Task Force Biographies:
Legislative Members
Senator Tom Torlakson (Task Force Chair) is a champion of health and fitness and believes in the power of exercise to transform lives. Besides authoring the resolution that created the California Task Force on Youth and Workplace Wellness, Senator Torlakson initiated California Fitness Month to promote physical fitness and healthier living. He is also the author of SB559, a physical education bill that will tighten requirements to ensure that high school students receive appropriate amounts of physical education. SB559 will also provide for much needed professional development of physical education teachers.
 Senator Martha Escutia: As a freshman Senator, Escutia was honored to receive the Chairmanship of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, and in 2000, she was the first Latina woman appointed as Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Senator Escutia authored SB19, helping to improve the nutrition and eating habits of California's school children.
 Senator Deborah Ortiz (Alternate) is the new Chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. Senator Ortiz championed legislation that dramatically increased state-funded scholarships for college. Her Cal Grant expansion bill was signed by the governor in September 2000.
Assemblyman Lloyd Levine was elected to represent the San Fernando Valley in the State Assembly in November 2002. As an avid marathon runner, fitness education and nutrition have been focal points for his work in the Assembly. During his first term, he served as Chair of the Select Committee on High School and Collegiate Athletics and started the Lloyd Levine Kid’s Fitness Challenge in the San Fernando Valley. For the challenge, students run, walk or bike on a 5k course. The school that has the highest participation wins cash prizes that can be used for the school’s physical education program.
 Assemblymember Lori Saldaña was elected to the State Assembly in November 2004 and appointed to Leadership as the Assistant Majority Whip. She began her career as an educator, coaching high school field hockey and women’s college basketball. Believing in the importance of a skilled and educated workforce, Ms. Saldaña has devoted much of her 20-year career to workforce development, as well as educational, vocational and public service opportunities for at-risk youth. As a lover of the outdoors, Ms. Saldaña’s interests include sailing, hiking, golfing, kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling.
 Lieutenant Governor Cruz
M. Bustamante: As California’s 45th Lieutenant Governor, Cruz Bustamante has made great strides towards promoting
healthier lifestyles. He has
supported legislation to improve the health of our state’s residents, including
the successful efforts to implement nutritional standards in California schools
and establish the Environmental Health Coalition. He currently is supporting
Senate Concurrent Resolution 90 (Torlakson), AB 1888 (Dymally) and SB 362
(Torlakson), all of which address California’s growing obesity epidemic. The Lieutenant Governor has made a
commitment to win his personal battle with obesity by increasing his activity
level and making more healthful nutritional choices. He hopes his proactive
approach inspires many other Californians to take a similar course of action.
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