Paul K. Tanaka was re-elected for a second, four-year term as Mayor of Gardena in March 2009. Prior to his election to the position of Mayor, in March 2005, he had already served the City of Gardena for six years as a City Councilmember.

Now, in his second term as Mayor, he continues to be a most effective leader of the City Council, showing keen insight into understanding the needs of the residents and businesses of the entire community, as well as those of City Staff. His goal to lead and guide the City through its mostly-challenging time, financially, has been achieved, but there is more to accomplish and Mayor Tanaka remains fully supportive of business promotion, expansion, and retention for all commercial areas of the City, and continues to share with the citizens his strong belief that Gardena has a bright, healthy, and promising future, which can only be accomplished with their willing and dedicated support.

Having chosen a career in law enforcement, Mayor Tanaka has, for over 26 years, fought steadfastly against crime as a Police Officer, Deputy Sheriff, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Commander, and Chief (Administrative Services Division) with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and, most recently, accepted the position as Assistant Sheriff, in December 2004.

Tanaka also holds an accounting degree from Loyola Marymount University, is a Certified Public Accountant, and has 22 years of experience working with a Gardena accounting firm.

Along with his responsibilities to the citizens and his colleagues on the Council as Mayor, Tanaka also serves on the City’s Finance Committee, and on the Boards of the South Bay Regional Public Communications Authority, the County of Los Angeles Sanitation District No. 5, and the South Bay Cities Council of Governments, as well as on the Inglewood Fire Training Facility Authority Commission and the Selection Committee for LAFCO and the Coastal and Transportation Commission.

Gardena has been Tanaka’s home for over 41 years. His family is here; his friends and fellow citizens are here. He is working diligently to make this community a safe, happy, and beautiful place in which to live, work, and play.