Hermosa's Mary Lou Weiss a Woman of Distinction

A Hermosan is among the women honored by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi and co-host Soroptimist International of Manhattan Beach in honor of Women’s History Month.

The accomplishments of Hermosa Beach resident Mary Lou Weiss were celebrated during a reception at the Hermosa Beach Clark Building Saturday. Weiss is among 11 other women from communities within the 66th Assembly District who were honored for their accomplishments. 

The 12 honorees are Paula Boothe, Dora de la Rosa, Jan Dennis, Leanne Huebner, Pat Kromka, Dinah Lary, Michaela "Mickey” Marraffino, Jane Parisi, Barbara Saltzman,  Mary Lou Weiss, Angi Ma Wong and Jan Tokumaru.

Each Women of Distinction award recipient was nominated for their extraordinary achievements. Finalists were chosen from among the nominees from each city within the 66th Assembly District. From this impressive list of nominees, 12 women were selected for their distinguished involvement and leadership in the community.

“I am very grateful and fortunate to have such amazing women in District 66 that serve as role models to everyone in our community,” Muratsuchi said. “Their tireless efforts with civic and community endeavors are invaluable and they serve as shining examples of selfless giving."

Profile: Mary Lou Weiss, Hermosa Beach [from the Beach Reporter]

Weiss has been married for 42 years to her husband Jim who is an orchid grower. They have two sons together, Steve, who works for Kern County Fire Department, and Brian, who is a police officer for Redondo Beach. She is also the proud grandmother of Nikki and Jake.

In addition to being a mother, wife and grandmother, Weiss has been a Farmers’ Market Manager for 24 years in Hermosa Beach and 22 years in the Torrance. She has served on and been chair of the California Certified Famers’ Market Advisory Committee, and worked on the Integrity Task Force for Farmers’ Markets.

In Torrance, she manages two Farmers’ Markets, 257 community gardens and the volunteer program for the recreation department.

She has spent more than a decade on the Hermosa Beach School Board and currently serves on the Civil Service Commission.

Weiss enjoys serving her communities and considers herself the luckiest farmers’ market manager in California because she works with fantastic volunteers.