Candidate for
Member of the City Council; City of Torrance

Paul M. Nowatka

Paul Nowatka, a 43 year resident of Torrance, and his wife, Helen have raised six children who attended Torrance schools. They have five grandchildren.

Retired from the Torrance Police Department in 1994, holding the rank of Police Lieutenant, Paul had a distinguished, varied, and honorable 33 year law enforcement career. Before retiring he was Adjutant to the Chief of Police. Prior to his service to the chief of police, Lieutenant Nowatka was Commanding Officer of the Technical Services Division and Research and Training Division. During his tenure as Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Nowatka made many significant contributions to the administrative and operational functions of the police department.

After leaving the police department in 1994, Paul took on a new law enforcement role by joining the staff of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, Museum of Tolerance. Here Paul participates in the training of thousands of police officers that come to the Center from throughout the state for a unique and positive experience regarding the importance of understanding the dynamics of "tolerance" within diverse communities. Paul is well suited for his position by virtue of the work he does on the Leadership Torrance-South Bay Steering Committee and Cultural Diversity Section Leader, his membership in the Torrance Human Relations Forum, and as chairman of the Torrance Community Services Commission. Paul was appointed to the Advisory Board of the Salvation Army on September 14th.

Paul also continues to maintain a strong tie to the Torrance Unified School District where he is presently a member of the TUSD Citizens' Oversight Committee for Facilities.

Paul completed both his undergraduate and graduate studies where he majored in public administration at the University of Southern California. Paul is an active alumnus of the University's Delinquency Control Institute and is currently President. The Delinquency Control Institute is a nationally recognized training center that deals with prevention issues regarding youthful offenders.

Paul Nowatka is a prolific participant in many aspects of Torrance civic leadership. Other areas where Paul is active and has contributed positively throughout his career are:

Past President and Director of the Torrance Coordinating Council.

Past Area Director and Governor with the Active 20-30 Club, where he won the international "Outstanding Governor" award.

Two term President, CFO, Director, and Secretary of the Curtiss-Wright Historical Society; Past member of the Torrance Economic Development Team.

Two term Chairman of the Board Torrance Federal Credit Union- currently Director and Legislative Advocate.

And member of the Rose Float Association, Sister City Association, Torrance Historical Society, Education Council of Torrance.