Last Updated on November 4, 2010 by Paulette Brown-Hinds

By Chris Levister –

Acquanetta Warren became Fontana’s first black mayor the old fashioned way: she earned it. Long before assuming her post, she was active in making this city of nearly 200,000 more racially and politically inclusive, more business friendly and as she puts it, ready to harness the momentum to seize every opportunity for sustainable, prosperous growth in the coming years.

Moving effortlessly through this cheering crowd of more than 350 supporters at Logan’s Roadhouse in Fontana, Warren is every bit the energetic leader with a compelling personal story. She grew up in a tough LA neighborhood, but her success has become an emblem of hope and the power of conservative principles of hard-work, self-reliance and personal responsibility. She became the first African American woman to serve as Vice-Chair (Inland Empire) of the Republican Party and has been elected twice to the Fontana City Council.

While her victory Tuesday night over five opponents was historic, during her campaign she says her job qualifications not her skin color was on the mind of voters.

“If you look around this room you have all walks of life, all ethnicities, all coming together for the good of Fontana,” said Warren.

“The people that ran their campaign as naysayers spewing negativity didn’t win. Our collective sights are set on moving forward not resting on our laurels.”

“Look at her she’s a dynamo. She’s all about unity.” That’s retired peace officer and high school chum Gwen Fife. “She’s a doer. She’s all about engaging the people, attracting business, creating jobs and providing education opportunities for the people of Fontana.”

Warren recalls her family’s reaction in 1993 when she told them of her plans to leave Compton for a new life in Fontana. “They couldn’t believe it,” she says referring to the city’s past ties to the Ku Klux Klan.

“I saw an opportunity to build bridges literally and figuratively. I saw the potential for good among people from all walks of life.”

“I remember the Klan rallies in 1978. To have a Black woman from Compton come to a city with that history is courageous. It was a given, if you were Black you took up residence some where else. Clearly she’s up to the task of leading this city,” said 83- year-old Millie Habbekost, who is white.

Although affable and gentle in her approach Warren is neither a softy nor reticent as people who know her have come to realize.

Neighbors like Michael and Adrian Powell describe her as a deeply caring and strong willed woman who knows what she wants and how to get it.

“She’s the real deal. If she sees an opportunity to bring the community together whether it’s throwing a barbecue or spearheading a new library or golf course she goes after it,” said Mr. Powell.

“She is as comfortable listening to the concerns of the guy who cuts her grass as she is discussing an issue with the head of the Republican Party.”

Warren is the deputy director of public works for the city of Upland. She is a Police Academy graduate with a diverse background, including serving as Deputy Public Works Director and Vice President of businesses services for a major bank. Her public service dates back to Locke High School where she was elected student body President and served on the District Attorney’s Youth Advisory Committee.

Preliminary election results released Tuesday night by the San Bernardino Registrar of Voters Office showed Warren with 55.11 percent of the vote. Former Mayor Mark Nuaimi led the city government for nearly eight years, but stepped down this past summer. Six candidates including Warren were on the ballot running to replace him: Melissa Brown, Bobbi Jo Chavarria, Keith McCarter, Chuck Andrzejczyk and Vincent Daniel.

At press time other winners are:

Controller – John Chiang
Treasurer – Bill Lockyer
Senate District 32 – Gloria Negrete McLeod
State Assembly Member District 62 – Wilmer Amina Carter
State Assembly Member District 63 – Renea Wickman

Congressional Districts

District 41 – Jerry Lewis
District 43 – Joe Baca
District 44 – Ken Calvert
District 45 – Mary Bono Mack

Banning City Council – Deborah Franklin
2nd District Seat – Janice Rutherford