Richard G. Polanco

Senator Richard G. Polanco (Ret.) served in the California Legislature from 1986 to 2002. First elected in 1986, Senator Polanco served in the State Assembly for eight years and won election to the State Senate in 1994. While in the Legislature he attained statewide recognition for successfully working in a bipartisan manner to better serve all Californians. He authored key legislation to help jump-start the State's electric car industry and spearheaded efforts to improve the business climate by encouraging businesses to locate and expand in California.

Throughout his tenure in the Legislature, the Senator was a tireless advocate for equal opportunity in public contracting for women, minority and veteran-owned businesses. As Chair of the Latino Caucus from 1990 to 2002, he led the efforts to increase the number of Democratic Latino legislators from seven to twenty two. His efforts contributed to the election of the first Latino Speaker of the Assembly. Currently, Richard Polanco serves as Chairman of the California Latino Legislative Caucus Institute for Public Policy.

Senator Polanco began his dedication to public service through his involvement in student government, the Junior Optimist Club and various other youth organizations. He founded the Eastside Association, which enabled more than 500 youth to compete in sports while emphasizing academics and learning skills. Senator Polanco also helped to establish the Arroyo Vista Family Health Center, which offers quality health care with fees based on a patients ability to pay, the Mujeres Recovery Home, a battered women's shelter and Para Los Ninos Day Care Center.

A native Californian, Senator Polanco grew up in East Los Angeles. He is a graduate of James A. Garfield High School, East Los Angeles College and furthered his studies at the University of Redlands and the Universidad de Mexico majoring in business administration. Senator Polanco has three children, Richard Jr., Gabriel and Liana. He and his wife Olivia make their home in the Mt. Washington area of Los Angeles. His leadership, dedication and commitment to public service are unrivaled and he will continue to work for government that works for the people of the great state of California.

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