The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE LIFE OF JUSTICE CRUZ REYNOSO
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HON. JIM COSTA
of california
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, June 30, 2021
Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Justice Cruz Reynoso. Cruz passed away on May 7, 2021. Cruz was a Veteran of the United States Army, a law professor, role model, a father, grandfather, husband.
Cruz was born on May 2, 1931 in Brea, California and was raised in a barrio outside of La Habra, California. With his experiences, public and community service grew to become such an important part of his life. Cruz had the urge to serve while attending grade school after he recognized the segregation he and his peers were facing. He attended and graduated from then Pomona College in 1953, served two years in the Army's Counterintelligence Corps, then attended the University of California, Berkeley School of Law where he was the only Latino in his 1958 graduating class.
Cruz was known as a trailblazer to those who crossed his path. He began his career in service as a staff secretary for the office of Governor Edmund G. ``Pat'' Brown and associate general counsel of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Cruz became the first Latino director of the California Rural Legal Assistance organization, and the first Latino to be a law professor at the University of New Mexico. What brought him back to California was his historic 1976 appointment to the Court of Appeals, 3rd Appellate District, as the first Latino to fill the seat. Again, he was the first Hispanic Associate Judge on the California Supreme Court.
He was a leader, a wise, and a caring individual who was ready to help. Cruz continued his service to others as he practiced in law firms. He was a mentor and a law professor at the University of California Los Angeles School of Law. Cruz was given the inaugural Boochever and Bird Endowed Chair for the Study and Teaching of Freedom and Equality at the University of California Davis School of Law. While doing so, he also began his eleven years of service on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, where he served as the vice chairman.
When he was taking a break from lending a hand, he was getting recognized for his inspiring and tireless commitment to service. Cruz received eight Honorary Doctorates. President Clinton awarded Cruz the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2000 and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation Award. Additionally, there continues to be an investment to help students with their law school endeavors through fellowship and scholarship opportunities in Cruz's name. His legacy continues to be felt in Sacramento through the Cruz Reynoso Bar Association. Cruz was a proud son of a farm working family. He spent his entire life in service advocating for workers and immigrants throughout his career. He was a friend to many in his life and evolved his passion to giving back to others.
He is survived by four brothers and four sisters; four children and their spouses; two stepchildren and their spouses; seventeen grandchildren, three step grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Justice Cruz Reynoso. His service and contributions to the Nation and State of California will be missed. I join his family and friends in celebrating Cruz's life.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 114
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