California awards $3.6 million for support of impoverished Holocaust survivors in state
The California Department of Social Services awarded $3.6 million in grants to six Jewish Family Service agencies across California to provide support for elderly Holocaust Survivors struggling to live out their days in dignity. Last year, the California Legislative Jewish Caucus, led by then-Chair Assemblymember Marc Levine and then-Vice Chair Senator Ben Allen, was instrumental in securing the funding requested by the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California (JPAC) in the 2018-2019 State Budget.
The six agencies receiving grants are Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles, Jewish Family and Children’s Services of San Francisco, Jewish Family Service of San Diego, Jewish Family and Community Services of the East Bay, Jewish Federation and Family Services of Orange County, and Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley. The grants will be used to prevent the very circumstances that Holocaust survivors should never have to face again – eviction, hunger, inadequate medical care, loneliness, social isolation, and despair.
“Holocaust Survivors in California are increasingly frail and vulnerable, and they have unmet needs related to home-care, nutrition, transportation, and housing,” said Assemblymember Levine. “Existing aging and community-based services are inadequate, and additional state resources are needed to ensure Holocaust survivors can live out their final years with dignity.”
“Survivors struggle with the ever-present legacy of the Holocaust and all that they lost,” said Senator Allen, now the Chair of the Jewish Caucus. “The least we can do is ensure their basic needs are met so they can live their lives in comfort. I am grateful for this and ongoing efforts by JPAC and Jewish Family Service agencies in support of our survivors.” — From California Legislative Jewish Caucus
Caleb Posner elected to USY’s International Executive Board
Caleb Posner, a member of Congregation Beth El of La Jolla, has been elected to the International Executive Board of United Synagogue Youth (USY). He will serve as vice president for membership and Kadima (for teens aged 13-18) through the end of 2019.
Posner, elected at USY’s 68th International Convention in Orlando, Florida, in December, will serve on the board with president Noa Kligfeld of Los Angeles; Israel Affairs VP Samantha Brody of Buffalo, Grove, Illinois; Religion/ Education VP Shoshana Scheinberg of Hoboken, New Jersey; Social Action/ Tikkun Olam FP Zachary Greenwald of Minnetonka, Minnesota; and Communications VP Zach Wolfman, of Dix Hills, New York. — From United Synagogue Youth
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SDJW Editor Harrison to lecture on Louis Rose Feb. 12
The Point Loma Assembly and La Playa Trail Association will celebrate the sesquicentnnial of Louis Rose’s founding of Roseville in 1869 with a dinner and lecture beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 12, a date which coincidentally is the 131st anniversary of Rose’s death.
Speaker for the occasion is Donald H. Harrison, co-publisher and editor of San Diego Jewish World, who also is the author of the biography: Louis Rose: San Diego’s First Jewish Settler and Entrepreneur.
Besides Roseville, which today is a section of the Point Loma community, Rose also is the namesake for Rose Canyon (and the Rose Canyon Fault), Rose Creek, and the Robinson-Rose Building in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
The dinner at the Point Loma Assembly, 3035 Talbot Street, is open to the public with a donation of $10 per person suggested. To reserve a spot, one may call Klonie Kunzel at (619) 222-1950. — From Playa Trail Association
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AJ Congress executive director makes Forbes’ 30 under 30 list
Dan Shori, executive committee of the American Jewish Congress, has made the Israeli edition of Forbes magazine’s list of thirty people under the age of 30 who are making an important difference.
In the Hebrew language piece, Shori is quoted as saying: “I always like to think about an idea and make it happen. It’s not a measurable business and my profits are not rising. But I feel like I’m doing something good for the State of Israel and the Jewish community, and I am proud of being part of it.” — From American Jewish Congress
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Rep. Susan Davis to chair Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Investment
Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego), a senior member of the House Committee on Education and Labor, was named as the Chair of the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Investment. As Chair, Davis will focus on college affordability, expanding apprenticeship programs, and school safety, and emphasize career and technical training – especially for women.
“It’s truly an honor to be leading the subcommittee,” said Davis. “This is an exciting opportunity to craft higher education policy to help young Americans realize their dreams and put forward robust workforce policy to help workers succeed. A post-secondary education is a near necessity in order to succeed in the workforce. I will work to ensure that college is an attainable goal for all students, regardless of their economic situation. We also need to look at expanding apprenticeship programs that allow workers to earn while they learn the skills for a promising career. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the subcommittee and on the full committee.”
Davis got her start in public service because of education. In 1983 she ran for a seat on the San Diego Board of Education. She served on the Board for nine years, including as vice-president and president.
The San Diego region is home to a robust education and research presence with top-notch universities and colleges – such as San Diego State University, Southwestern College, Grossmont and the San Diego Community College District, University California, San Diego, and the University of San Diego. There are dozens of quality elementary and secondary schools.
Davis will also serve on the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education. Ranked by seniority, Davis is the number two Democrat on the House Committee on Education and Labor. — From Rep. Susan Davis
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Preceding items culled from news releases and reports. Please send yours to editor@sdjewishworld.com