Baca, Who Pleaded Guilty to DUI, Undergoes Therapy

Jeremy Baca, a candidate for the state Assembly and son of a San Bernardino congressman, said he is attending court-ordered alcohol treatment classes after pleading guilty in February to driving under the influence.

A California Highway Patrol officer arrested Baca, 33, just after 2 a.m. on Nov. 12, on Interstate 10 in San Bernardino. He said he was on his way home to Rialto but would not disclose where he had been.

Baca spent one night in jail, was fined more than $1,500 and placed on three years’ probation.

Baca said his arrest, which was reported in the Riverside Press-Enterprise on Wednesday, was a “learning experience.”

“It’s a mistake that I made, a mistake that I am not going to make again,” he said. “I am going to take that experience and [tell] others not to drink and drive.”

He said that he hoped voters would see that he is “moving forward” and said he was willing to answer voters’ questions about the incident.

“As politicians, we are accountable to uphold the law and create law, and I am upholding my civic responsibilities. I believe that politicians should not circumvent the law,” Baca said.

He is running to fill the seat being vacated by his brother, Joe Baca Jr. (D-Rialto), who is running for state Senate. Their father, Rep. Joe Baca (D-Rialto), is up for reelection this year for his seat in the House of Representatives.

Baca’s opponent in the Democratic primary race, Wilmer Amina Carter, declined to comment.

Paula Birdsong, state executive for Mothers Against Drunk Driving California, said Baca appeared to be “taking responsibility for his action and doing something about it.”

“We take all DUIs seriously, regardless of what their occupation may be or what their future endeavors are,” she said. “I am pleased to hear that he pleaded guilty and he is receiving appropriate treatment.

“In his favor, those things are positive.”