Tom Torlakson
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, which consists of most of Contra Costa County.
Background
Torlakson is a second generation San Francisco Bay Area resident and was born in San Francisco on July 19, 1949. His hometown is Daly City. 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. He is of Icelandic heritage.
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.
