Tom Torlakson
| Tom Torlakson | |
|---|---|
 |
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| 27th State Superintendent of Public Instruction of California | |
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Assumed office January 3, 2011 |
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| Governor |
Arnold Schwarzenegger Jerry Brown |
| Preceded by | Jack O'Connell |
| Member of the California State Senate from the 7th district |
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In office December 2000 – November 2008 |
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| Preceded by | Richard Rainey |
| Succeeded by | Mark DeSaulnier |
| Member of the California State Assembly from the 11th district |
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In office December 2008 – November 2010 |
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| Preceded by | Mark DeSaulnier |
| Succeeded by | Susan Bonilla |
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In office December 1996 – November 2000 |
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| Preceded by | George Miller IV |
| Succeeded by | Joe Canciamilla |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Thomas A. Torlakson July 19, 1949 San Francisco, California, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Mae Cendana |
| Alma mater | University of California, Berkeley |
| Profession |
Politician Teacher |
Thomas A. "Tom" Torlakson (born July 19, 1949) is an American politician from California. In 2010, he was elected to the position of California State Superintendent of Public Instruction. He is a member of the Democratic Party.
He previously served his three terms in the California State Assembly, representing the 11th district, which consists of northern portions of Contra Costa County. He also served two terms in the California State Senate, representing the 7th district.
Torlakson was born in San Francisco on July 19, 1949. His grandfather worked in San Francisco as a U.S. Coast Guard seaman. Torlakson's father worked as a welder, building Liberty cargo ships for World War II. Torlakson's mother worked as a school secretary and in the postal service.
Torlakson served in the U.S. Merchant Marine during the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1970. His assignments included Guam, Vietnam, Thailand and later on Chevron oil tankers to Alaska which was his first job where he was a union member. In 1968, he received the Merchant Marines Vietnam Service Medal. After his maritime service, Torlakson attended the University of California, Berkeley. He earned a B.A. in History in 1971, and an M.A. in Education in 1977. Torlakson is married to Mae Cendana, a member of the Ambrose Recreation and Park District board of directors. He has two daughters, Tiffany and Tamara.
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