PV Residents Named Women of Distinction

Four Palos Verdes residents were honored Saturday as Assembly District 66 Women of Distinction by Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi.

Dora de la Rosa of Rancho Palos Verdes, Angi Ma Wong of Palos Verdes Estates, Paula Boothe of Rolling Hills Estates, and Barbara Saltzman of Palos Verdes Estates were among the dozen women recognized.

"The Women of Distinction award recipients were each nominated by the community for their extraordinary achievements," according to a news release from the assemblyman's office. "From this impressive list of nominees, 12 women were selected for their distinguished involvement and leadership in the community."

De la Rosa, a former member of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Board of Education and former trustee of the Peninsula Education Foundation, successfully spearheaded the passage of the Measures K and P parcel taxes in 2000 and 2003, respectively. Additionally, she is involved with National Charity League, Palos Verdes Assembly, the Los Angeles County Commission for Women and the Rancho Palos Verdes Finance Advisory Committee.

"From fundraising to legislative advocacy, Dora's leadership and volunteer service has strengthened public schools in many ways," according to Muratsuchi's office. "In addition to school organizations, Dora also contributes much of her time to youth community service organizations and is held in high regard throughout the community."

A cancer survivor who was motivated to start her own business and write books in 1989 after her diagnosis, Wong is known as the "Feng Sui Lady." She is a charter member and past president of the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California and a past president of the Palos Verdes Sunset Rotary Club.

"Today (Wong) is known worldwide for her award-winning books, community volunteerism, passion for empowering others through knowledge, and as a cancer survivor advocate," according to Muratsuchi's office.

Saltzman oversaw the publication and distribution of the book, The Jester Has Lost His Jingle, which was written and illustrated by her son, David, before his death in 1990.

"When her son … developed a fatal case of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma disease, Barbara turned the worst possible tragedy into a remarkable non-profit organization, the Jester & Pharley Phund," according to the assemblyman's office. "She has stayed committed to ensuring her son's book, The Jester Has Lost His Jingle, continues to provide educational experiences that give children hope, laughter and a desire to care about others."

Boothe was a top sales manager at the Orange County Register before becoming a stay-at-home mom in 1991. She now serves as the co-president of the Palos Verdes Peninsula High School Athletic Booster Club, co-chair of the annual Black & Gold Affaire fundraiser for the high school's athletic program and documentation coordinator for the Palos Verdes Assembly.

"Paula's extensive volunteer work is fueled by her passion for helping children," according to Muratsuchi's office. "From the AYSO Soccer Organization to Boy Scouts to Bosster Clubs, you name it, more than likely Paula was involved in it."

De la Rosa, Wong, Saltzman, Boothe and other honorees were recognized Saturday by Muratsuchi and Soroptimist International of Manhattan Beach at a luncheon at the Clark Building in Hermosa Beach.

Other winners include Michaela "Mickey" Marraffino of Redondo Beach; Leanne Huebner and Jan Dennis of Manhattan Beach; Pat Kromka of Lomita; Jane Parisi of Harbor City; Mary Lou Weiss of Hermosa Beach; and Jan Tokumaru and Dinah Lary of Torrance.

"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 in a statement. "Their tireless efforts with civic and community endeavors are invaluable and they serve as shining examples of selfless giving."