Assemblywoman Bonnie Lowenthal has named Lisa Tonson, a third-generation longshoreman and crane operator, as the Woman of the Year from the 54th Assembly District.
“Lisa Tonson is everything that’s good about our area,” said Lowenthal. “She thinks about others, she reaches out, she’s solid and steady and really an outstanding role model for anyone who wants to make their community a better place.”
Tonson will be honored on the Assembly Floor during a celebratory session in which her accomplishments will be recounted. She will be escorted to the front of the ornate chamber and receive a framed resolution detailing the honor.
Tonson, a Banning High School graduate, said she “felt compelled” to join the community outreach program ILWU Yes We Can to provide food and comforts to struggling families. “We first started out with a Feed the Community Day, and now it has expanded to where we’re handing out 1,500 Thanksgiving baskets.”
The group also runs a holiday toy drive and provides toys and gifts to more than 1,200 children.
“There is nothing in the world that can match the effort of people like Lisa,” said Lowenthal. “When someone like Lisa Tonson decides to do something, you can either help or get out of the way. And if you’re smart, you’ll choose to help.”
