Biography

Senator Marty Block was elected in November 2012 to represent the 39th Senate District, which includes most of the City of San Diego north of SR-94, Coronado, Del Mar, and Solana Beach.

As a former dean and director and retired professor at San Diego State University (SDSU), Senator Block brings his consummate knowledge of education to the Legislature. Prior to his 26 years of experience at SDSU, he was a Director of Student Legal Services and a history teacher in Illinois. His extensive background as a respected community volunteer, educational advocate and experienced professional has earned Senator Block wide acclaim from all communities in his district. Prior to his election to the Senate, his community service roles included:

  • Assemblymember to represent the 78th Assembly District
  • President of the San Diego Community College District Board of Trustees,
  • President of the San Diego County Board of Education,
  • Frequent service as a San Diego Superior Court Judge pro Tem,
  • Commissioner on the San Diego County Commission on Children, Youth and Families,
  • Member of the San Diego County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Task Force,
  • Statewide President of the California County Boards of Education,
  • Statewide Co-Chair of California Community Colleges Underfunded District Caucus,
  • Founding Chair and Director, National Higher Education Law and Policy Institute,
  • Government Relations Chair of the San Diego Multiple Sclerosis Society,
  • President of the American Jewish Committee, San Diego Chapter,
  • Founding Chair of the San Diego Latino/Jewish Coalition, and
  • Host of more than 50 public affairs television programs on San Diego's Learning Channel.

A five-time recipient of Outstanding Faculty Awards at SDSU, Senator Block was presented with a University Distinguished Service Award upon retirement. He was also honored for community service by the California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation.

In the California State Senate, Senator Block works tirelessly to represent his district and provides strong leadership for policy changes which benefit all Californians and improve our most critical services. His passion on education issues, both at the K-12 levels and collegiate levels shows a strong regard for those who have little or no voice in the political process. He utilizes this same results-oriented approach to state government that served him so well in his prior roles.

In addition to improving education, his other legislative priorities include protecting public safety, providing jobs and economic development, seeking fiscal accountability and ensuring that everyone in the district has access to affordable, quality healthcare. While he was serving in the Assembly, he worked towards these goals through his committee assignments: Accountability and Administrative Review; Governmental Organization; Jobs, Economic Development & The Economy; and Veteran's Affairs.

Senator Block earned his B.A. in Political Science and Education from Indiana University, and his J.D. from DePaul University. He has lived in the 78th District for 30 years, and currently resides in the College Area community.