For more than 20 years, Aida Torres has been at the heart of Duarte, pouring her energy, passion, and kindness into making our community a safer and more hopeful place. As a Crime Prevention Specialist, Aida has dedicated her career to empowering young people, strengthening families, and building neighborhoods where residents feel connected and supported.
Originally from Peru, Aida made Duarte her home over a decade ago, bringing with her both professional expertise and the perspective of her own immigration journey. She has continued to grow both personally and professionally, earning a Bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly Pomona, a Master of Science from Cal State Long Beach, and most recently, a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University. Her academic achievements reflect her deep commitment to lifelong learning and her belief in serving the evolving needs of the community.
During her time with the City, Aida strengthened Duarte’s youth crime prevention programs, led the Duarte Area Resource Team (DART), and created the innovative A-Team initiative. These programs now reach more than 200 youth annually, providing mentorship, leadership training, college readiness support, and lessons on living drug-free and bully-free lifestyles. Through her leadership, Duarte has secured over $3 million in grant funding to sustain these initiatives, which have helped reduce juvenile arrests in Duarte by 90% over the past decade.
Her extraordinary work has been recognized locally, regionally, and even internationally. Aida has received honors from California State Senator Susan Rubio, the Santa Anita YMCA, the Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills, Foothill Unity Center, the Duarte Chamber of Commerce, the Duarte Kiwanis Club, and the California Teachers Association. She was also honored by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) for program excellence and advocacy. Yet, perhaps her greatest recognition comes from the confidence instilled in the young people she has mentored and the resilience of the families she has supported.
“Aida has touched countless families in Duarte through her dedication to youth-focused initiatives,” said Larry Breceda, Director of Public Safety. “Her programs not only give young people the tools to succeed, but they also play a vital role in curbing crime by breaking negative cycles before they begin. Duarte is safer and stronger because of her leadership.”
We celebrate Aida Torres not only as a professional leader but also as a neighbor and role model whose compassion and dedication continue to shape Duarte for the better. Thanks to her vision, prevention, opportunity, and care came together here to break cycles of violence and open doors of hope. Duarte is fortunate to call Aida one of its own.
Aida’s last day with the City will be Friday, October 31. The Duarte City Council formally recognized her for her years of service at the regular City Council meeting on Tuesday, October 14.
