Candidate for
Member, City Council; City of Baldwin Park

Cruz Baca was raised during an era when women were expected to stay home, but curiosity led her to a different path. In 1967, amid the protests for equal education across the nation, Cruz graduated from Baldwin Park High School with honors.

Defying the odds of time and place, Cruz pursued a higher education, graduating from Rio Hondo Community College in 1969, with an Associate Degree in Psychology.

Cruz continued to pioneer as a Latina in higher education completing her BA in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach in 1972. In 1981, Cruz accomplished what very few Latinas of her time dared to dream, earning a Master of Arts Degree in Psychology from Temple University. She later completed a certificate in Entertainment Law at UCLA.

Her academic accomplishments were the foundation for something greater.

Again, despite nonexistent social networks for Latinas within the entertainment industry, Cruz made her way to the top of the music industry when, in 1978, she co-founded "Yaqui Spirit Music" where she collaborated and represented world renown musicians such as Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and the Jackson family, Tierra, Donna Summers, George Benson, El Chicano and many more.

In 2000 Cruz further enriched her skill set and broadened her understanding of world affairs when she joined Colegio lnternacional Norteamericano as Director of International Affairs, a San Luis Potosi, Mexico based bi-national, bicultural organization. In this position, Cruz was responsible for training and developing international business entrepreneurs interested in the music industry.

This experience continued to open doors for Cruz within the education industry. Soon, Cruz was in high demand as a consultant by education providers. Presently, Cruz consults with the music industry and for public and private education institutions.

Cruz was raised with strong working class values, and taught to work hard, respect people, and give back to her community. Cruz has deep roots in Baldwin Park where her grandfather was a major contributor to the creation of Morgan Park. The local Metrolink Station was named in honor of his contributions to Baldwin Park.

Cruz continues her family's tradition of service as a Member of the California Alliance to Protect Private Property Rights, fighting eminent domain in Baldwin Park.

Today, Cruz is a candidate for Baldwin Park City Council where her experience and leadership in the areas of budgeting, auditing and contract negotiations will serve the citizens of Baldwin Park.