Former MoVal Mayor Sworn In As 5th District Supervisor

MORENO VALLEY, CA — The former mayor of Moreno Valley was formally sworn in Tuesday as a Riverside County supervisor, taking his seat representing the Fifth District, where he vowed to work on homeless relief, water infrastructure and other projects.

"I just want to thank everyone -- God, my parents," Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez said after he completed his oath. "I have been focused on homelessness over the last seven years. I look forward to working with the different (county) departments, collaboratively ... to move policies forward and approve funding."

Gutierrez, 36, said he visited communities throughout the Fifth District to better understand constituents' wants and needs, and he recognized that "public safety and infrastructure" were among the top concerns.

"Those are very critical things," the junior supervisor said. "In Nuevo, the water system is an issue. I just want to make sure the district works for the residents. I look forward to this journey, because it's going to be a journey. And I look forward to working with my colleagues."

Gutierrez, a Democrat, topped his predecessor, former Supervisor Jeff Hewitt, a Libertarian, in the Nov. 8 general election, besting him by an eight- point margin.

During the campaign, Gutierrez cited his work on homeless reduction programs, municipal beautification and supporting job creation as accomplishments since he was first elected Moreno Valley's mayor in 2016.

His objectives included improving 911 response times, reducing homelessness, expanding health care opportunities, advancing youth programs and ensuring safe drinking water.

"The challenges Riverside County faces are serious, but they are no match for the creativity, generosity and strength of our residents," the former mayor said on the campaign trail.

In addition to his time on the Moreno Valley City Council, Gutierrez was an educator at the college level, with additional prior experience in the Moreno Valley Unified School District.