San Bernardino Public Library Presents "As My Mother Would Say: Como Decia Mi Mama"

Judith Valles is blessed with a heritage rich in Mexico’s traditions. Her mother, Jovita Lopez de Valles, guided Judith and her siblings with old world wisdom and common sense. "As My Mother Would Say" is about being raised in a conservative Mexican family that valued the traditions and sayings of Mexico. As Valles said in her book, “The proverbs or 'dichos' were a daily dose of teachings from my mother. We believed she made them up as situations arose and it was not until we began using the 'dichos' as adults, that other people we met from Mexico could relate, laugh and say ‘my grandma used to say that.’ While some of these dichos may not be sophisticated, profound, and intellectual, they are amazingly cogent. They have been invaluable to me in developing my style in management and leadership.” With a master’s degree in Spanish language and literature, Valles became the first Latina president of a university or college in the state of California in 1988. After she retired from a successful career in education, she made history again by becoming the first Hispanic mayor of her city of San Bernardino in 1998, and the first female Hispanic mayor of any city in the United States with a population of more than 100,000. Now, in addition to serving as San Bernardino Symphony board president and community speaking engagements, Valles is board president for Casa Ramona Academy Charter School. This free event will be at 2 p.m. on Dec. 6 in Kellogg Room A at the Feldheym Central Library located at 555 W. 6th Street in San Bernardino. Books will be available for purchase and signing at the event.