Charles parks earned his AA from Long Beach City College in 1964. He went on to his bachelor’s degree from California State University Long Beach, and his master’s degree from Yale University/Occidental College. Parks was also a graduate of leadership programs that include POST Command College, Leadership Long Beach, and was a National Urban Fellow. Parks was with the Long Beach Police Department for 33 years and retired as a Commander. After retirement, he served as president of the Long Beach Water Commission during two terms of service. His numerous awards and recognitions include Exchange Club Citizen of the Year, Mayor’s Proclamation for Outstanding Service, and City Manager’s Incentive and Outstanding Achievement Awards. He worked with many organizations currently and in the past, including the Long Beach Memorial Hospital, St. Mary Hospital of Long Beach, International Police Management Association, Food Finders of Long Beach, Board of Directors of the Rancho Los Cerritos Foundation, Cambodia Town Advisory Committee, and Historical Society of Long Beach.