governance to advocate for its residents and environmental protections or regulate large companies and land use, Jurupa Valley residents bore the disproportionate harmful impacts of rapid warehouse expansion, truck traffic and emissions, and industrial pollution leading to some of the nation’s highest concentrations of fine particulate matter in the air. Residents were left to organize on their own against large international companies and major financial interests—fighting for cleaner air, safer neighborhoods, and basic infrastructure. 

That changed in 2011 when, after years of grassroots advocacy, Jurupa Valley officially became California’s 482nd city. Incorporation wasn’t just a formality—it was a turning point. With it came the ability to make decisions locally, to shape public policy through elected representatives, and to reimagine what a healthy, thriving city could look like from the ground up.

Through a resident-led public-private partnership between the City of Jurupa Valley and Reach Out, the Healthy Jurupa Valley (HJV) initiative was launched in the same year the city was incorporated. HJV embodies that same spirit of resident-driven change and is one of the longest-running Healthy Cities Initiatives in California. It brings together local government, community members, and organizations to improve quality of life and build long-term health from the inside out.

Thanks to the work of HJV and its collaborators, one major galvanizing step in the journey to making Jurupa Valley a healthier place for all residents and improving access to clean air was the city council’s unanimous approval of a smoke-free ordinance with a 5–0 vote in February 2021. The ordinance prohibits smoking in multi-unit housing with two or more units, including common areas and outdoor spaces, as well as in hotels, public areas, plazas, and outdoor business zones. Though clean air laws exist, more needs to be done to continue to improve access to clean air for Jurupa Valley residents. The HJV team, with Reach Out at its core, are committed to creating lasting positive change.

Healthy Jurupa Valley doesn’t just serve the community—it equips it to lead.

In addition to galvanizing policy change from the ground up, HJV is showing community leaders how to turn their ideas into tangible changes that improve life for themselves and their neighbors. The collaborative is sharing knowledge, providing mentorship—even helping residents create their own nonprofit organizations—because they know that resident leaders are as critical to a community’s infrastructure as its roads and its schools. 

For Lucero Martinez, a longtime resident of Jurupa Valley, the journey toward leadership began in 2018 when, inspired by the deep sense of belonging she felt in the community, she joined HJV. 

“Jurupa Valley welcomed me with open arms, and that’s why I’ve been here 20 years—and I’ll stay until the day I die,” she said. “Its residents are what make Jurupa Valley so unique because I feel like I’m in my home country.” That deep connection has only grown stronger over the years. “I feel very happy that my children are growing up in a city that has it all, that has its roots, that hasn’t lost its culture,” she added.

Lucero is hard to miss—always smiling, chatting with everyone, and exuding warmth. She recalls being invited to an HJV meeting by a friend, but what stood out most was how the Reach Out staff made her feel. For the first time, she felt like her voice truly mattered.

Soon after her first meeting, Lucero joined Reach Out’s Leadership Academy, a program designed for parents and community members to help them understand how to develop and use the power of voice to accomplish their goals. The program’s impact on her was profound, and Lucero was so inspired by what she learned that she shared it with everyone in her network. 

“I invited my family to participate in the Leadership Academy so they could see how important it is to be involved in the community—because if we want change, we have to be part of it,” she said. Since then, her husband, two daughters, and her aunt have all joined and graduated from the Leadership Academy, creating a family legacy of growth and leadership.

Lucero represents everything Reach Out and Healthy Jurupa Valley stand for—harnessing resident power and leadership for community-driven change. Fueled by the confidence and skills she gained through the Leadership Academy, Lucero went on to create a women’s support group: Re-Conéctate, a local extension of Emotions Anonymous, a program to help individuals manage anxiety, depression, and grief through peer support. What began as a personal journey became a platform to uplift others, offering encouragement, resources, and a safe space for neighbors to connect and grow together.

Alicia later received a text from the mom—a simple message of gratitude that stuck with her.

“I really want to express how thankful I am for the effort and determination of investing into my situation,” the message read. “You’ve truly shown your empathy and understanding. You’ve shared with me your genuine concern, as well as finding solutions. A lot got done and I felt heard… Thank you so much.”

When the system comes together, when people lead with empathy and persistence, lives can change.

“[We] don’t treat people like a case—[We] treat them like a human being,” said Alicia.

Alicia and her partners saw this individual story of crisis as a call to action to make sure it doesn’t happen again. What followed was the start of a new system, built on coordinated action. Together with Reach Out, WIC, county leaders, and technology partners, First 5 Riverside County developed a new model, referred to as RivCoOne, for rapid response for families in dire need.  

The team worked to streamline communication across departments, build direct lines to decisionmakers, and advocate for a fund that could be accessed in true emergencies—so no child would have to spend another night in a car while the system caught up.

For Alicia, it's a sign that the future doesn't rest on one person doing the impossible—it depends on everyone working together to make sure no one falls through the cracks again.

Deep Engagement Transforms a School into a Family Support Hub

Just a few miles away, Mission Bell Elementary School—part of the Jurupa Unified School District—is using education as a powerful tool for transformation. Like Reach Out, the school runs on collaboration and empowered community voices.

Originally established in 1959 and modernized in 2019, the Mission Bell campus reflects an evolution not just in architecture, but in purpose. At the heart of the campus, the preserved bell from its early days serves as a powerful symbol of continuity—a tribute to its legacy and its ongoing commitment to the community.

At the helm is Principal Angelena Aguilera, who, at just 32 years old, stepped into her second year at Mission Bell with a clear vision and deep sense of purpose. Known affectionately to the school and community as Miss A, she’s driven by a passion for educational equity and a belief in the power of servant leadership.

"I always thought the best teachers are usually ones who are constantly learning and remaining in the student mindset,” she said. “I never think that I've learned it all. And I think it's really important to have an admin…who wants to know their students."

And Miss A does indeed know all her students. In her first few months on campus, she made it a point to memorize the names of all 375 students at Mission Bell.

On any given day, you’ll spot Miss A making her rounds—smiling, greeting students by name, and exchanging fist bumps like confetti. She doesn’t just walk the campus—she moves through it with intention, weaving connections into every corner. “Good morning, Noah.” “Hi, Andrew.” “Hi, Santiago. How'd you do on your test?” There’s no clipboard in hand, no rushed pace—just presence. Every student gets a moment of acknowledgement and affirmation.

“I don’t want anyone to ever feel like a number. So if I call you by your name, if I know that you’re always late, if I know why you’re never at school, I have more of a chance to be successful with you.”

Mission Bell serves students from transitional kindergarten through 6th grade, and its student body comes from many different backgrounds. About 60% of students are English language learners, and nearly 90% identify as Hispanic. Roughly 20% are students with disabilities, ranging from physical and speech-related challenges to various learning disabilities. 

Approximately 92% of students come from low socioeconomic backgrounds.

This rich diversity, along with high levels of need, strengthens Miss A’s resolve to lead with intention and empathy—creating a school environment where every child is seen, supported, and set up for success. One of the key programs helping Miss A bring her vision to life is the Community Schools Initiative. This model transforms schools into hubs that support the whole child—blending academics with health services, family engagement, and community partnerships.

At Mission Bell, the Community Schools initiative is infused across the school. One of the core influences of this program is establishing a strong foundational focus on mental wellness. The school is staffed with three behavioral health professionals, including two therapists and an associate, ensuring that on-site counseling is available every day of the week so students can get support when they need it most. This allows staff to respond quickly and effectively to students' emotional and behavioral needs, whether it’s helping a child navigate grief, anxiety, or the ways their limited resources at home are impacting their health and academics. Beyond immediate intervention, it’s also changing the culture regarding mental health.

“Our students are very well-versed on what it means to attend therapy, which is great because they're really young,” Miss A said. “And I'm a huge mental health advocate, so just knowing that they know that now will definitely help them by the time they get to middle school and high school.” 

This is critical because about one in six young people have a mental health condition like anxiety or depression—but only half get professional help. Untreated mental health conditions can lead to poor school performance and high rates of school dropout.

Beyond therapy, Mission Bell also offers schoolwide efforts that promote wellness in fun and engaging ways—like Feel Good Fridays, a weekly tradition focused on positivity, connection, and joy. A colorful flyer in the main office sets the tone with a simple, powerful message. “Mental health is just as important as physical health.”

Supporting Mission Bell’s students also spreads far beyond the school’s walls through strong, intentional family engagement. Every Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., the school hosts Parents’ Academy, where caregivers come together to build skills, strengthen connections, and become actively involved in their children’s education. The sessions cover everything from financial literacy to learning English, equipping parents not only to support their kids academically, but to thrive in their own right.

The school knows that when kids and their families’ basic needs are met, they’re better able to learn. That’s why the school’s Clothing Closet is a vital resource for both students and their families. “Because we have so many clothing donations this year, we actually bought a whole new portable [trailer] that’s just going to be a clothing closet,” she said.

Ernesto arrived in the United States 22 years ago, chasing the American dream. He first settled in Los Angeles, but the city was fast, loud, and crowded—and for Ernesto, it lacked something essential: horses. When Ernesto was younger, he had three horses. 

Then, about 10 years after arriving in the U.S., a friend invited Ernesto to ride horses in Jurupa Valley. From that moment on, something clicked. The culture felt familiar, grounding. In Jurupa Valley, people didn’t just ride—they lived for their horses. Trails weave throughout neighborhoods and riders gather by the river. Jurupa Valley’s equestrian community is more than a group of riders—they’re a network of families, neighbors, and lifelong friends who carry forward a tradition that spans generations. 

Feeling that sense of belonging in community, Ernesto built the life he’d always dreamed. He built his own business and a home where he could have horses like Benito. Riding Benito is a form of therapy, he shares, a way to reset, recharge, and return to center. “I destress from work, from the traffic,” he said. “I go and grab the horse, and I relax. Then I'm ready for the next day to go back to work.”

Josie asked if he participated in any equestrian or charro groups, explaining that Reach Out was working on an upcoming event to connect with local riders. She also took a moment to tell him about the resources and support services available through the organization. Before he continued on his way, they exchanged contact information—a simple gesture Josie knows often leads to more conversations in the future—the planting of a seed. 

Ernesto tipped his hat, gave a slight nod, and turned his horse west toward the setting sun. As he rode off, his silhouette slowly faded into the horizon, a quiet symbol of the enduring traditions that still ride strong through Jurupa Valley’s streets.

In Jurupa, community isn’t just a word—it’s a way of life. From the school hallways to the city trails, from resource centers to riverbeds, neighbors show up for one another in ways big and small.

What’s happening in Jurupa Valley is more than a collection of programs—it’s a movement. Even as a city just 15 years young, the community’s innovative partnerships and relentless commitment to wellness, equity, and opportunity are setting a new standard. Their work is a blueprint that other communities can replicate. The community’s efforts are proof that while there is always room to grow, remarkable progress is possible with intentional backbone support, thoughtful cross-sector collaboration, and the cultivation of resident leadership. Jurupa Valley is a place where people don’t wait for change to arrive—they make it happen. Where collaboration is woven into the culture, and where the strength of the community is measured not by its size, but by how far they’re willing to go for each other.

Ensuring that this work continues is not something that the leaders will leave up to chance.  Through two years of deep community engagement, the first-of-it’s-kind community strategic plan has been developed, led by multisectoral partners.  “One of the things I most want people to understand about the strategic plan we created with the City of Jurupa Valley is that it’s not our plan—it’s the people’s plan,” shared Diana.”We didn’t go into a boardroom and design it. We went out into the community many times and in many formats to ask thousands of residents what issues mattered most to them and what kind of city they wanted to build, and we are now holding each other accountable.”  

And it’s all done in the name of something greater: a healthier, stronger, more connected Jurupa Valley.