Marty Block
Assemblymember Marty Block was elected in November 2008 to represent the 78th District, one of the most diverse districts in the county of San Diego including the cities and communities of San Diego, Chula Vista, Bonita, Lemon Grove, and Spring Valley. Shortly thereafter, he was appointed by Speaker Bass to the Assembly Leadership as the Assistant Majority Whip.
Assemblymember Block is a former dean and director and retired professor at San Diego State University (SDSU). 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 Assemblymember Block wide acclaim from all communities in his district. Prior to his election to the Assembly, his community service roles included:
- 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, Assemblymember 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 Assembly, Assemblymember 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. He is working towards these goals through his four committee assignments: Higher Education; Health; Jobs, Economic Development and the Economy; and Accountability and Administrative Review.
Assemblymember 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 Del Cerro community with his wife Cindy, a high school science teacher.