[citation needed] In 1998, he authored legislation that provided $115 million for after-school and summer school programs.

[citation needed] Polanco authored legislation that created the California state holiday honoring the legendary labor and civil rights leader, Cesar Chavez.

[citation needed] In 2001 he was seen as the presumptive front-runner to succeed termed-out Los Angeles City Councilman Mike Hernandez, but he abruptly dropped out of the race for reasons that many found rather unconvincing.

[citation needed] Prior to elected office, he served on the staff of Los Angeles County Supervisor Edmund D. Edelman, Assemblyman Richard Alatorre and former Governor Jerry Brown.

[citation needed] A native of East Los Angeles, California, he graduated from James A. Garfield High School where he served as senior class president.