Candidate for
State Senator; District 32-2010

Norma Torres is a member of the California State Assembly representing the 52nd District. Prior to serving in the Assembly, Norma was Mayor of Pomona, City Council Member, and a bilingual 9-1-1 dispatcher and instructor for the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).

Working to protect the public's safety and making the community a better place to live has been Norma's lifelong work. In 1994, Norma led the effort to require the hiring of bilingual 9-1-1 operators at 9-1-1 centers. Despite overwhelming odds, Norma organized a grassroots coalition that resulted in bilingual operators on every shift.

Fighting to keep Pomona safe for families, Norma passed the state's first city ordinance regulating where convicted sex offenders were allowed to live. The ordinance prevented sex offenders from living near Pomona's schools and businesses or together in large group homes. Ending the cycle of gang violence is a top priority for Norma. As Mayor, she imposed gang injunctions limiting gang member activities. She is also working with the community to break the code of silence in crime-ridden neighborhoods.

In 2008, Norma was elected to represent the 61st State Assembly District, which includes the cities of Chino, Montclair, Ontario, and Pomona. She serves as Chair of the Assembly Committee on Housing and Community Development, and has been on the front lines of the fight to help homeowners stay in their homes.

Norma has held special hearings across the state to explore the federal "Keep Your Home California" programs, ultimately locating and securing $2 billion in federal funding to help California's struggling homeowners keep their homes.

Over the years, she has volunteered for many community organizations including: the Suicide Prevention Center, Big Sisters Program, AYSO, Boy Scouts, local neighborhood watch and many other school-related activities. She received her B.A. in Labor Studies from the National Labor College in Silver Springs, Maryland.

Norma is a longtime resident of Pomona, where she resides with her husband Louis and their sons Robert and Matthew. A proud supporter of the US military, her son Christopher is currently serving on active duty in the United States Air Force.