Santa Fe Springs City Manager Raymond R. Cruz retired on December 30th after a 35-year career in local government.
Cruz was the city’s first Latino manager since its incorporation in 1957. He was brought on in 2018 after managing the City of Rolling Hills. Previously, Cruz held positions in Riverside, Glendale and Carson.
A Santa Fe Springs press release states:
“Mr. Cruz’s accomplishments during his tenure in Santa Fe Springs have included by solving the City’s $5 million deficit by passing the sales tax Measure Y by over 75%; providing excellent and creative services and programs to its residents during the pandemic; the City being in its best financial position in the last 15 years; updating the General Plan; breaking ground on a homeless shelter for families; implementing a fire apparatus replacement plan; making major investments in increasing the workforce to make the organization more effective; investing in improving the City’s infrastructure; a three year employee MOU; improving the City’s CALPERS and OPEB obligations; developing new and less expensive drinking water resources; and developing an ongoing revenue source for infrastructure.”
Mayor Juanita Martin expressed gratitude for Cruz’s leadership, particularly during the pandemic.
“I had a good 35 year run in municipal government and I am not sure what my next step will be,” said Cruz. “I have no immediate plans, but I will definitely spend more time with my family. Although I hear there are many opportunities to be a consultant, that is something I may pursue at a later date.”