Mr. Santa Cruz is a retired school teacher from the Alhambra and Phoenix Elementary School District. He has over 30 years of teaching experience.

His work with the community also includes, Director of Youth Programs for the State Department of Education, City of Phoenix Administrative Assistant for the department of employment and training programs for the youth, Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc. program director of summer youth employment and youth programs, Maricopa County Constable for West McDowell Justice Court and last but not least, Rudy is a Youth at Risk Volunteer and Big Brother. 

Rudy has been a life long resident of the Isaac School District. He is a J.B. Sutton alumni and Carl Hayden High School graduate. He went on to attend Phoenix College, Grand Canyon University and Arizona State University.