The Moreno Valley City Council meeting on January 7, 2025, featured significant discussions on community engagement through the arts and the selection of a new Mayor Pro Tem.

During the public comment segment, a speaker highlighted the positive impact of art on community well-being, sharing insights from their work at the Getty Museum. They emphasized how colors, particularly pink, can influence behavior and promote calmness, referencing studies that showed reduced aggression in juvenile facilities when painted in soothing colors. The speaker argued for the importance of art in fostering critical thinking and life skills within the community.

In contrast, another speaker expressed frustration over the state of education in the Moreno Valley Unified School District, pointing out that a significant number of students are not performing at grade level. They called for a more constructive dialogue among community members and city officials to address local issues rather than engaging in character attacks.

The meeting also included the selection of a new Mayor Pro Tem, a position traditionally filled at the end of the previous year. The city clerk outlined the nomination process, which allows any council member to be nominated without a second, requiring three votes for appointment. Public comments suggested that Council Member Baca Santa Cruz, who has not yet served in this role, should be considered for the position.

As the council moved forward with the agenda, they unanimously approved the consent calendar, which included various routine items. The meeting concluded with a call for further discussion on general business items, including the reorganization of the council and the selection of the Mayor Pro Tem.

Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of community involvement in both the arts and local governance, highlighting the need for collaborative solutions to address pressing issues in Moreno Valley.