Los Angeles--In a ceremony at the State Capitol, community volunteer, Mollie “Lee” Welinsky was honored as the 47th Assembly District Woman of the Year by Assemblymember Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) on Monday, March 20, 2006 in celebration of Women’s History Month.

Each year, the California State Assembly honors women who have demonstrated leadership and extraordinary community service within their districts. Welinsky has been involved in the 47th Assembly District community for more than 40 years.

She began her service in 1956 as a member of the Culver City Planning Commission. For the next four decades, Welinsky has served as a volunteer to improve the community. She was a member of the Culver City Landlord/Tenant mediation Board and the Culver City Planning Commission. She also worked for the Santa Monica Rent Control Board for more than 10 years.

“I am proud to honor Ms. Welinsky whose tireless efforts serve as a model for community leadership and service,” said Assembly Member Karen Bass. “She illustrates the responsibility that each of us should commit to in order to make a difference in our community.”

Welinsky has also held prominent city, county and State Democratic Party positions including president of the Culver City Democratic Club, elected member of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party and elected member of the Democratic State Party. She has been a driving force of the Democrats for Israel, an organization officially chartered by the California Democratic Party. As a longtime member and leader, she has spearheaded the organization to a prominent voice in the community.

Karen Bass was sworn into office in January 2005 as the first newly elected African American woman to the state legislature in more than 10 years. Bass was named by Speaker of the Assembly, Fabian Nũńez, to the executive leadership position of Majority Whip. A civic leader for more than 15 years and founder of the South Los Angeles-based Community Coalition, Bass was also appointed to the influential Appropriations, Business and Professions, Higher Education and Human Services committees. Assemblymember Bass is also a member of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus and the Black Caucus.

As a of the 47th District, Karen Bass serves the cities and communities of Culver City, West Los Angeles, Westwood, Cheviot Hills, Leimert Park, Baldwin Hills, Windsor Hills Ladera Heights, the Crenshaw District, Little Ethiopia and portions of Korea town and South Los Angeles.