Carl Edward Washington, was born January 25, 1965 in Littlefield, Texas. A Democrat representing Compton, he was active in devising alternatives to gangs in Los Angeles, as well as educating others in public safety professions. Prior to his legislative service, he served on the staff of Los Angeles County Supervisor Yvonne Brathwaite Burke. He was elected to the Assembly in 1996, and chaired the Assembly Public Safety Committee. His legislative agenda focused on community public safety, crime prevention, employment and creating community youth after school programs to serve as alternatives to street gang membership. Carl Washington authored the School Safety and Violence Prevention Act of 1999.