Floor SpeechNeutral2026-02-03

HONORING THE LIFE OF DAN WALKER

ImmigrationTaxesEnvironmentVeterans

Context

On 2026-02-03, Representative Ted Lieu (D-CA-36) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE OF DAN WALKER" in the House. The speech addressed immigration and also covered taxes, the environment.

Full Text

HONORING THE LIFE OF DAN WALKER

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 24 (Tuesday, February 3, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 3, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E95-E96] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE OF DAN WALKER _____ HON. TED LIEU of california in the house of representatives Tuesday, February 3, 2026 Mr. LIEU. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of former Torrance Mayor Dan Walker, a devoted public servant and veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. His decades of public service have left a profound and lasting impact on the City of Torrance and the greater South Bay community. He passed away on December 6, 2025, at the age of 85. Born in 1940, in the City of Long Beach, Dan grew up in area attending school and eventually attending and graduating from Long Beach City College and California State University, Long Beach. He served for a time as lifeguard to help pay for his college education. After college, Dan joined the United States Coast Guard Reserve and later worked for an advertising company in San Francisco. While working for this advertising company, Dan had several clients including the City of Torrance, which he visited on several occasions and grew fond of. Dan moved to Torrance in 1970, becoming involved with the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce shortly thereafter. Because of his dedication to the community of Torrance, he was appointed as a planning commissioner for the city in 1975. A couple of years later, Dan was elected to serve as a Torrance City Councilmember serving on council for a record twenty-six years. This service would culminate in his election as Torrance's Mayor in 2002. During his tenure, Torrance remained one of the safest cities in Los Angeles County while maintaining fiscal stability and a strong business environment. His leadership helped revitalize key areas of the city, including the Del Amo Fashion Center and the Torrance Towne Center. Mayor Walker was a strong advocate for accessible public spaces. He played a vital role in the development of Discovery Park in Torrance, and he established the West Coast's first universally accessible treehouse in Charles H. Wilson Park. In addition, Walker also supported the creation of the George Nakano Theatre and the Torrance Art Museum. Alongside these regional roles, he chaired the Ad Hoc Economic Development Partnership and spent 15 years as a dedicated member of the Friends of Child Advocates Board of Directors. Dan's influence extended well beyond the borders of Torrance. In 1987, he was appointed by then Governor George Deukmejian to the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board and represented Torrance with regional agencies, including the Southern California Association of Governments and the South Bay Cities Council of Governments. Dan Walker's service will continue to have a lasting impact on the City of Torrance and the South Bay region. His commitment to public service, thoughtful leadership, and focus on long-term community improvement helped shape Torrance's growth over his years of service. Mayor Walker earned the trust and respect of his residents through his dedication and steady leadership. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann, his stepson, Gary Lorge, daughter in law, Kathy Lorge, and stepdaughter, Kathy Hicks. May his memory live on through the many lives he touched in his work and service to our community. [[Page E96]] ____________________

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HONORING THE LIFE OF DAN WALKER Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 24 (Tuesday, February 3, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 3, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E95-E96] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE OF DAN WALKER _____ HON. TED LIEU of california in the house of representatives Tuesday, February 3, 2026 Mr. LIEU. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of former Torrance Mayor Dan Walker, a devoted public servant and veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. His decades of public service have left a profound and lasting impact on the City of Torrance and the greater South Bay community. He passed away on December 6, 2025, at the age of 85. Born in 1940, in the City of Long Beach, Dan grew up in area attending school and eventually attending and graduating from Long Beach City College and California State University, Long Beach. He served for a time as lifeguard to help pay for his college education. After college, Dan joined the United States Coast Guard Reserve and later worked for an advertising company in San Francisco. While working for this advertising company, Dan had several clients including the City of Torrance, which he visited on several occasions and grew fond of. Dan moved to Torrance in 1970, becoming involved with the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce shortly thereafter. Because of his dedication to the community of Torrance, he was appointed as a planning commissioner for the city in 1975. A couple of years later, Dan was elected to serve as a Torrance City Councilmember serving on council for a record twenty-six years. This service would culminate in his election as Torrance's Mayor in 2002. During his tenure, Torrance remained one of the safest cities in Los Angeles County while maintaining fiscal stability and a strong business environment. His leadership helped revitalize key areas of the city, including the Del Amo Fashion Center and the Torrance Towne Center. Mayor Walker was a strong advocate for accessible public spaces. He played a vital role in the development of Discovery Park in Torrance, and he established the West Coast's first universally accessible treehouse in Charles H. Wilson Park. In addition, Walker also supported the creation of the George Nakano Theatre and the Torrance Art Museum. Alongside these regional roles, he chaired the Ad Hoc Economic Development Partnership and spent 15 years as a dedicated member of the Friends of Child Advocates Board of Directors. Dan's influence extended well beyond the borders of Torrance. In 1987, he was appointed by then Governor George Deukmejian to the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board and represented Torrance with regional agencies, including the Southern California Association of Governments and the South Bay Cities Council of Governments. Dan Walker's service will continue to have a lasting impact on the City of Torrance and the South Bay region. His commitment to public service, thoughtful leadership, and focus on long-term community improvement helped shape Torrance's growth over his years of service. Mayor Walker earned the trust and respect of his residents through his dedication and steady leadership. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann, his stepson, Gary Lorge, daughter in law, Kathy Lorge, and stepdaughter, Kathy Hicks. May his memory live on through the many lives he touched in his work and service to our community. [[Page E96]] ____________________