View the 2008 Smith Weiss Annual Award Photo Gallery

Every year the Los Angeles League of Conservation Voters (LALCV) celebrates the accomplishments and contributions of civic leaders and a community based organization for our spring fundraiser. In past years, LALCV, has honored great individuals and organizations such as Mary Nichols, LA City Council President Eric Garcetti, former Speaker of the State of Assembly Fabian Nunez, Liberty Hill Foundation, Culver City Councilmember Gary Silbiger, and Tree People to name a few. On Sunday, May 18, 2008, the LALCV brought together an enthusiastic group of supporters to recognize the accomplishments of State Assembly Speaker Karen Bass, the Honorable Denny Zane, and community advocates SOL, Strengthening Our Lives Together. The event was held at the Hancock Park home of Marjorie and John Neilson.

This year’s theme was “The Future of Transit is Green” where close to 200 supporters came to honor the important work and advocacy efforts of our honorees. Elected to the California State Assembly in 2005, Speaker Karen Bass has exhibited her strong dedication to social justice and issues of the environment through her leadership in the State Assembly. It was her demonstrated commitment to uplift communities and combat legislative issues impacting the most needy populations that gained her the support of her colleagues to elect her to serve as Speaker of the State Assembly.

Also recognized was former Santa Monica Mayor Denny Zane who has been a staunch advocate for transit issues not just within his community but also throughout Los Angeles County. His role in the successful Measure R campaign, a half-cent sales tax ballot measure to secure the necessary funding for major transportation improvements in LA County speaks to his commitment to reducing congestion and combating climate change within Los Angeles.

This year, we selected SOL, a community advocacy organization dedicated to engaging and educating communities on issues that impact them. Their efforts during the Maywood election 2007, demonstrated that both labor and environmental groups could come together to educate voters and support candidates that would protect our environment and community.

All of our honorees were present to receive their awards. Mitchell Schwartz, LALCV’s president, welcomed the honorees, congratulating them for their tireless work on behalf on the environment in Los Angeles County and their continued commitment to fighting to make our cities cleaner and healthier and for holding our civic leaders accountable to the environmental needs of our communities. This year’s event raised $56,000 and included high donor sponsors who contributed to the LALCV mission. High donors included Better World Group, Clean Energy, and SEIU UHW. 
 Proceeds included a silent auction of artwork, jewelry, cooking classes, fitness boot camp, restaurant meals and a number of other items that drew a record number of bidders.

The Los Angeles League of Conservation Voters holds its annual award event each spring as a way to bring supporters together and recognize individuals and organizations that uphold the LALCV mission. LALCV endorses, supports, and helps elect candidates for local public office who promote the conservation of natural resources and a healthy environment throughout Los Angeles County. In its 33-year history, LALCV has helped to elect more than 100 environmental leaders to local offices in Los Angeles County.