Cerritos City Clerk Vida Barone announces retirement after 30 years of dedicated service

The City of Cerritos announces the retirement of City Clerk Vida Barone, effective September 13, 2024, after a 30-year career in local government. Ms. Barone’s career has been defined by her unwavering commitment to excellence in internal and external customer service, mentorship, and her steadfast dedication to the diverse Cerritos community.

Since joining the City of Cerritos in 2010, Vida Barone has been an integral part of the City’s executive leadership team. Over the years, she has been a key figure in ensuring transparency, accuracy, and accessibility in all municipal processes. Her work has been instrumental in maintaining the high standards of governance for which Cerritos is known.

“Vida’s dedication to our City and its residents is unparalleled,” said Cerritos Mayor Naresh Solanki. “Her meticulous work ethic, deep knowledge of municipal governance, and unwavering commitment to transparency have set a benchmark for excellence in public service. She has played a crucial role in shaping the City we have today and her impact on our City will be felt for years to come.”

In 2023, Ms. Barone was recognized by the City Clerks Association of California with the “City Clerk Award of Distinction – Mentoring” for her dedication to the development of current and future leaders in the City Clerk profession. She maintained this dedication to mentorship in Cerritos where her leadership has been a constant source of stability and integrity in the City’s operations. 

"I have had the distinct privilege of working alongside Vida Barone, and I can truly say that her partnership has been invaluable,” said Cerritos City Manager Robert A. Lopez. “Vida’s commitment to our shared goals of enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of our City’s processes has left a lasting impact on how we serve the community. Her insights, shaped by her extensive experience in other cities, have been a tremendous learning opportunity for me and the entire team. Vida’s ability to adapt and innovate has been a cornerstone of our progress, and her legacy will continue to inspire our efforts moving forward."

Reflecting on her retirement, Ms. Barone said, “Serving the City of Cerritos has been the honor of a lifetime. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such dedicated professionals and to serve a community that I care about so deeply. While I look forward to retirement, I will always cherish the relationships and memories I have made here.”

In the coming weeks, the City of Cerritos will conduct a search for Ms. Barone’s successor, with the goal of ensuring a smooth transition and continued excellence in the City Clerk’s Office.