The City of Cathedral City is proud to honor Antonio Baciu as our 2025 Senior Inspiration Award recipient at the 33rd Annual Senior Inspiration Awards on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. The City recognizes his invaluable contributions and the profound impact he has had on the lives of countless individuals. Through his selfless actions, Baciu serves as a shining example of the power of volunteerism and the positive influence that one person can have on their community.
Every year, the County of Riverside and the Coachella Valley’s nine cities honor senior citizens 60 years of age and above who inspire others through their volunteerism and active engagement in the community. This annual event honors these unsung heroes for their ongoing contribution and dedication to our communities.
Antonio Baciu’s write-up in the Senior Inspiration Awards program:
Antonio Baciu
Born in Casa Grande, Arizona on November 24, 1963, Antonio Baciu’s journey has been marked by a dedication to public service and community enrichment. Though he spent his formative years in Albany, Oregon, Antonio found his true home in Cathedral City 17 years ago when he chose to retire in the desert’s embrace.
Antonio’s educational journey began at Bassist College in Arizona, where he earned an associate degree in retail management and merchandising in 1985. Driven by his passion for fashion, he continued his studies at the University of Oregon through 1987, expanding his educational horizons with a diverse selection of courses.
In his professional life, Antonio found his calling in the hospitality industry, where his natural inclination to help others could flourish. His most notable achievement has been introducing numerous opportunities to Cathedral City and its residents, demonstrating the true meaning of public service and enriching community life.
Today, Antonio serves as a commissioner, where he designs and implements various community events. His volunteer work extends beyond his official duties to include service with the County and Animal Campus, always ensuring events cater to the city’s diverse population. His commitment to community service is matched by his personal interests, which include involvement with the Boys and Girls Club, enjoying music and the Coachella festival, and maintaining an active lifestyle through hiking and yoga.
A world traveler at heart, Antonio particularly enjoys Miami, Florida, where he finds joy in the beach atmosphere and Latin music scene. At home, he shares his life with his husband John of 25 years, who has been his greatest inspiration and support system, along with their four beloved dogs: Charlie, Brodie, Lily, and Jaxson.
As a self-described “driven” individual, Antonio’s wish is to mentor other residents and teach them how to bring their ideas forward to enhance the city. His advice to the younger generation reflects his own life philosophy: “Use your time wisely as time is short and you should work towards leaving a lasting impact on your community.”
This commitment to community impact is further demonstrated by his support of “Dinner with Patsi,” his chosen non-profit organization to receive a $1,000 donation, underlining his dedication to health and community welfare initiatives.
Antonio Baciu continues to reside in Cathedral City, where he remains an active and inspiring member of the community, consistently working to create positive change and encourage others to do the same.
