Distinguished Community Leader Award
2006: Jack Weiss

The Center for Community Partnerships is pleased to award this year's Distinguished Community Leader Award to Jack Weiss, in recognition of his lifelong dedication to public service in Los Angeles.

Jack Weiss was elected to the 5th District in 2001 and reelected in 2005. The district includes parts of the San Fernando Valley and West Los Angeles.

Much of Jack Weiss’ legislative program is dedicated to improving the City’s ability to prevent disasters and respond to emergencies, particularly through improved local homeland security. In 2002 he wrote “Preparing Los Angeles for Terrorism – A Ten-Point Plan,” a nationally recognized assessment of local threat preparedness.

A former federal prosecutor, Jack Weiss continuously works to ensure that police policies and practices reflect modern standards. As Chair of the Council’s Public Safety Committee, he strives to achieve meaningful reform in the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). He led the way to increase DNA testing by the LAPD to identify and prosecute rapists. The Los Angeles County Sexual Assault Coordinating Council honored him for this work in 2003.

Environmental issues are a significant legislative priority for Jack Weiss, focusing his efforts on cleaning up Santa Monica Bay and our urban waterways. He was appointed to serve as president of the Santa Monica Bay Watershed Council and as the first chair of the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission, in July 2003.

Prior to his election, Jack Weiss served as an Assistant United States Attorney in Los Angeles, where he was assigned to the Public Corruption and Government Fraud Section. He focused on criminal prosecutions involving sophisticated white collar crimes, corrupt public officials, civil rights violations, and violent crimes.

Jack Weiss is active in numerous civic and professional organizations, including the Southwest Regional Board of the Anti-Defamation League, the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation, the Pacific Council on International Policy, the Los Angeles Conservancy, the Westside Urban Forum, and Heal the Bay. He has served on many local bodies and bar committees.

Jack Weiss received his law degree from UCLA, where he was Editor-in-Chief of the UCLA Law Review. He received his undergraduate degree with honors from Princeton University. He is married and has two children.